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It's a very common point of confusion for dog owners, and understanding the difference is key to getting the right help for your dog. Here's a simple way to think about it:

 

Dog Training is about teaching skills.

 

A dog trainer focuses on teaching your dog what to do. They work on specific commands and actions, using positive reinforcement to help your dog learn. Think of it like a teacher in a classroom, giving a dog a curriculum to follow.

Examples of what a dog trainer helps with:

• Basic obedience: Sit, stay, come, lie down, leave it.

• Manners: Not jumping on people, walking on a loose leash, and going to their place.

• Specific tasks: Preparing for dog sports like agility, or learning fun new tricks.

In short, dog training teaches your dog the "how" of a behavior. You're teaching them a new skill, like a person learning to play a musical instrument.

 

Dog Behavior is about understanding "why."

 

A dog behaviorist (or canine behavior consultant) digs deeper to understand the root cause of a dog's behavior. They look at the dog's emotions, genetics, past experiences, and environment to figure out why they are acting a certain way. They then create a plan to change the dog's emotional response to a situation, which in turn changes the behavior. Think of it like a therapist working to address the underlying issues.

Examples of what a dog behaviorist helps with:

• Emotional issues: Separation anxiety, fear of noises (like fireworks or thunderstorms), and general anxiety.

• Reactivity and aggression: Lunging, barking, or growling at other dogs, people, or things.

• Compulsive or repetitive behaviors: Excessive chewing, tail chasing, or resource guarding.

• Trauma: Helping rescue dogs who have experienced abuse or neglect.

In short, a behaviorist addresses the "why" behind the behavior. They are helping a dog with their emotions, which is a more complex process than just teaching a new trick.

 

The Key Difference in a Nutshell:

 

• Training: "My dog pulls on the leash." The trainer's job is to teach the dog how to walk without pulling.

• Behavior: "My dog lunges and barks at every dog we see on a walk." The behaviorist's job is to figure out why the dog is so fearful or anxious around other dogs and then create a plan to help them feel more comfortable, which will stop the lunging and barking.

Sometimes, there is an overlap, and a good trainer will know when a problem is beyond their scope and needs a behaviorist. If your dog's issue is due to a strong emotional response like fear, anxiety, or aggression, a behaviorist is the professional you need. If you're looking to teach your dog a new skill or improve their general manners, a trainer is the perfect choice.