What is a pet behavior consultant?
What you should look for in a pet behavior consultant
What is the difference between a pet behavior consultant, dog trainer, and a Veterinary Behaviorist?
What should I go to a pet behavior consultant for? And what should I go to a Veterinary Behaviorist for?
What is behavior modification and how does it relate to the work of pet behavior consultants?
How do pet behavior consultants evaluate the success of a behavior modification plan?
How behavior consultants help their clients and their pets
Behaviors your pet behavior consultant can help you with
Do pet behavior consultants collaborate with veterinarians?
What are the signs that a pet's behavior problem may require a veterinarian's intervention?
What does force-free, fear-free, or R+ mean when it comes to pet behavior consultants?
How do I know it's time to seek help from a behavior consultant?
What can I expect when I start my training journey with a behavior consultant?
How can pet parents maintain progress and continue training after initial behavior modification sessions with a client?
How effective are remote consulting services?
I'm ready to work with a pet behavior consultant. How can I find one?
What is a pet behavior consultant?
The pet behavior and training fields are unregulated. Unfortunately, that means that anyone can use the terms “dog trainer,” “behavior consultant,” and “behaviorist” as they please without any qualifications or education to back it up. Sure, parts of the industry will reserve certain terms for people with certain qualifications, but that’s not a hard and fast rule and certainly is not consistent enough to trust title alone.
We call ourselves “pet behavior consultants” because we feel it best describes what we do. We consult on animal behavior. The certifications we’ve received are primarily called “Certified Dog Behavior Consultant.”
We’re the ones that team up with you to help you understand your dog more so you can live more harmonious lives together.
We’re the ones that help you work through dog behavior problems so you can live the kind of life you desire for you and your pet.
Here’s how we can help you correct course, find custom solutions, and get relief.
What you should look for in a pet behavior consultant
Because the pet behavior fields are largely unregulated, looking for a pet behavior consultant with relevant certifications, field experience, and a focus on continuing education is important to ensure you’re working with the right professional.
Look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), or Karen Pryor Academy. These certifications indicate that the consultant has passed a rigorous exam and adheres to ethical and professional standards.
In regards to professional experience, check how long the consultant has been practicing and if they have experience with the specific behavioral issues your pet is facing. Some consultants specialize in specific species or problems (e.g., aggression, anxiety, separation issues).
Good behavior consultants should be committed to continuing education and ongoing learning so they can stay up to date with the latest research and methods in then industry.
Other things you’ll want to take into account are social proof (like testimonials and reviews) and word-of-mouth referrals.
Most importantly, you’ll want to consider their training philosophy. Positive reinforcement, force-free, fear-free, LIMA, science-based: whatever you call it, find a behavior consultant who believes that learning should be fun and empowering, and has empathy for all learners, human and pet alike. That means that they do not rely on pain, fear, force, or intimidation to get results.
What is the difference between a pet behavior consultant, dog trainer, and a Veterinary Behaviorist?
In summary:
- Pet behavior consultants help with emotional and behavioral problems in a range of species.
- Dog trainers focus on obedience and training specific behaviors in dogs.
- Veterinary Behaviorists are experts in both medical and behavioral health, addressing serious behavioral issues that may require medical intervention.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown!
Pet behavior consultants
- Focus: A pet behavior consultant works with a variety of animals (not just dogs) and helps address behavioral issues such as anxiety, aggression, or fear in pets. They often deal with behavior problems that are not necessarily related to obedience but to emotional or psychological challenges.
- Training: Consultants typically have experience in animal behavior, often with formal education or certification. Some may be certified through organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) or the American Association of Professional Pet Trainers (APDT).
- Role: They focus on identifying the root causes of behavior problems (e.g., stress, lack of mental stimulation, fear) and help pet parents develop strategies for modifying those behaviors using positive reinforcement techniques. They typically work with the humans in the household on a plan to improve the pet’s overall behavior, helping with things like separation anxiety, territorial aggression, or inappropriate social interactions.
