What is a behaviorist?
The term behaviorist is not attached to any specific qualification or level of schooling unless preceded by “veterinary” or “certified applied animal.” It can be used by anyone, including someone with no formal education or experience in companion animal behavior. Who can use the terms “dog trainer” and “pet behavior consultant?” There is no training or experience level necessary for someone to use “dog trainer” or “pet behavior consultant” to describe themselves. There is a voluntary certification program for pet dog trainers including a written examination, references from a veterinarian and proof of hours logged teaching through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers. You can find out more about this program at http://www.ccpdt.org.
