Dog Trainer vs Behaviorist: Who Will Unlock My Dog’s True Potential?

It may not be surprising that 97% of pet owners consider their furry buddies family members. But suppose you can’t solve a nagging issue like aggression, leash pulling, or digging with your fur kid. In that case, you may start wondering about the differences between a dog trainer vs behaviorist. 

While we all love our furry friends, if you can’t solve an undesirable dog behavior like digging, barking, growling, or food possession, you may wonder if you’re the issue. No, you aren’t necessarily the issue. You simply need to understand your buddy to provide the proper help. 

Today, we’ll dig in and discover what the differences are between an animal behaviorist and a dog trainer. More importantly, we’ll learn who you should call for your fur kid’s issues. 

Budget tip:

While hiring someone can cost more than a dog owner may expect, it can reveal a happy pup, which is priceless! In other words, when you reduce property destruction and other issues you can enjoy your buddy more. That’s a major win-win for you and your pup.

Note: An adult dog, senior dog, or puppy may develop training or behavioral issues. But they can all be addressed.

What Is a Dog Trainer?

Simply put, a good dog trainer can teach your pup to accomplish tasks or tricks. 

Positive reinforcement dog trainers should be equipped to handle issues such as: 

• Puppy training
• Obedience training
• Loose leash walking
• Recall commands
• Service dog training
• Trick training
• Agility training 
• Other dog sports

However, dog trainers can come in a variety of flavors, so to speak. A good trainer has years of knowledge and experience to lean on when dealing with your dog. Meanwhile, other trainers may have obtained their education online and have very little experience. 

Additionally, their methods of training can vary. Always select positive reinforcement dog trainers and ask about their credentials, experience, and client success with similar issues. 

When to call a positive reinforcement dog trainer?

While there are ways to train your pup on your own time and schedule, there could be times when you may need to call a professional dog trainer. 

These times could include:

• Your dog isn’t getting commands, and issues persist, such as potting indoors, pulling on the leash when walking, or constant barking
• Issues impacting your daily life
• Unresolved problems are hindering your bonding
• Problems are costing more money, such as property destruction
• You have money, but you don’t have the time to train your pup
• You have a deadline for training your dog (moving, vacation, friends visiting, etc).
• You’re simply not comfortable training your dog

Most dog trainers with certification from either IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) or CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) may also be able to address aggression issues, including food and toy possession. However, these trained professionals will also know their limits and when you need to seek a behaviorist or your vet for more assistance. 

Moreover, a certified professional dog trainer does not necessarily focus on the root cause of a canine behavior. They are merely training your dog not to do the undesired behavior based on positive reinforcement. 

How long will a dog trainer take to help my dog?

In general, most dog trainers can teach your dog a new skill within a few days for private sessions or up to 8 weeks with group classes. Although, you can also send your dog to a training camp, which can take 5-14 days. However, it will be up to you to continue with consistent training to make sure your dog doesn’t lapse into old habits. 

How much will a dog trainer cost?

Depending on which type of training you select and where you live, the price will vary. In general, you can expect a dog trainer to charge the following ballpark figures.

Private classes:  $45 – 400 per hour

Group classes:  $120 – 600 for a 6-8 week course

Training camp: $500 – 3,700 for 5-14 days of boarding and training

Note: You may also want to check with your vet if your dog isn’t learning new commands. There could be a health issue such as hearing loss, vision impairment, or even a pain issue. Your vet will be able to address these issues. 

What Is a Pet Behaviorist?

An animal behaviorist addresses each dog’s issues, including compulsive behaviors, with more of a psychological approach. They can use canine psychology to get to the root cause of a behavioral issue and then apply ways to modify the undesired behavior issues. 

Additionally, a dog behaviorist can identify your behaviors that may be triggering your dog. They will help to modify your actions to achieve the desired behavior. 

Thus, if your dog has an aggression or anxiety issue, they can find out why and more easily help you with behavior modification.  

Also, a pet behaviorist generally has a higher level of education than a dog trainer. A behaviorist may have a degree focusing on animal behavior, ethology, or a similar. 

However, don’t assume that all behaviorists are treated equally. Many will call themselves a pet behaviorist with no real training or background. Thus, always ask for their credentials and client testimonials. Personally, I would review at least 3-5 testimonials to get a good overview of their abilities. 

When should I call a pet behaviorist?

