Should I hire a dog trainer or a dog behaviorist?
CCPDT says dog trainers focus on teaching skills and everyday behaviors, and behavior consultants specialize in complex behavior challenges rooted in fear, anxiety, aggression, or other emotional factors. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) says a physical exam and a talk with your pet’s veterinarian is the first step in treating any behavior problem.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Goody Doggy is a directory of dog trainers with a listing page for each of the 50 states and Washington, DC.
Sources on this page
Dog trainer, behavior consultant, applied animal behaviorist, or veterinary behaviorist
| Who | What the sources say | Can prescribe medication |
|---|---|---|
| Dog trainer |  CCPDT says trainers focus on teaching skills and everyday behaviors, and CPDT-KA is its designation for a dog trainer |  No. AVSAB says veterinarians are the only professionals who can prescribe medications for behavioral problems |
| Behavior consultant | CCPDT says behavior consultants specialize in complex behavior challenges, and CBCC-KA is its designation for a dog behavior consultant. AVSAB says anyone can use the title | Only if the consultant is a veterinarian. AVSAB says veterinarians are the only behavior consultant professionals legally eligible to diagnose behavior problems and prescribe medications |
| Applied animal behaviorist (CAAB) |  The Animal Behavior Society describes them as having an advanced academic background in the principles of animal behavior | No. AVSAB says CAABs can evaluate and manage behavioral problems but cannot prescribe medications |
| Veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) |  The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is the certifying board for veterinarians who are specialty trained in behavior | Yes. ACVB says they are licensed to prescribe psychotropic medications when indicated |
When each one fits
CCPDT says a dog trainer focuses on teaching skills and everyday behaviors.
CCPDT says CBCC-KA is designed for experienced professionals addressing complex behavior issues, with fear, aggression, separation anxiety, and phobias as examples.
ACVB says veterinary behaviorists address the relationships between an animal’s health, environment, experiences, and behavior, and are licensed to prescribe medications when indicated.
AVSAB cites the limited availability of DACVBs and CAABs in many areas.
Most of these titles are not protected
CCPDT says the dog training industry is unregulated, with no licensing requirements or regulatory oversight.
AVSAB says no governing body monitors, licenses, or certifies anyone using the term behavior consultant. It also says behaviorist shows no specific qualification unless it is preceded by veterinary or applied animal.
AVSAB calls behavior consultant a general term that trainers, veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists, or others can use, while CCPDT calls CBCC-KA its advanced certification for dog trainers who offer behavior modification. AVSAB also says veterinarians are not legally allowed to call themselves specialists unless board-certified by a specialty college.
How to check who you are hiring
CCPDT: search its directory by postal code, name, city, state, province, or country.
ACVB: AVSAB points owners to the search function on the ACVB website to find a DACVB, and the ACVB member search has a Members: Diplomates filter.
Animal Behavior Society: use its Find a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist directory.
IAABC: credentialed professionals appear in its public Consultant Locator.
AVSAB: its directory lists AVSAB members, and AVSAB says membership does not confer any qualification or expertise.
AVSAB tells owners to ask about education, training, and qualifications before hiring any behavior consultant, and it lists a guarantee that they can fix any behavior problem as a stop sign.
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Dog trainer or behaviorist questions and answers
What is the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviorist?
CCPDT says trainers focus on teaching skills and everyday behaviors, and behavior consultants specialize in complex behavior challenges rooted in fear, anxiety, aggression, or other emotional factors.
Can a dog behaviorist prescribe medication?
AVSAB says veterinarians are the only professionals who can prescribe medications for behavioral problems, and that CAABs cannot. ACVB says veterinary behaviorists are licensed to prescribe them when indicated.
Is behaviorist a protected title?
Not by itself. AVSAB says anyone without formal animal behavior training can call themselves a behaviorist unless they are a veterinarian.
Should I see my veterinarian first?
Yes. AVSAB says a physical exam and a talk with your pet’s veterinarian is the first step in treating any behavior problem, because medical issues can affect behavior.
Does a dog trainer have to be certified?
CCPDT says a certification is not currently required to become a dog trainer, and it describes the industry as unregulated.
Sources
