Which pet professional do you need?

The Difference between a Dog Walker, Trainer & Behaviourist

I’ve spoken to a lot of people since opening Good Karma Canines, who have reached out, hoping that booking a dog walker will help with what has sometimes been quite complex and difficult behaviour they are seeing from their dogs.  Dog Walking (like training and behaviour) is currently unregulated, so it can be tricky for dog owners to know where to look for help.

Group dog walks are not the place to deal with reactivity, nor are they going to help an excitable dog, that has a tendency to become overstimulated, learn how to remain calm and focused. 

And while I can certainly assist with an additional layer of training for things like loose lead or recall, if the owner hasn’t a clue what to do on their walks, they’re not going to get the results.  Training works when everyone is on the same page and clients can become frustrated when their dog ‘behaves’ for the dog walker, but not for them!

I’m going to list out the different areas Pet Professionals can help. This should explain the difference between a Dog Walker, Trainer & Behaviourist.

Dog Walker

  • Walks or visits when your dog will be left home alone.  Helps prevent boredom and allows for some company, stimulation and of course access to the outdoors for toileting.
  • Walks or visits when work or family commitments leave owners stretched for time. 
  • Walks with other dogs for those that enjoy the company of other canines.
  • Consistent routine and regular exercise and enrichment for your dog when schedules are hectic and tend to change last minute.
  • Sickness or injury cover for when dog owners cannot physically get outside to go for walkies.
  • Puppies Pre Vaccination – home visits for brain games, basic training, getting them used to their harness and lead, feeding and toileting.
  • Puppies Post Vaccination – increased opportunity for socialisation and help with carefully introducing puppy to the big wide world (cars, bikes, small children, other dogs…)
  • An additional layer of training and time to go over the basics – loose lead, recall, impulse control.

Dog Trainer

  • General manners – help with pulling on the lead, jumping up at visitors, recall training and impulse control
  • Polite behaviour around other dogs
  • Life Skills – help with crate training, teaching puppy to settle
  • Dog Sports – agility, flyball, hoopers
  • Scent Detection
  • Trick Training
  • Pre-puppy arrival advice – help with setting up the equipment you will need for your puppy (puppy pen/crate etc), advice with helping your puppy settle in those first days and weeks, toilet training, selecting appropriate dog walking equipment.

Canine Behaviourist

  • Reactivity
  • Resource Guarding
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Aggression
  • Compulsive Behaviours

An ethical, force-free canine behaviourist will help you first understand why your dog is behaving the way they are and implement some management protocols and then put together a plan to help.  Most offer ongoing help and support along the way.

I’ve already mentioned, canine behaviour and training is not regulated. It’s important to check credentials and be aware there are 101 online courses you can do very quickly, for very little money that offer ‘qualifications’.  For a Behaviourist I would personally look for someone who has a Bachelors or Masters degree in animal behaviour or similar and is registered with a recognised body like the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC).  For a Trainer, someone who has studied through a recognised organisation like the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), would be a good place to start. Of course, along with formal studies, practical experience of working with owners and their dogs is important too.

LINKS

Animal Behaviour & Training Council
https://abtc.org.uk/

Institute of Modern Dog Trainers

https://www.imdt.uk.com/find-a-qualified-imdt-trainer

You can read more about different types of Dog Walking Services HERE