A few words from my colleague, Lisa, at Wagology Dog Training & Behaviour
When I see Facebook posts asking for help with dogs displaying behavioural issues — my heart sinks…
Not because people don’t care (they really do), but because the comments quickly fill with well-meaning recommendations for friends, trainers, or “someone who’s great with dogs”.
And while those suggestions come from a good place, behavioural cases need specialist assistance & aggression, in particular, requires a behaviourist who specialises in aggression cases. Aggression cases are niche, complex, emotional and potentially dangerous if misunderstood or mishandled.
These are not cases for general advice or a one-size-fits-all approach.
These dogs need careful handling, with robust health and safety policies in place to protect both people and dogs.
So, this post is to yet again explain the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviourist.
What’s the difference?
•Trainers teach a handler how train their dog with a new behaviour such a sit, down, looselead etc.
•Behaviourists looks at why a dog is doing something, investigates every aspect of the dog’s life to understand how that behaviour can be safely changed by addressing the underlying emotions.
Issues Worked With
Trainers support:
• Socialisation
• Skills and confidence-building
• Neutrality in all environments
• Mentoring handlers
•Structured Training
•Trainers with specialist areas such as Puppies, Gundogs, Agility, Scent Detection, Tricks.
Behaviourists support:
•Behavioural concerns requiring specialist intervention
•Aggression
•Resource guarding
•Separation-related behaviours
•Severe fear and anxiety
•Biting and risk-based cases
Methodology
Trainers use structured teaching and reward-based learning to build skills.
Behaviourists use science-led, individual behaviour modification plans designed to change emotional responses not simply suppress behaviour.
An important industry reality
The dog industry is completely unregulated, the only area that is regulated is Veterinary.
This means anyone can legally call themselves a dog trainer or a behaviourist.
So what does this mean for you, what questions should YOU be asking?
Ask about qualifications Look for recognised professional affiliations Ask about continued CPD Ask about experience with your dog’s specific behavioural issue Check reviews
Any ethical, qualified dog professional will be open, transparent, and happy to refer you on if a case sits outside their scope.
That’s not a weakness…it’s GOOD PRACTICE!
At Wagology, we believe that all behaviour is communication.
When we take the time to understand the emotions driving a dog’s behaviour, we can create meaningful, lasting change, safely, ethically, with your dog’s welfare at the heart of every decision.
If you’re unsure whether your dog needs training or behavioural support, get in touch via our enquiry form.
We’re always happy to have an open & honest conversation, guide you in the right direction, or refer you to the most appropriate specialist for your dog. We have some fantastic trainers & behaviourists in this area.
Your dog isn’t “being difficult”.
They’re communicating and they deserve to be heard