There are times when you will want to seek expert help with behavior modification. They include:

• A difficult behavior problem to solve, such as aggression or separation anxiety
• You want your dog to receive a personal approach
• Resolving any future behavioral problem before it arises
• Improving your pup’s overall well-being by addressing the underlying issues

How long will a behavior consultant take to help my dog?

A canine behaviorist will generally take longer to resolve the issue. But remember, a behaviorist is getting to the root cause and not just having your dog perform commands. Thus, the end result may take longer, but the problem should be solved and not just covered up. 

Therefore, animal behavior consultants will generally work with you and your dog over months to alleviate the root issue. 

How much will a pet behaviorist cost?

You should be quoted a price at the beginning of your first session or when you call to make an appointment. The cost can vary depending on your location, your behaviorist’s skills and background, as well as your dog’s issues. At the end of the first session, you should be given a plan for your pup. But the ballpark range is nationally is:

$100 – $500 per session

Is there a professional hybrid of behaviorist and trainer?

Some trainers may also be behaviorists. Additionally, some behaviorists may hold training credentials. Also, you may be able to find a veterinary behaviorist who can address physical and emotional issues as they resolve your pup’s issues. However, they are a rarer breed. You can check here to see if one is near you. 

Note: You may have to increase the radius of the search to 500 miles. When I did a search, I found 8 within 180 miles of my location. 

Again, you will want to ask for the professional’s credentials, verify them, and also check out client testimonials before hiring anyone to handle your beloved furry buddy. 

Do I need a dog trainer or a pet behaviorist for my pup?

In a nutshell, or dog cookie, if you want to train your pup to walk on a loose leash or other types of issues, call a dog trainer. But if you want to modify a behavior such as anxiety, fear, or aggression, call a behaviorist. 

Although it can still be overwhelming for pet parents to decide on the right approach. Therefore, if you’re still confused, discuss the issues you are experiencing with your vet. He/she will be able to direct you to the best option for your pup. Additionally, when you call the dog trainer or behaviorist, tell them what you need to address with your pup. If they are a decent dog professional, they should give you a straight answer and let you know who’s best suited to help. 

However, again, always verify what’s said through credentials and testimonials. 

If I select the wrong trainer or behaviorist, can I switch?

Yes, of course. You may lose whatever money you’ve already paid. But getting your pup to the right person is worth it. 

For example, when I adopted my dog, Henry. I took him to his first group class 45 miles away. His foster mom was teaching the class, and I thought it would be an easier transition for him. However, I didn’t realize that the woman hated smaller dogs, which Henry qualifies as at just about 12 pounds. I should’ve walked out the first night. 

But we stayed. He ended up acing the class, which didn’t set well with the former foster mom. However, the best part was when she wanted to sign us up for the next class, I said, “No! We’ll be going where Henry is more appreciated.” Then we marched out of that place, I gave Henry extra cookies, and we never looked back. 

Honestly, a good dog trainer or dog behaviorist may even offer a money-back guarantee within a certain time frame. You can ask if this is an option before you sign a contract or hire anyone. If not, always trust your gut. Personally, Henry and I bonded more for being the outcasts in that class. So, in the end, it worked out fine for us. 

Note: I truly believe most foster pet parents are wonderful. Henry, unfortunately, just found the very rare bad apple.

How can a dog trainer or behaviorist save me money?

You may not think much about your ROI on hiring a dog professional. But there is certainly a big one for you and your buddy. Consider the following for a moment. 

Related articles:

• Behaviorists for Dogs: Miracle Workers for Mischievous Mutts
• Why Teaching Dog Boundaries Saves Money?
• Basic Dog Training Reduces Expenses: Easy!
• Does My Rescue Dog Need A Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer?
• Does Your Dog Meet The Therapy Dog Requirements?
• Surprising Ways To Calm A Dog With Severe Anxiety
• The Keys To An Aggressive Dog
• 10 Steps to Find the Best Vet

Dog Trainer vs. Behaviorist is More Than a Roll of the Squeaky Toy

While it may be a bit daunting to decide if your furry family member needs a trainer or behaviorist, it’s easy when you break it down. The way I remember is that a dog trainer will typically teach commands. While a behaviorist takes a holistic approach, finds the root issues, and resolves them. 

Of course, a dog trainer can be quicker and cheaper, but the real issue may not be solved. I’ve taken Henry to many dog training classes, which has helped him stay engaged and not exhibit bad behaviors. But if I was overwhelmed or confused, I’d simply ask my vet for his insights on whatever issue Henry was experiencing. Then, I’d pursue his advice wholeheartedly. That’s another benefit of having a great vet.