Q: What’s the difference between a behaviourist and a trainer?

A clinical animal behaviourist works to understand the emotional and motivational factors driving a behaviour. This involves a detailed assessment of your animal’s history, physical health, environment, learning experiences and overall welfare to identify why the behaviour is occurring. Many behaviour concerns are linked to underlying emotional states such as fear, anxiety, frustration, pain or difficulties with arousal regulation. A trainer typically focuses on teaching specific skills or cues, for example recall, loose lead walking or settling on a mat. Trainers may support implementation of a behaviour plan, but they do not usually carry out comprehensive behavioural assessments or diagnose behavioural disorders. For more complex concerns such as aggression, resource guarding, separation-related behaviours, compulsive behaviours or severe anxiety, a clinical behaviour assessment is recommended.

Q: Can anyone call themselves a behaviourist?

Unfortunately, yes. The term “behaviourist” is not legally protected in the UK , which means anyone can use it – regardless of qualifications or training. That’s why it’s important to check credentials and professional registration before working with someone.

Question 1

What’s the difference between a behaviourist and a trainer?

Accepted Answer

A clinical animal behaviourist works to understand the emotional and motivational factors driving a behaviour. This involves a detailed assessment of your animal’s history, physical health, environment, learning experiences and overall welfare to identify why the behaviour is occurring.

Many behaviour concerns are linked to underlying emotional states such as fear, anxiety, frustration, pain or difficulties with arousal regulation.

A trainer typically focuses on teaching specific skills or cues, for example recall, loose lead walking or settling on a mat. Trainers may support implementation of a behaviour plan, but they do not usually carry out comprehensive behavioural assessments or diagnose behavioural disorders.

For more complex concerns such as aggression, resource guarding, separation-related behaviours, compulsive behaviours or severe anxiety, a clinical behaviour assessment is recommended.

Question 2

Can anyone call themselves a behaviourist?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, yes.

The term “behaviourist” is not legally protected in the UK, which means anyone can use it – regardless of qualifications or training.

That’s why it’s important to check credentials and professional registration before working with someone.

Question 3

How can I ensure my animal’s welfare is protected during training or behaviour work?

Accepted Answer

Look for professionals registered with recognised UK bodies that promote evidence-based, welfare-centred practice.

Key registers include:

FABC – Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians
CCAB – Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist
ABTC – Animal Behaviour and Training Council

I am currently a Candidate Member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC) website and working towards full accreditation. This process typically takes around two years following completion of the required postgraduate training and knowledge assessment.

Professionals on these registers are required to:

Use ethical, science-based methods
Prioritise welfare and emotional wellbeing
Avoid aversive techniques

Aversive methods such as electric shock collars, choke chains, prong collars or fear-based punishment are not consistent with modern behavioural science and can cause harm.

If in doubt, ask a professional what methods they use and why. You deserve transparency.

Question 4

Do you accept multi-animal households?

Accepted Answer

Yes!

Behaviour does not occur in isolation, particularly where multiple animals live together or share an environment. Social dynamics are often central to understanding what is happening.

For clinical accuracy and safety, each individual animal must be formally referred and assessed, even if the primary concern relates to just one. This ensures that:

Welfare is considered for every animal
Interaction between animals are properly evaluated
The behavioural plan is safe and appropriate for the whole household or yard

Discounted rates are available where multiple animals are assessed within the same household or yard.

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