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Have you heard of dog behaviorists? There are dozens of professions that allow you to work with dogs on a daily basis. You can become a veterinarian or a veterinary assistant, for instance. All dogs need medical care. Veterinarians and veterinary assistants are professionals who provide medical care to animals, including dogs. Another profession that allows you to work with dogs, however, is a dog behaviorist. To learn more about dog behaviorists and what they do, keep reading.

What Is a Dog Behaviorist?

A dog behaviorist is a professional who solves behavioral issues with dogs. As companion animals, dogs need to exhibit good behavior. The same can be said for service dogs. Dogs that experience behavior issues can make their owners’ lives difficult. And research shows that as many as four in five dogs experience behavior issues.

There are behaviorists for other types of animals. A dog behaviorist simply specializes in fixing behavioral issues with dogs. Owners can take their furry companions to a dog behaviorist. The dog behaviorist will then work with the dog to overcome their underlying behavioral issue.

Dog Behaviorist vs Dog Trainer

Many people assume that dog behaviorists and dog trainers are the same. After all, they are both professionals who, by definition, train dogs. With that said, dog behaviorists are different than dog trainers.

Dog trainers typically focus on commands. They can teach dogs how to come back to their owners, for example, with a recall command. Dog trainers can also teach dogs how to sit and play fetch. Dog behaviorists, on the other hand, specialize in behavioral issues rather than basic commands. Behavioral issues can include separation anxiety, territorial aggression, fear of car rides, compulsive chewing and more.

Owners will often take their dogs to a dog trainer to teach them basic commands. Recall is an essential command to which all dogs should respond. If a dog is running away, the owner can use this command to bring them back. For behavioral issues, though, the services of a dog behaviorist are required. Dog trainers focus on commands, whereas dog behaviorists focus on behavioral issues. They are two different types of professionals who offer different training-based services for dogs.

What Dog Behaviorists Do

The primary duty of dog behaviorists is to solve behavioral issues with dogs. Some of them work out of a commercial building, whereas others work in pet stores. Many pet stores have partnerships with dog behaviorists. They allow dog behaviorists to hold classes where owners can bring their dogs to tackle behavioral issues. There are also dog behaviorists who work remotely. When an owner needs their service, the dog behaviorist may drive to the owner’s home to help resolve behavioral issues with his or her dog.

Advantages of Working as a Dog Behaviorist

You’ll make a positive difference in the lives of dogs, as well as the lives of their owners, by working as a dog behaviorist. Behavioral issues can cause severe stress. If a dog experiences separation anxiety, for instance, they may become stressed when their owner leaves. Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues experienced by dogs. As a dog behaviorist, you can train dogs to overcome separation anxiety so that they are more relaxed and benefit from a higher quality of life.

Dog behaviorists typically earn a high salary. They usually get paid more than dog trainers. Dog trainers only teach commands, but dog behaviorists go deeper into their training efforts by focusing on behavioral issues. By working as a dog behaviorist, you’ll make a positive difference in the lives of dogs while earning a high salary in the process. Of course, these are just a few advantages of working as a dog behaviorist.

How to Become a Dog Behaviorist

Becoming a dog behaviorist isn’t easy. While it’s not regulated, you can’t just open a business as a dog behaviorist and expect to attract customers. Rather, you must show owners that you have the skills and experience needed to solve behavioral issues with dogs. Only then will then book your services and give you the opportunity to solve their dogs’ behavioral issues.

There are organizations that offer certification for dog behaviorists, such as the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). You can enroll in the IAABC’s program to become certified. Certification isn’t a requirement, but it can prove useful in your path to becoming a dog behaviorist. When certified, owners will recognize you as a trained and educated dog behaviorist, which may compel them to choose your services over a competitor’s services.

You may want to work as a dog trainer before becoming a dog behaviorist. As previously mentioned, dog trainers only teach commands; they don’t solve behavioral issues. By working a dog trainer, you’ll gain training-related experience that can help you become a better and more successful dog behaviorist.