- Limitations: They are not trained to diagnose or treat medical conditions but can work alongside a veterinarian if a medical issue is suspected.
Dog trainers
- Focus: A dog trainer typically specializes in teaching dogs specific skills, cues (aka commands), and obedience. Their goal is to train dogs in areas like sit, stay, come, leash walking, more complex tasks, or tricks.
- Training: Dog trainers often take courses in animal behavior, with many having certifications from recognized bodies like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). While some trainers may have specialized knowledge in behavior modification, their main focus is usually on teaching obedience and managing behavioral issues related to training.
- Role: Trainers work on more structured, goal-oriented training sessions, whether that’s basic manners, advanced tricks, or behavior management (like leash pulling or jumping up). They often use reinforcement-based methods (like treats, toys) to encourage desired behaviors.
- Limitations: Trainers typically do not work with complex behavioral problems (e.g., severe anxiety, aggression) and may refer clients to a behavior consultant or animal behaviorist if the issue is beyond basic training.
Veterinary Behaviorists
- Focus: A Veterinary Behaviorist is a professional who is trained in both animal behavior and veterinary medicine. They address complex behavioral problems that may have a medical or psychological component.
- Training: Veterinary Behaviorists are licensed veterinarians who have undergone additional specialized training in behavior and can be board-certified by organizations like the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). They are qualified to diagnose and treat both behavioral and medical conditions.
- Role: These behaviorists can assess both the physical and psychological causes of a pet’s behavior, including conditions like compulsive disorders, phobias, or aggression linked to medical issues. They are able to prescribe medications, suggest behavioral therapies, and work in conjunction with other professionals (trainers or consultants). Their approach may involve a combination of medical treatment (like anxiety medication) and behavior modification.
- Limitations: Veterinary Behaviorists are often consulted for more severe behavioral issues that require a multi-faceted approach involving both health and behavioral changes.
What is behavior modification and how does it relate to the work of pet behavior consultants?
Behavior modification is at the core of what a pet behavior consultant does. Behavior consultants assess behavioral problems, create customized plans, and implement strategies to help the pet learn new behaviors and overcome undesirable ones. Consultants focus on teaching pets new coping mechanisms, managing fear or anxiety, and improving the pet’s quality of life by addressing the root causes of behavior. The process requires patience, consistency, and collaboration between the consultant and the pet owner to ensure long-term success.
Behavior modification usually involves:
- Identifying the problem behavior.
- Understanding the root cause of the behavior.
- Developing a training plan.
- Using positive reinforcement when implementing the training plan.
- Remaining consistent, patient, and open while working with your preferred professional.
This is how behavior consultants fit into the grand scheme of behavior modification:
- They will assess your pet’s behavior problems by observing your pet and gathering info from their family.
- Once the problems are identified, your consultant will write up a personalized behavior modification plan.
- They will use a combination of techniques during your sessions to train your pet and support you throughout your journey.
Ready to begin your behavior modification journey? Here’s where you can start.
How do pet behavior consultants evaluate the success of a behavior modification plan?
Consultants track progress through feedback from the pet parent, who provides regular observations and keeps logs of behavioral changes. These logs help identify patterns and track the frequency, intensity, and context of problem behaviors, while also gauging the owner’s confidence in managing their pet’s behavior.
Consultants also conduct follow-up observations to assess the pet’s behavior in different settings. By comparing the pet’s behavior before and after the intervention, they can evaluate whether problem behaviors–such as aggression or fear–have diminished. Behavioral metrics, such as the frequency and intensity of the unwanted behavior, are also used to measure progress.
A crucial element of success is whether the pet meets specific, measurable goals set at the start of the plan, such as a reduction in destructive behaviors or improved coping skills. Success is also assessed based on whether the pet generalizes the new behaviors to various environments and situations. For example, a dog that remains calm when left alone in different places demonstrates effective behavioral changes.
Sustained progress is key to long-term success. Consultants ensure that positive changes are maintained by checking in with the family regularly and helping to implement maintenance strategies. These may include periodic check-ins or introducing new challenges to continue reinforcing desirable behaviors.
