What is the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behavior specialist consultant?

A dog trainer may  or may not have any training. Most dog training courses are about 6 -12 weeks. A dog trainer is qualified to teach your dog sit, down, stay, come and heel. They may not have education or experience on using positive methods and canine learning and behavior.

A dog behavior consultant (behavior specialist, dog psychologist) has formal education and ongoing education. Most but not all are certified. (certification is new to this field.) All will have knowledge and education in medical contribution to behavior, nutrition, neuropsychology, normal and abnormal behavior, canine body language and communication, brain development stages, positive techniques for modifying behavior and understanding of the science behind the canine brain, behavior and learning. The understanding of what techniques work for modifying behaviors and what won’t work. They should also have the ability of umweldt – understanding and seeing the world through the dogs mind and senses.