What Certifications Should I Look for in a Dog Behaviorist?

Though dogs are often referred to as "man's best friend," there may be times when a dog's behavior requires the intervention of a specialist. Dog behaviorists are trained to study and evaluate behavior patterns of dogs and develop treatment programs to correct negative traits. Dog owners seeking a behaviorist should ensure that the person they select has earned one of several certification programs available to prospective dog counselors.

  1. Certified Canine Behavior Counselor

    • The Certified Canine Behavior Counselor, or CBC, is conferred by the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors, a nonprofit professional membership organization. The CBC certification is given to candidates who have earned a minimum of two credits or 48 contact hours in dog training and instructor skills, two credits or 48 contact hours in assessment, diagnosis, family counseling in abnormal animal behavior, and a minimum of three years experience and 80 hours of continuing education in the applied animal science field. CBC certification also requires behaviorists to have taken theoretical coursework in subjects such as animal nutrition and wellness, behavior modification and treatment and biopsychology.

    Associate Degree

    • According to the American College of Applied Science, another certification you should look for in a dog behaviorist is an associate degree in dog behavior analysis from an accredited college. Typically, these degrees take between 18 months to two years, and provide training in the principles of applied behavior analysis of dogs. An associate degree in canine behavior trains students to measure and graph changes in behavior to determine the best way to correct bad habits and negative behavior. This degree includes a practicum course that gives prospective behaviorists direct interaction with dogs that require behavior modification.

    Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist

    • The Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, or CAAB, certification is designed for professionals who possess a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctorate in behavioral science. To earn a CAAB, candidates must pass oral and written exams by faculty committees, publish scholarly articles and have experience with veterinarians, which demonstrates an ability to work cooperatively with others. CAAB professionals are trained to assess and determine the cause of an animal's behavioral problem using scientific methods. As part of this training, CAABs are especially sensitive to dog owners and avoid blaming them for the behavior problems their pets exhibit.

    American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

    • The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists is an organization of board-certified veterinarians who specialize in veterinary behavior. An ACBV professional must meet a stringent set of requirements, which includes a residency program at an approved university with at least 200 clinical cases, publishing a research article in a peer-reviewed journal, a minimum of three peer-reviewed case reports and passing a two-day examination administered by the ACBV. Certified veterinarians are referred to as "diplomates."