Hi , I am looking to get a behavourist out to help me with my dog but I don't know what Qualifications of the person  I should be looking for.Can you tell me which is the BEST Qualification and training to have studied with .There seems so many and I want to make sure I get the right one .

Thanks

Hi, You're right ...so many apparent qualifications out there! One of the best known behaviourists actually gained his doctorate in the study of white mice...so in a way although the qualifications are many , the experience of the behaviourist is actually as important. It's really only in recent times that a qualification was attainable so you'll find many practicing behaviourists or trainers with no qualifications. By the same token a person may gain a degree with little hands on experience so you're right to approach with caution! Please don't get the idea I am saying qualifications are worthless, I'm certainly not doing that. Academic knowledge and hands on experience would win my vote. Referral is always a good route, your Veterinary Surgeon may be able to help (always ask the Vet nurses too, they often have their ear to the ground) . Before you even intoduce your dog to your chosen behaviourist , go talk to them in person , often a one to one chat without the problem animal will confirm you have the right person or will allow you to run a mile without tripping over your dog's lead!
Check out the Association of Animal Behaviour, The Guild of Dog trainers and The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors as a good indication of where to look in the UK for a choice of accredited behaviourists. Good luck

See here for information on the proposed regulation of trainers and behaviourists:

http://www.cawc.org.uk/080603.pdf

I tend to suggest always the APBC http://www.apbc.org.uk/ (behaviourists/trainers) and the APDT http://www.apdt.co.uk/  (mostly trainers but some excellent behaviourists) because members have to continue to develop professionally and they don't use quick fix methods such as rattle bottles etc but instead try to get to the root of the problem. The APBC have very high standards and have student, provisional, and full members.

What I would also say is that some are always better than others as individuals and a lot can depend on who you "click" with also.
There are a very few people who aren't members of anywhere and who are very good but they are few and far between.

Lindsay
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