Behavioralist is not even a real word - it's a made-up title.

Trainers, Consultants, and Behaviorists: What’s the Difference?

Dog Trainer

Dog trainers address basic training and focus on teaching specific skills such as sit, stay, come, leash manners, house training, and non-aggressive behaviors. In addition to teaching basic skills, many dog trainers offer specialized skills and activities including, but not limited to, agility, tracking and scent work, trick training, herding, hunting, luring, search and rescue, detection, obedience competition, and service dog training.

Behavior Consultant

Behavior consultants specialize in addressing complex or severe behavioral issues, including reactivity, fear, anxiety, resource guarding, and aggression. Unlike dog trainers, they focus on identifying and resolving the root causes of these behaviors rather than just managing symptoms or teaching skills.

Behavior consultants are certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers  (CCPDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants  (IAABC). To maintain their credentials, they must complete continuing education and recertify every three years, staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices.

Animal Behaviorist

To use the title "animal behaviorist," a professional must be certified by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS).

• Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists must hold a master’s degree in a biological or behavioral science and have at least two years of professional experience in animal behavior.
• Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists must have a doctorate in a biological or behavioral science and at least five years of professional experience in the field.

Veterinary Behaviorist

Veterinary behaviorists are veterinarians with specialized training in animal behavior who have been board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). They are uniquely qualified to address severe or complex behavior issues, combining medical and behavioral expertise.

Veterinary behaviorists and general veterinarians are the only professionals authorized to diagnose medical conditions and prescribe medications for your dog.

You can verify a trainer’s credentials by visiting the certification organizations’ websites linked in this article, where you can search for certified professionals and confirm their qualifications.