What’s the Difference Between a Dog Trainer and a Dog Behaviourist?

“All behaviourists are trainers, but not all trainers are behaviourists”

If you’re a dog owner seeking help with your dog, you might be wondering: what’s the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviourist? While we both work with dogs to improve their behaviour, our roles, qualifications, and areas of speciality are quite different.

🐶 What Does a Dog Trainer Do?

A dog trainer helps you teach your dog specific life skills, and improve general obedience. They should focus on using positive reinforcement training (treats, toys, the environment as rewards) that build communication between you and your dog, they should not ask you to do anything which may affect your dog’s welfare such as using prong collars, E collars (shock collars), choke chains or slip leads..

Common Areas a Dog Trainer Covers:

  • Teaching basic cues (sit, stay, come)
  • Recall and focus training
  • Loose lead walking
  • Puppy training.
  • Reducing behaviours like jumping up or barking

Trainers are ideal for puppies, adolescent dogs, or newly adopted rescues. They help you build a strong foundation in life skills and polite behaviour.

Dog Trainer Qualifications

Unfortunately dog training is an unregulated industry in the UK, as such anyone can call themselves a trainer with no formal training or qualifications themselves, when you are looking for a dog trainer look for accreditations such as:

  • Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP)
  • IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers)
  • APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers)

While formal education isn’t always required, choosing a qualified, force-free trainer ensures ethical and effective methods.

Always have a conversation with anyone you are considering working with to ensure their methods align with your own ethics, I am always happy to have a chat about the different ways in which trainers may work and the effects they may have on your dog.

🧠 What Does a Dog Behaviourist Do?

A dog behaviourist works with dogs showing more complex, challenging, or emotionally driven behaviours. Their role is to assess the underlying causes of behaviour and develop a plan to help change it.

Behaviourists Typically Help With:

  • Dog aggression (toward people or other dogs)
  • Separation anxiety, or distress when left alone
  • Phobias and fear-based behaviours (e.g. fireworks, car travel)
  • Resource guarding (protecting food, toys, or space)
  • Reactivity on walks or around triggers

Behaviourists will often work closely with your vet to rule out, or address medical factors, which are frequently linked to behavioural issues.

Dog Behaviourist Qualifications

Most professional dog behaviourists hold a degree or postgraduate qualification in animal behaviour (such as an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour). Many are members of trusted organisations like:

  • APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors)
  • CCAB (Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist)
  • IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants)

They often require a vet referral to ensure a holistic understanding of your dog’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

If your dog is insured, and covered for behavioural work your insurance will often cover the fees charged by a behaviourist if they hold certain accreditations (always check with your insurer).