A Certified Dog Behaviourist Can Unlock Your Dog’s Potential

What Is a Certified Dog Behaviourist?

When your dog starts showing signs of fear, aggression, reactivity, or anxiety, it’s natural to want help. But here’s the critical question: who are you trusting to guide your dog through it?

The term “dog behaviourist” isn’t legally protected in many places, which means anyone can call themselves one, regardless of their qualifications (or lack thereof). And that’s dangerous.

Brushing your teeth every day doesn’t make you a dentist. You certainly wouldn’t trust someone who claims to be a dentist but has never studied, qualified, or passed any tests.

Well, the same applies to unqualified behaviourists. Just because someone “has always had dogs” or “trained a few” doesn’t mean they understand the complex science of behaviour, and it doesn’t mean they should be trusted with your dog’s mental health.

Understanding the Levels of Behaviour Qualifications

There are several recognised tiers of professional involvement in animal behaviour. Here’s what they mean — and why it matters:

1️⃣ Dog Trainer

A skilled dog trainer helps teach dogs basic obedience, life skills, and manners. While some are very knowledgeable, not all trainers are behaviourists — especially when it comes to aggression, fear, or trauma-related behaviours.

2️⃣ Behaviour Consultant

These professionals have undertaken formal education in animal behaviour (e.g. through IMDT, COAPE, or similar) and are qualified to work with moderate to complex behaviour issues. They:

• Understand learning theory and body language

• Use force-free, evidence-based methods

• Are assessed through case studies, practical work, and exams

• Are affiliated with professional bodies like IMDTB, APDT, CAPBT

3️⃣ Clinical Animal Behaviourist / Behaviourist

This is a high-level practitioner, often holding a degree (or higher) in animal behaviour or psychology. They are usually registered with organisations like the Association for Animal Behaviour (ABTC) or ICAN. These professionals work on:

• Complex behaviour disorders

• Multi-factorial cases (often involving vet referrals)

• In-depth behavioural modification plans

4️⃣ Veterinary Behaviourists

A behaviour vet is a fully qualified veterinarian who has gone on to specialise in animal behaviour through advanced certification (e.g. a residency or diploma). They can:

• Diagnose and treat medical and behavioural disorders

• Prescribe behavioural medication

• Work in tandem with qualified consultants or trainers

⚠️ Only a vet — or a veterinary behaviourist — can legally diagnose a medical or behavioural disorder and prescribe medication.

🐾 Why Choosing a Certified Dog Behaviourist Matters

Here’s what you get when you work with a certified dog behaviourist or behaviour consultant:

✅ Proven knowledge — they’ve passed assessments in canine learning theory, emotional regulation, and behavioural science
✅ Ethical practice — they follow a strict code of conduct that puts the dog’s welfare first
✅ Tailored solutions — they create individual behaviour plans rooted in evidence, not outdated myths
✅ Safe handling — they know how to read dog body language to reduce stress and prevent escalation
✅ Accountability — they’re answerable to professional bodies if something goes wrong

Unqualified “behaviourists”  can create lasting behavioural issues that are even harder to resolve.

The IMDT Behaviour Courses – A Recommended Path to Professionalism

If you’re looking for someone with proper training — or you’re considering studying behaviour yourself — one excellent route is the IMDT Behaviour Course.

Offered by the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, it’s a comprehensive and science-backed programme that covers:

• Learning theory & canine cognition

• Stress signals & emotional welfare

• Safe, effective behaviour modification

• Practical assessments & case study reviews

Graduates of IMDT are held to high standards and are continually required to grow their knowledge base. Working with an IMDT-qualified behaviourist means you’re putting your dog’s welfare in good hands.

What to Ask Before You Hire a Behaviourist

Don’t be afraid to ask for credentials. A good behaviourist will respect you for it. Ask:

• 📜 “What qualifications or certifications do you have?”

• 🧠 “Are you accredited through a recognised body (IMDTB, ABTC, CAPBT, ICAN, APBC)?”

• 🐾 “What methods do you use — and are they evidence-based?”

• 🤝 “Do you work in collaboration with a vet if needed?”

And here’s an important distinction:

Attending a workshop or seminar — even several — is NOT a substitute for a formal qualification.

Workshops are excellent for continuing education, but they do not represent a professional behaviour qualification. Be wary of anyone who claims to be a behaviourist based only on “attending lots of courses.” True professionals are qualified, assessed, and accountable.

Why This Matters – And What It Means for the Future

Every time you choose a certified behaviourist, you’re doing two important things:

1. 🐕 Protecting your dog from harm and stress

2. 🎓 Respecting the professionals who have spent years studying animal behaviour to do right by dogs

The dog training and behaviour industry is evolving — but it needs support. That support starts with YOU making informed, educated choices.

In Summary

• Not all behaviourists are qualified, but they should be.

• Certification matters. It protects dogs, ensures ethical practices, and supports lasting, science-based results.

• Know the levels of behaviour of professionals and what each one is trained to do

• Choose behaviourists with accredited training, like the IMDT Behaviour Course

• Help raise the bar — because our dogs deserve nothing less.

🦴 Need support?
Reach out to a certified dog behaviour consultant who uses only kind, effective, and science-based methods — and let’s give your dog the best chance at a happy, balanced life.

contact: [email protected]