Ultimately, a successful behavior modification plan leads to reduced undesirable behaviors, a more relaxed emotional state for the pet, and a more confident owner. If progress is lacking or behaviors persist, the consultant may suggest further adjustments, seek veterinary consultation, or address underlying issues such as fear or pain that could be hindering progress.
How behavior consultants help their clients and their pets
Pet behavior consultants help clients and their pets by identifying behavioral problems, creating custom training plans to address these issues, and providing training and support to both pets and owners. They use a variety of techniques, such as positive reinforcement and desensitization, to modify behavior and help pets feel more secure and confident. In return, their pet owners tend to feel more secure and confident as well!
Consultants also educate owners on how to manage behaviors effectively, make environmental adjustments, and offer ongoing support to ensure long-term success. Ultimately, their work aims to improve the pet’s well-being, improve the human-animal relationship, and create a more peaceful, enjoyable life for both pet and owner.
Behaviors your pet behavior consultant can help you with
These are pet behavior problems Pet Harmony specializes in. You can learn more about our services here!
NUISANCE & ANNOYING BEHAVIORS
- Stealing things from counters
- Jumping on and mouthing people
- Chewing furniture
- Having accidents in the house
- Barking out the window
- Pulling on walks
- Bouncing off the walls (literally or figuratively)
- Not listening
- Digging
- And more
SAD, SCARY, OR DANGEROUS BEHAVIORS
- Barking at certain things or everything
- Growling
- Lunging
- Biting or nipping
- Destroying your home
- Chasing the cat
- Unpredictable behavior
- Territorial or protective behavior
- Cowering, scared, frantic, or skittish behavior
- Fear aggression
- Anxiety and separation anxiety
- Resource guarding (items, food, space, people, etc.)
- Going nuts on leash
- Aggression towards other animals, including prey drive
- Issues at the vet, groomer, or day care
- Compulsive behavior
- Noise phobias
- And more
Do pet behavior consultants collaborate with veterinarians?
Pet behavior consultants often collaborate with veterinarians to provide comprehensive care for pets with severe behavioral issues.
When there’s a potential medical or physiological cause for the behavior, the consultant may refer the pet to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Once medical conditions are addressed, the consultant and veterinarian can work together to create an integrated treatment plan, combining medical interventions (like medications or supplements) with behavior modification strategies. This collaboration ensures that the pet’s behavioral and emotional needs are met from both a medical and behavioral perspective, leading to better outcomes for the pet and its family.
Instances where the two would collaborate include:
- Referrals for medical evaluation
- Collaborating on treatment plans, especially when medication is called for
- Addressing behavioral and emotional issues that may have physiological triggers
- Post-surgery or post-injury behavior concerns
- Training for specific medical issues, like diabetic dogs or senior pets
- Behavior medications and monitoring
- Comprehensive care for complex cases
What are the signs that a pet's behavior problem may require a veterinarian's intervention?
If a pet is showing especially sudden or severe changes in behavior—it’s important to consider that medical issues might be at play. Pain, illness, neurological problems, and hormonal imbalances can significantly affect a pet’s behavior and well-being. A veterinarian can conduct necessary tests, diagnose underlying health conditions, and prescribe treatment, which may help resolve or alleviate the behavioral issue. In many cases, a coordinated approach between a veterinarian and a pet behavior consultant can provide the best outcome for the pet’s health and behavior.
Here’s what you should be looking out for:
- Sudden irritability or aggression
- Excessive fear or anxiety
- Excessive licking, chewing, or self mutilation
- Suddenly having accidents in the house
- Changes in eating or drinking habits
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Sleep disturbances
- Lethargy or decrease in energy/activity
To learn more, here are 5 Signs Your Pet Needs Professional Help.
What does force-free, fear-free, or R+ mean when it comes to pet behavior consultants?
