Dog Trainers vs Animal Behaviourist, what is the difference?
Dog training.
Recently, I came across a post on Facebook that claimed veterinarians, veterinary behaviourists, and animal behaviourists are not effective at training dogs. I’m not entirely sure why the author made this statement, but I have outlined the differences between a dog trainer and an animal behaviourist as well as the areas where their expertise overlaps.
Over the years, dog training has evolved significantly. For those over 40 years old, you may remember a television show featuring a woman who trained dogs using rather aggressive methods. Trainers had to shout commands, use leashes to direct the dogs, and employ various physical techniques to “force” the dog to comply. In those days, dogs had no say in their training; if they didn’t “obey,” they were punished in many ways, including leash jerks, being pushed down, and being yelled at.
It was widely believed that dogs are not emotional creatures and that they only recall immediate experiences. Because dogs are thought to be descendants of wolves, they were often treated harshly to avoid any potential “domination” issues, as it was assumed they would become your “pack leader” if you were not their “alpha.” This belief led to the acceptance of harsh training methods, which were passed down through generations, largely because they seemed effective.
Many of these trainers ignored advancements in training practices, as they saw no reason to change what was already working for them. They staunchly defended these outdated methods, often refusing to accept scientific research or insights from professionals in the field of ethology or animal behaviour.
Today, things are quite different. Science has taught us that dogs are sentient beings and experience emotions similar to humans. Although their brains are smaller and less developed than ours, they share the same brain structures. Scientific experiments have confirmed that dogs can indeed feel emotions.
To establish something as a scientific fact, numerous observations or experiments must yield the same result. Advances in science, such as MRI and fMRI machines, have demonstrated that dogs can experience some of the same emotions as humans. In these experiments, certain dogs were trained to lie still using positive reinforcement techniques. The dogs were tested while inside fMRI machines, and their reactions to various stimuli were recorded and compared with those of humans. Since the brain structures are quite similar, we can be assured that the emotions involved are also similar. This is not just speculation; it is backed by rigorous scientific evidence.
So, how does this knowledge relate to dog training? A great deal, in fact. We now understand that dogs are emotional creatures capable of experiencing a range of emotions including fear, happiness, sadness, depression, anger, and more. This knowledge suggests that punishment can have adverse effects on dogs, just as it does on humans. Additionally, we have learned how to interpret dog body language. Behaviours such as lip-licking, yawning, crouching, showing “whale eyes,” freezing, or suddenly sniffing the grass can indicate stress in dogs. Observing old training videos or outdated techniques, we can clearly see these stress signals during training.
Today, we use this new understanding to improve the lives of our dogs. Instead of relying on punitive training methods, we employ force free training techniques. This approach is based on the principle that behaviours leading to positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while those that do not will fade away. This is why we use food in dog training: dogs are motivated to earn rewards. When a dog receives a delicious food reward for performing a desired behaviour, the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated increases with each successful repetition.
Another misconception is that positive reinforcement alone is ineffective, and that physical punishment is the only effective consequence. In reality, there is a far better way to apply consequences without resorting to physical punishment. In modern dog training, we give dogs choices. They can either follow a cue and earn a food reward or choose not to follow the cue, in which case they will simply not receive a reward. This form of consequence is known as negative punishment, although I won’t delve into the details here.
In contemporary dog training, we teach in a way that dogs understand. Correct responses earn rewards, while failure to follow a cue result in withholding the reward until the dog offers the correct response. We also use clickers or verbal markers to make it easier for dogs to understand what we want from them. All of this contributes to reduced stress, fewer fearful responses, and stronger bonds between owners and their dogs.
So, the question remains: if modern training methods result in less stress, less fear, and can be enjoyable for both owners and dogs while getting the same or even better results, why would any trainer persist with outdated methods? Perhaps it’s due to a reluctance to learn more about dogs. Who knows!
