Choosing a Trainer or Behaviourist: What the Titles Mean
In the UK, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviourist. What the titles mean, what a US vet society says to look for, and when to see a vet.
Written by thecanineledger
The UK’s Animal Behaviour and Training Council says: “In the UK animal trainers, training instructors and behaviourists are not regulated by government. This means that anyone – whatever their training, learning or experience – can call themselves an animal trainer or a behaviourist.” (ABTC, Owners).
While many trainers are skilled, a title on its own tells you little. This page explains what the UK titles mean, what a US vet society suggests looking for, and when a vet should come first.
1. When to see a vet first
Fear, anxiety or aggression. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior says: “If fear, anxiety or aggression are occurring, contact a veterinarian with advanced behavior knowledge, a vet behaviorist (DACVB), or a credentialed behavior consultant.” (AVSAB, How to Choose a Trainer). DACVB is a vet board-certified in behaviour.
Pain can look like a behaviour problem. A vet can check for it before training starts.
Our note: A sudden behaviour change of any kind is worth a vet check.
→ When Behaviour Change Is Really Pain
2. The UK titles
Voluntary. “Training and Behaviour is not yet regulated by government, therefore membership of ABTC is voluntary.” (ABTC, FAQs).
What the council’s roles mean. Its page on types of practitioner lists, among others (ABTC, Types of Practitioners):
- Animal Training Instructor: “Teaches owner/handler how to train their animal to carry out required behaviours eg dog training classes.”
- Clinical Animal Behaviourist: works on problem behaviour “on veterinary referral.”
- Veterinary Behaviourist: “CAB who is also a Veterinary Surgeon.”
Complex cases. The council says that for cases “involving but not limited to aggression, stereotypies, fears, and phobias”, a behaviour technician should work with a behaviourist or veterinary behaviourist.
Its directory. “All the trainers, instructors and behaviourists listed here are assessed by their organisations to be sure that they meet the standards set by the ABTC.”
Our note: The “not regulated” claim comes from the council itself.
3. What to look for
Methods. AVSAB says: “Positive reinforcement methods are highly effective, humane, and ethical.” And: “Training methods which rely on force, intimidation or pain are unnecessary and unethical.”
Red flags. Its handout lists words and tools to avoid on a trainer’s website. They include “Prong or shock collar”, “leash jerks” and “Boss, alpha, pack leader, dominant/submissive”.
Credentials. The handout names training schools and groups. We don’t. It adds that “credentials alone do not guarantee quality”.
Watch your dog. “Watch for any stressed or fearful body language. Speak out; ask for other options; choose a different trainer if you don’t feel heard or supported.”
Our note: The AVSAB handout has no date on it.
→ Reward-Based or Aversive Training: What the Studies Found · → The “Alpha” Myth: Why Dominance Training Was Dropped · → Reading Your Dog’s Stress Signals
4. Questions to ask a trainer
- What methods do you use if my dog gets something wrong?
- Can I watch a class before I book?
- Which organisation assessed you, and can I check?
- When would you refer us to a vet?
Our note: These questions are ours. Rules in Canada may differ.
→ E-Collars, Prong and Choke Collars: The Evidence and the Law
5. What we could not verify
| Commonly said | What we found |
|---|---|
| “A certified behaviourist is regulated” | Not in the UK, according to the ABTC. Membership is voluntary. |
| “Any trainer can treat aggression” | Not advised. AVSAB and the ABTC point complex cases to vets and behaviourists. |
| “Balanced training is the best of both” | AVSAB lists “balanced training” as a red flag. |
| “The rules are the same in Canada” | Not checked. |
Sources
- Animal Behaviour and Training Council. Owners; FAQs; Types of Practitioners. abtc.org.uk, read 4 November 2026. ⚠️ not peer-reviewed. UK sector charity
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. How to Choose a Trainer. Handout, no date shown. ⚠️ not peer-reviewed. Vet society guidance
Always confirm with your vet before acting on anything on this page.
This is not legal advice. It is our reading of the laws and rules as we best understand them from our research, and no lawyer has reviewed it. We state what the sources say and don't bend them to fit a story. Laws differ by place and change over time, so check the current rules where you live.