Pet behavior consultants use three main training approaches: force-free, fear-free, and R+ (positive reinforcement). These methods emphasize humane, effective, and scientifically-backed techniques that prioritize the well-being of pets while addressing behavior issues.
Force-Free Training
Force-free training eliminates the use of physical force, punishment, or intimidation. This means no choke chains, shock collars, or harsh corrections. Instead, trainers focus on positive, non-confrontational methods, such as redirection and rewards. The goal is to create a safe, trusting environment where pets feel comfortable learning without fear. For example, when a dog pulls on the leash, a force-free trainer would redirect the dog or reward calm behavior, rather than using corrections or physical force.
Fear-Free Training
Fear-free training is designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and fear in pets, particularly those with a history of trauma or heightened sensitivity. This approach uses desensitization (gradual exposure to triggers) and counter-conditioning (associating feared stimuli with positive experiences, like treats or play). Fear-free training helps pets feel more confident and safe in stressful situations, such as at the vet. For example, a dog afraid of the vet may have short, positive visits where they’re rewarded but not subjected to procedures, creating a positive association with the clinic.
R+ (Positive Reinforcement)
R+ or positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding desired behaviors. Pets are reinforced with treats, praise, or toys when they perform a behavior correctly. This helps pets understand that good behavior leads to positive outcomes. For example, a dog might be rewarded with a treat immediately after sitting on cue, reinforcing the behavior and increasing the likelihood of repetition. R+ strengthens the bond between pet and owner and encourages learning through rewards rather than fear of punishment.
How These Methods Work Together
Consultants who use force-free, fear-free, and R+ techniques create a positive, supportive environment for pets to learn in. These approaches are grounded in animal learning science, showing that pets learn best when they feel safe, motivated by rewards, and free from fear or pain.
By focusing on emotional well-being and humane methods, these approaches help create lasting, positive behavior changes in pets.
How do I know it's time to seek help from a behavior consultant?
Recognizing when it’s time to seek professional help for your pet’s behavior problems is an important step in ensuring both your pet’s well-being and the harmony of your household. Here are key signs that indicate you might benefit from consulting a professional pet behavior consultant, trainer, or even a veterinary behaviorist:
1. Persistent or escalating behavior issues
If your pet’s behavior problems are not improving or seem to be getting worse despite your efforts to manage them, it’s time to seek help. Issues like excessive barking, aggression, destructive chewing, or housetraining accidents that persist beyond the typical puppy phase or that continue to escalate might require professional intervention.
2. Dangerous or aggressive behavior
If your pet is displaying aggressive behavior toward people, other animals, or you (such as growling, biting, or lunging), this is a serious concern. Aggression can result from fear, pain, or frustration, and it can put your pet or others at risk. A professional can help identify the root cause and create a safe, effective behavior modification plan.
3. Severe separation anxiety
Separation anxiety, where your pet becomes highly distressed when left alone, can manifest as destructive behavior, excessive barking, or attempts to escape. If your pet experiences intense anxiety when you’re not around (e.g., constant whining, chewing furniture, or urinating/defecating inside), a professional can guide you in managing and reducing the symptoms.
4. Excessive fear or phobias
If your pet is excessively fearful of certain situations (e.g., thunderstorms, car rides, or strangers), this can severely limit their quality of life. Phobias can be difficult to address without professional help, especially if your pet is too anxious or fearful to learn in typical training environments.
5. Inability to train or modify basic behaviors
If you’re struggling to teach your pet basic commands (like “sit,” “stay,” or “come”) or address simple behavior problems, such as jumping on guests or pulling on the leash, and you’re not seeing improvement, it may be helpful to work with a behavior consultant. Sometimes pets need a more structured approach or specific techniques that a professional can offer.
6. Changes in behavior due to age or health issues
Sudden behavioral changes, especially in older pets, could signal an underlying health problem, such as pain, cognitive dysfunction, or other medical conditions. If you notice your pet behaving differently, it’s worth consulting both a veterinarian and a behavior specialist to rule out medical causes. For example, a dog that suddenly starts showing aggression or anxiety may be experiencing discomfort or confusion due to age-related changes.
