Dog behaviourist/trainer qualifications

[Turquoisesol]

Looking for a behaviourist
We have found someone with the following initials after her name: DipCAPT. KPA CTP
Does that mean anything? I am a bit unsure what initials are the right ones to look for.

I think - from Google - that it's

DipCABT (I think you've made a typo!) coape.org/coape-courses/coape-diploma-in-animal-behaviour/

KPA CPT = Karen Pryor Academy - she has a good name (particularly around clicker training) but I've no real knowledge of the qualification itself karenpryoracademy.com/ctp/choose-kpa-ctp/

She certainly doesn't look like an awful option, though I don't know enough about those qualifications, and tend to direct people to APDT (trainers) or APBC / CCAB (behaviourists).

Do you need a trainer or a behaviourist?

Trainers deal with training new things - sits, downs, house training, recall, not jumping up at people, that sort of thing. The sort of thing every dog needs to know.

Behaviourists deal with issues that are more deep seated, and work to change the dog's emotional state (fear, invariably) to change the undesirable behaviours. They deal with things like reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding and so on - the more pathological end of the spectrum.

Ah yes , dipCABT. We need a trainer. Just I have been disappointed with the one we have so far used and keen to get one with lots of good qualifications even if it means paying more for them

She also quotes ABTC ?

ABTC is great - abtc.org.uk/

Would you like to post a link to the trainer you've identified? I, and others, would be happy to check for any red flags (though from what you've said, I'm not too concerned)

I think one of the problems that you will face is working out what any of it means! There are plenty of accredited courses that give trainers and behaviouralists a set of letters - but what does that accreditation mean? Really? I am sure that are lots of people on here who will say that whatever they hold is "accredited", but there really isn't any real standardisation of qualifications. I have completed a series of accredited courses - really for my own interest and volunteering - but in identifying courses it's just as much of a minefield. There are literally accredited online dog behaviourist courses where interacting with dogs is optional!!!! How the hell do you work that out? And I am really not talking about a few either. Even some courses accredited by the Kennel Club (assuming you think they are worth anything, which I don't) don't involve actual hands on work with dogs!

And that is before you even start thinking about the fact that there are nearly as many methods as there are trainers!

My advice would be not to look for lots of letters, because they may be meaningless. Start out with what you are unhappy about with your current trainer. Then make up a list of what you perfect end result would be - what is the outcome that you want. Are there any absolutes - things that the training absolutely must result in; or things you will not tolerate in a trainer. Maybe then check out your shopping list with people with experience to get a measure for if they think your ask is realistic. Then interview a number of trainers, and do so with your dog. You'll get a good sense of them as dog handlers if you dog is around them.

My last piece of advice may not be applicable to you, but I will give it anyway - I see loads of people who want a trainer to train their dog. The best person to train their dog is themselves. The trainer should be training you. You want the dog to respond to and respect you, and want to please you. A dog that behaves for its trainer, but not for its owner, is a pointless expense!

Thanks. I tried a one to one trainer recommended by the vets. But she yesterday encouraged taking a toy by force from her rather than by trading and I wasn’t sure I agreed with that method. She seems quite old fashioned in her ways.
Also tried a puppy class recommended by vets but wasn’t impressed with it either so trying to research other trainers myself

@Turquoisesol

Thanks. I tried a one to one trainer recommended by the vets. But she yesterday encouraged taking a toy by force from her rather than by trading and I wasn’t sure I agreed with that method. She seems quite old fashioned in her ways. Also tried a puppy class recommended by vets but wasn’t impressed with it either so trying to research other trainers myself

You have good instincts!

Honestly, APDT is a pretty safe bet for finding a trainer apdt.co.uk/find-a-trainer/

Thanks I appreciate your advice. It’s such a minefield trying to negotiate finding a good one

Ladywhistledownsquill I looked up that website and local to me there are only 2 registered on it. Not the lady I first found. Out of the two registered one I know is fully booked up. The other I have yet to contact. But she does have a package for one to one consultations so looks pretty good. She says she can be used for vet referrals for behaviour problems so that sounds good ?

@Turquoisesol

Ladywhistledownsquill I looked up that website and local to me there are only 2 registered on it. Not the lady I first found. Out of the two registered one I know is fully booked up. The other I have yet to contact. But she does have a package for one to one consultations so looks pretty good. She says she can be used for vet referrals for behaviour problems so that sounds good ?

That sounds perfect

I imagine puppy classes are fairly full at the moment due to the perfect storm of social distancing and lockdown puppies, so be prepared for a bit of a waiting list.

If it's something very urgent (e.g. that is causing such a major issue that you're seriously considering rehoming or there's a safety issue) then tell the trainer when booking so they can prioritise if possible.

Thanks, it’s nothing urgent, I am just insecure about whether my methods I am using are correct. I have used a mixture of ideas from books, internet etc and worry I coii you of do with an expert to oversee our training in case a muck it up

When you look for a behaviourist make sure they are qualified. Look at their website. If they have qualifications google them. There are so many so called behaviourists out there that are not genuinely qualified. Do your research and Google there are so many charlatans.