Behavior On-Line
American College of
Veterinary Behaviorists.
www.dacvb.org. Offers a listing of
veterinary behaviorists.
Animal Behavior
Society, which offers a list of certified
applied animal behaviorists at
www.animalbehavior.org. They must have a doctoral degree in a
science with an emphasis on animal behavior. They also must have at least
five years' experience in the field or hold a doctorate in veterinary
medicine, and they must have spent two years in training as a resident in
animal behavior. The society offers a second type of certification
associate applied animal behaviorist, which requires a master's degree in a
science with an emphasis in animal behavior. In both cases, the society
grants certification to members who meet the criteria minimum
education, experiential and ethical standards to the best of the
society's knowledge. "Certification does not constitute a guarantee that the
applicant meets a specific knowledge," according to its Web site.
American Veterinary
Society of Animal Behavior, which offers
referrals at
www.avma.org/avsab An organization of
veterinarians, its members share an interest in understanding, teaching and
treating behavior problems in animals. