[PNWPBR]

So heres a question....

If any of you were looking to speak to a Dog Behaviorist what kind of certifications would you require?

Theres lots of groups out there that offer certification, how do you know whos credible and whos not?


Examples:

http://www.iaabc.org/index.htm

http://animalbehaviorcounselors.org/

http://www.animalbehavior.org/

http://www.animaledu.com/index.htm




My shelter has been talking about me doing some certifications in AB as I will be heading up the Behavior Helpline as well as doing Post-Adoptions Counseling at work. Ive been researching and reading, but how does one know whats the best course to take?

[Madeleinemom]

To me, a Behaviorist is someone who holds a B.S. degee (or higher) in Animal Behavioral Sciences.

That JMHO, and I admit that I have not looked at the links you provided.

[jennay2]

I'm not sure, but I'd be interested in looking into it as well! Let me know what you find Ellena.

i'd look to somebody with years of hands on experience, not some piece of paper that says they know something about the behavior of dogs. a lifetime of experience beats a few years worth of schooling any day in my book.

[tcox]

Originally Posted by Boogieman i'd look to somebody with years of hands on experience, not some piece of paper that says they know something about the behavior of dogs. a lifetime of experience beats a few years worth of schooling any day in my book.

[PNWPBR]

Originally Posted by Madeleinemom To me, a Behaviorist is someone who holds a B.S. degee (or higher) in Animal Behavioral Sciences. That JMHO, and I admit that I have not looked at the links you provided.

Correct!


BUT since there are, to my knowledge, very few of these out there and ones with the degrees are not usually someone you find working in a shelter getting paid pidgeon feed (LOL) there are of course now all of these ways to get "certified."


So how does one know what is credible and what is not?


and Boogie, good thought but its not going to back me up if I reccomend a dog to be euthed at work and the owner doesnt like my answer

Ellena, the only decent online "accreditation" you can get is from the ABC, American Behavioral College, it's not bad, it's just a piece of paper, but a piece of paper that will shut up people who want to see some proof that you've been educated .

http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/index.asp?

[PNWPBR]

Originally Posted by huskylove Ellena, the only decent online "accreditation" you can get is from the ABC, American Behavioral College, it's not bad, it's just a piece of paper, but a piece of paper that will shut up people who want to see some proof that you've been educated . http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/index.asp?

Thanks Husky.... you wouldnt happen to know the difference between any of the "institutions" would you?

[Rusty5]

I have just searched alittle, and just found 2 in the L.A. area. I don't know if they are good or not or if they have had any bit bull experience. So I will further reseach and call them tomorrow.

Honestly? All the "curriculums" are pretty much the same, hell, you don't have to know diddly to actually join the Animal Behavioral Society, 27 bucks will get you in .

The ABC runs along the same lines, curriculum wise, but at least they have Karen Pryor and Bill Wolden overseeing their program, and even though I don't always agree with Karen on methodology, nobody knows classical conditioning like she does :thumbsup:.

Originally Posted by Rusty5 I have just searched alittle, and just found 2 in the L.A. area. I don't know if they are good or not or if they have had any bit bull experience. So I will further reseach and call them tomorrow.

Rusty, it's a dog first, breed is secondary to a good trainer or behaviorist, if you're looking for help, ask around, get references from other dog owners and local vets. A decent trainer will not care what breed you have, but will keep breed traits in mind during a session, it just won't be the be all and end all.

Just because a trainer doesn't hang out a shingle that says "behaviorist" doesn't mean that they're not as good, if not better, than the local yahoo who waves every online certificate they've ever earned at you. Look for someone with years (and I mean 10 or better) working with animals on a daily basis, and if they won't give you any references, run, run fast .