7. Lack of progress with training
If you’ve tried various training methods or techniques on your own, but your pet is still not responding or making progress, a professional can offer a fresh perspective. Sometimes, pets need more individualized attention, tailored plans, or guidance on how to implement consistent training in real-life situations.
8. Frustration or stress as an owner
If you’re feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or stressed out by your pet’s behavior and you’re no longer enjoying your time with them, seeking professional help can relieve some of that pressure. A behavior consultant can teach you how to handle challenging behaviors and offer you the support and tools you need to create a more harmonious household.
9. Behavioral issues impacting daily life
If your pet’s behavior is significantly interfering with your daily life or well-being, such as preventing you from having guests over, going on walks, or making it difficult to leave the house, professional guidance can help you address these challenges.
When to consult a professional:
Consult a pet behavior consultant for issues like jumping, pulling on the leash, barking, or general obedience problems.
Consult a Veterinary Behaviorist if you suspect medical causes (pain, anxiety, cognitive decline) or need more in-depth behavioral assessments.
Consult a trainer for basic obedience or if you need help with behavior modification in a specific area.
Overall, if your pet’s behavior is causing stress, anxiety, or safety concerns for you, your family, or the pet, it’s important to seek professional help sooner rather than later. Early intervention can lead to more effective results and help improve your pet’s quality of life.
To learn more, here are 5 Signs Your Pet Needs Professional Help.
What can I expect when I start my training journey with a behavior consultant?
When you begin working with a pet behavior consultant, you can expect an initial assessment, a customized training plan, ongoing support and follow-ups, and valuable education to help you manage and improve your pet’s behavior. The process is a partnership, and with patience and consistency, you’ll see lasting results that will benefit both you and your pet.
How can pet parents maintain progress and continue training after initial behavior modification sessions with a behavior consultant?
Maintaining progress and continuing training after initial behavior modification sessions with a pet behavior consultant is crucial for ensuring lasting behavioral change and a strong bond between you and your pet.
Here are some strategies to help pet parents stay on track and reinforce the positive behaviors they’ve worked on during their training journey:
1. Stay consistent
2. Practice regularly and frequently
3. Keep reinforcing positive behaviors
4. Gradually increase the challenge
5. Use real-life opportunities to practice new skills
6. Monitor your pet’s behavior and adjust as needed
7. Create a structured routine
8. Address setbacks with patience and resilience
9. Keep your pet’s emotional and physical health in mind
10. Set new goals for continued learning and development
11. Celebrate success—every single one!
How effective are remote consulting services?
Remote consulting services are extremely effective. In fact, we at Pet Harmony have the same success rate with our remote sessions as we do with our in-person sessions. As we say, it doesn’t matter if we can get your pet to do something; it only matters if you can.
We understand that many people are skeptical about how remote sessions can help them. We’ve addressed the most common concerns in this blog post about remote pet consulting. And more information specifically about why we don’t need to see the behavior to help can be found in this pet training blog post.
I'm ready to work with a pet behavior consultant. How can I find one?
If you’re ready to start your training or behavior modification journey, you’ve landed in the right place!
Our team has seen it all and can help you with whatever issue you and your dog are facing. There will be times that we recommend seeking additional help from a professional in a parallel field (like a Veterinary Behaviorist or Neurologist) if we think that will be helpful, but for all things dog behavior modification–and other pets!–we have you covered.
Additionally, our team is a real team: we often work together and collaborate on a case to make sure our clients get the best support we can offer. If your behavior consultant doesn’t have the answer they will ask another team member for support. That means you get our collective knowledge without the hassle (and cost) of being referred out to another consultant.
You deserve relief from the fear, stress, and guilt that often comes with managing dog behavior problems, and we can help with that. It starts with an honest conversation, then you’re off to work towards a happier and healthier household!
Copyright 2024 Pet Harmony, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy
Results are not guaranteed because behavior- human, canine, or otherwise- is not guaranteeable.