Training & Behaviour Explained
It’s not widely understood that there is a significant difference between dog training and dog behaviour work. Because of this, many owners understandably feel confused about which service their dog actually needs.
Choosing the right support can make a huge difference to your dog’s wellbeing and long-term progress—so here’s a clear guide to help you decide.
Dog Training
A dog trainer is a skilled professional who helps you teach your dog new skills, cues, or alternative behaviours.
This might include:
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Sit, down, stay, recall
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Loose lead walking
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Tricks such as spin, middle, or fetch
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Focus and engagement exercises
These are typically behaviours your dog has not yet learned, and they are taught using modern, reward-based (positive reinforcement) methods.
A good trainer will:
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Use science-based, ethical training techniques
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Focus on clear communication and consistency
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Understand their scope of practice
Importantly, a responsible trainer should recognise when a case goes beyond training and requires behavioural intervention. Without further education in behaviour, trainers should not take on complex emotional or behavioural issues.
When choosing a trainer, look for recognised education and affiliations, such as:
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Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT)
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Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA)
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Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
And membership with professional bodies like:
Behavioural Work
A dog behaviourist or vet behaviourist (VB) specialises in addressing behavioural issues that are rooted in a dog’s emotional state—such as fear, anxiety, frustration, or stress.
These may include:
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Separation anxiety
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Aggression towards people, dogs, or other animals
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Resource guarding (food, toys, space, people)
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Reactivity (barking, lunging, growling)
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Noise phobias or environmental fears
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Predatory chasing (e.g. livestock)
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Destructive or compulsive behaviours
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Self-harming behaviours
A qualified behaviourist or VB will:
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Take a full behavioural history
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Assess your dog’s emotional state and motivations
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Consider potential underlying medical causes (often working alongside a vet)
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Provide a behavioural diagnosis and structured behaviour modification plan
They focus on addressing the root cause of behaviour—not just the symptoms—using modern, evidence-based methods grounded in learning theory and behavioural science.
Ideally, a behaviourist (or VB) will hold advanced qualifications (e.g. MSc in Clinical or Applied Animal Behaviour). However, there are also highly reputable certification routes.
Look for professionals associated with organisations such as:
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Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB)
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Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)
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Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) – Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist
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International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC)
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NVGH aangesloten gedragstherapeut (NVGH)
Be aware: some organisations offer both supporting membership and certified status—these are not the same. Always check credentials carefully.
In a Nutshell
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A dog trainer is like a teacher — helping your dog learn new skills
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A behaviourist is like a therapist — helping your dog feel better and change behaviour at its root
Where Confusion Can Happen
There is sometimes an overlap between training and behaviour.
For example:
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A puppy struggling to be left alone may benefit from training to build independence
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A behaviourist may include training exercises as part of a behaviour modification plan
However, problems arise when training alone is used to address behaviour driven by emotion.
For instance:
A dog barking out of fear may be taught a “quiet” cue. While this may suppress the behaviour temporarily, it does not address the underlying fear. In some cases, this can actually increase stress and lead to more serious behavioural fallout.
Effective behaviour work focuses on helping the dog feel safe, secure, and confident, so the unwanted behaviour is no longer necessary.
A Note on Industry Regulation
The dog training and behaviour industry is currently unregulated.
This means:
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Anyone can call themselves a “dog trainer” or “behaviourist”
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Qualifications and methods can vary hugely
Because of this, it’s essential to:
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Check credentials and certifications
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Ask about training methods
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Avoid anyone using fear, pain, or intimidation
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek a second opinion.
How This Links to Our Work at Wanderdog
At Wanderdog, we combine training skills with behaviour expertise to ensure your dog receives the most appropriate support.
We:
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Focus on science-based, force-free methods
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Look at the whole dog—not just the behaviour
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Create personalised plans tailored to your dog’s emotional needs
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Work collaboratively with you to achieve lasting, positive change
Whether your dog needs help learning new skills or overcoming behavioural challenges, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.