Now, here’s the unfortunate reality: there are many institutions where you can study animal behavior and dog training. Most animal behavior courses include mandatory practical hours, during which students are expected to shadow qualified professionals and learn from them. These courses, especially the worthwhile ones, are not cheap, so institutions assume that students enroll out of a genuine love for animals and a desire to learn. It’s similar to sending a child to university—you expect them to want to learn.
Unfortunately, just like some university students, not all students in these programs are eager to learn or committed to doing their best. Some may only aim for a passing grade to obtain their degree or diploma. This leads to certain challenges. While some graduates will successfully apply what they’ve learned and excel in their chosen fields, others may secure jobs but show little interest in gaining experience, asking questions, or continuing their education after graduation.
This reality is sometimes reflected in qualified animal behaviorists and trainers. Some may work merely to have a diploma behind their names to attract clients, regardless of whether they are truly prepared for the responsibilities of the job. Unfortunately, this can lead to the use of outdated or harmful training methods, often influenced by old-fashioned trainers.
This situation mirrors what happens with graduates from any university. After graduation, an individual’s actions are beyond the institution’s control. They may engage in unethical behavior or criminal activities, but that reflects the individual’s choices, not the education they received.
The initial statement—that all clinical behaviorists, veterinary behaviorists, or animal behaviorists are ineffective at training dogs—holds no validity. While some individuals may indeed be poor trainers, I sincerely hope that they are just a few, as that would suggest they have wasted their education, money and will not have the ethics needed to be a good animal behaviourist or dog trainer.
What does a behaviourist do? An animal behaviourist is a professional who specialises in the study of ethology, which is the scientific exploration of animal behaviour, particularly as it occurs in natural settings. Ethology seeks to understand not only how animals behave but also why they behave the way they do. This includes examining their interactions with their environment, other animals, and themselves. Ethologists are particularly interested in the adaptive significance of various behaviours, which means they focus on how these behaviours contribute to the survival and reproduction of the species. They investigate the evolutionary origins of behaviours and the physiological mechanisms that influence them.
When it comes to specific behaviour problems in animals, particularly dogs, animal behaviourists adopt a comprehensive approach. They delve into the emotional dimensions of behaviours and consider numerous factors that could affect an animal’s actions. This includes genetic predispositions, environmental influences, previous learning experiences, and more. To gain a thorough understanding of a dog’s emotional state, behaviourists closely observe body language, facial expressions, and vocalisations. They may conduct tests in diverse situations to assess the animal’s emotional responses and to identify triggers for certain behaviours.
In somecases, a behaviourist might recommend a vet visit for a pharmacological intervention to help improve the dog’s overall mood and reduce anxiety. With the vet’s approval, these medications can assist in creating a more balanced emotional state. Alongside medical interventions, they often employ behaviour modification techniques. Two common approaches are desensitisation and counterconditioning, both of which are rooted in classical conditioning. These techniques help dogs learn that specific stimuli, which they might initially perceive as threats, are actually safe. By modifying these associations, behaviourists can facilitate a more positive emotional response to previously frightening situations.
For this multifaceted approach to be successful, animal behaviourists must have a strong foundation in several key areas. Knowledge of psychology is essential to understanding the emotional and cognitive processes that influence behaviour. Understanding physiology helps them comprehend how bodily functions can impact behaviour. Familiarity with pharmacology is crucial when considering medication options, while insights into neurophysiology can deepen their understanding of how the brain affects behaviour. Additionally, awareness of nutrition is vital because a dog’s diet can significantly influence their mood and behaviour.
Furthermore, animal behaviourists must possess a robust understanding of learning theory. This knowledge is akin to that of dog trainers, as both fields require techniques designed to minimise stress while effectively addressing and changing a dog’s emotional responses to various stimuli. By combining insights from these diverse fields, animal behaviourists can develop tailored strategies that prioritise the well-being and emotional health of the animals they work with, ultimately fostering healthier relationships between dogs and their human companions.
So, does the statement that animal behaviourists cannot train dogs hold water? For people not willing to learn, perhaps, but in reality, both should be equally effective at training our beloved four-legged family members, especially if done without force and punishment.