What is a Canine Behaviourist And How does a Canine Behaviourists Work?
  Scotty Valadao – Accredited Animal Behaviourist (Canine) (ABC of SA™)

Who can call themselves a Canine Behaviourist or Canine Behaviour Consultant?
A Canine Behaviourist is a professional who analyses why the problem behaviour the dog is exhibiting is occurring, and brings in modifications to rectify these problems. A Canine Behaviourist will have undergone years of study, have pertinent dog –related qualifications, have attended numerous professional workshops, courses and seminars, and keep themselves up to date reading relevant publications and attending on-going workshops on various aspects of canine behaviour. They will have a practical knowledge of various methods used in behaviour modification such as positive reinforcement, punishment, training schedules, clicker training etc. They will have achieved qualifications in various aspects of canine related activities, such as obedience and puppy Instructors, Animal Related Welfare, canine rehabilitation, veterinary practices, grooming parlours, kennels, Tellington TTouch etc. A Canine Behaviourist will use their understanding and experience of the psychology and behaviour of dogs to help their clients change the dog’s problem behaviour.  As more often than not, the dog’s owner is part of the equation, a behaviourist will have learnt human counseling skills which will be put to use to help to find a solution.
 
An Accredited Canine Behaviourist will belong to an association such as The Animal Behaviour Consultant of SA™ (ABC of SA™) or similar body.

How does a Canine Behaviourist work? After the initial contact has been made, the behaviourist will either request the client to complete a questionnaire to return by e-mail or fax, or will complete same during the consult. This questionnaire is normally very comprehensive and will give the behaviourist a detailed description of the dog’s background as well as the daily interaction between dog and owner. This will highlight areas that need to be worked on to achieve a resolution. Depending on the nature of the problem behaviour, a behaviourist may well ask for the dog to be taken to the vet for a full medical check up to ensure that there are no physical concerns playing a part in the dog’s behaviour. In the case of reactive behaviour, this is always done and I myself, speak to all my clients vets before the consultation, even when no physical problems evident, in order to gain further insight into the client and their dog/s.

During the consultation, which will either take place at the clients home or the behaviourists practice, the behaviourist will observe the dog further and teach the owner how to take control of the situation, how to bring in the modifications and demonstrate how the solutions will occur. A behaviourist does not wave a magic wand, they give the knowledge and tools for the client to rectify the problem behaviour, so that the bond and responsibility of the dog remains the clients. The sooner a behaviourist is called in, the easier the changes will be to implement. After the consultation, the behaviourist will issue the client with comprehensive notes on the modifications to take place and will send a summary to the clients vet. The majority of vets only refer clients to accredited canine behaviour consultants who are members of the Animal Behaviour Consultants of SA™ or a similar organization.

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Although it is not a perquisite, many behaviourists will stay in touch with the clients by e-mail or phone to monitor the progress being made. Depending on the nature of the problem behaviour, a follow up session may be required. A career as a professional canine behaviour consultant is one that involves a passion for dogs, commitment, dedication and good inter-personal skills.

Although this can be a very rewarding career, it can be extremely challenging. As a dog cannot tell you how it feels or what it is thinking, a canine behaviourist needs to have excellent observation skills. As humans are different and individuals, so are dogs, and not all dogs will respond in the same manner, so it is essential for the canine behaviourist to have a full ‘tool box’, in order to make the modifications that are required as well as have in-depth knowledge into the different breeds of dogs and their specific genetic quirks. 

What qualifications do you need to become a canine behaviourist? The full information required from the Animal Behaviour Consultants of SA™ is available on their website, but some of the basic criteria required are:- 

* Proof of counseling skills competency (e.g. Lifeline,   Psychology degree etc)
*Pertinent animal-related qualifications, activities or involvements and animal-related achievements.
*Evidence of attendance of courses/seminars/workshops held under the auspices of the ABC of SA™ or other relevant bodies. *Evidence of practical experience. A minimum of three years relevant, practical experience in a professional or semi-provisional capacity e.g. animal welfare,  animal rehabilitation, veterinary practices, grooming parlours, kennels, training schools etc.
* A practical working knowledge of various methods used in behaviour modification is essential e.g. obedience instruction, positive reinforcements, clicker training, TTouch etc.
*To submit a minimum of two references from two independent veterinarians who have knowledge of your skills and have actually referred cases to you.

Apart from being character references, they must show confidence that you have the competence, knowledge and experience to practice. They should also be able to attest a positive outcome of such cases.

* Four actual case studies. Three of these should concern the respective species category in which you wish to become accredited and one should concern a multi-species (animal) interaction e.g. dog chasing cats. Each study must be formatted as a report (such as could be forwarded to the client’s veterinarian) and should include a report to the owner on the actual methods used to modify the behaviour or solve the problem. This to include a prognosis, follow-up consultations and the eventual outcome of the case. Comprehensive detail on the etiology of the problem behaviour required. For more information and full details of criteria required, visit the website at www.animal-behaviour.org.za  

 To find an accredited behaviourist in your  area please visit http://www.animal-behaviour.org.za/consultants.html

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