If you are a local dog parent seeking professional help for your furry family member, who do you turn to – a Colorado Springs dog behaviorist or a dog trainer? Although these two roles might seem interchangeable at first glance, each specializes in different aspects of dog behavior. This month’s blog will highlight key similarities, the core differences, and why we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between a dog trainer or dog behaviorist.
To start, let’s talk about the similarities and differences between the two roles.
The Role of a Dog Trainer
Colorado Springs dog trainers are professionals who focus on instilling obedience and specific skills in dogs. Their objective is to improve a dog’s behavior through commands and positive reinforcement.
Dog trainers are proficient in teaching different commands, such as ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘come,’ and even advanced skills, such as agility training. They often work with dogs and their owners in group classes, private sessions, or training facilities.
A dog trainer may be the right choice if you need help with basic obedience skills, house-breaking your dog, or specific training, such as agility or therapy work. They can also assist with correcting minor behavioral problems, such as jumping up, pulling on the leash, or not responding to commands.
Many times, a dog trainer is called in to assist new pet parents who have adopted a puppy or young dog.
You Might Like: Should You Train Your Dog Yourself or Hire a Professional Dog Trainer?
The Role of a Dog Behaviorist
On the other hand, a Colorado Springs dog behaviorist will not only teach basic commands and obedience training but can also focus on understanding and modifying problematic behaviors in your four-legged friend.
Dog behaviorists specialize in understanding, managing, and modifying complex behavioral challenges, including aggression, anxiety, fear, separation anxiety, and more. Their in-depth understanding of animal behavior enables them to identify the root causes of behavioral problems and develop effective, tailored behavior modification plans.
If your dog exhibits complex behavioral issues that go beyond the scope of obedience training, you may want to call in a Colorado Springs dog behaviorist.
Often, these behaviors are exhibited by dogs who have been rescued from abusive situations, were previously strays, or have spent a significant amount of time in shelters. In these cases, you will want a professional who can both train your dog on how to be a contributing member of your family and who can teach you to support them throughout their life.
Related: Dog Training Turns Terrier’s Bad Dog Behavior Into Good
Crucial Certifications for a Colorado Springs Dog Behaviorist
Responsible pet parents should verify that the Colorado Springs dog behaviorist they are hiring has the certifications to validate their skills and expertise. The certifications highlight their commitment to ethical, science-based training methods and reassure anxious dog owners that they are entrusting their precious family members to a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist. This is especially necessary when searching for a solution to problematic dog behavior.
For instance, Laurie Yakish, the owner of Dog Training Laurie’s Way, is certified through the Animal Behavior College and John Rogerson Dog Aggression Seminar. She is a former Associate certified behaviorist with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and actively participates in the Colorado Dog Trainers Network.
The training that Laurie is most proud of, however, is a mentorship from renowned dog behaviorist, Gary Wilkes. Implementing Gary’s philosophy of clicker-based training into her private, in-home training sessions is what enables Laurie to address behavior problems in dogs (and their owners) quickly and effectively.
Beyond Training: Building a Strong Bond with Your Dog
The experience and training a Colorado Springs dog behaviorists receives allows them to help dogs and their owners build a strong bond and a harmonious living environment.
For additional tips on how to bond with your dog, see our blog article, Building a Strong Relationship with Your Dog: Tips from a Colorado Springs Dog Trainer.
At Dog Training Laurie’s Way, we believe that every dog can be and deserves to be a highly-valued member of a loving family. Whether you need a Colorado Springs dog behaviorist or a trainer, remember that your ultimate goal is to form a strong, loving bond with your pet.
At Dog Training Laurie’s Way, our unique approach to dog training is designed to yield rapid results and keeps dogs out of shelters and in their owner’s hearts. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We’re here to help you build a strong, life-long bond with your dog, one training session at a time.
That’s Dog Training, Laurie’s Way.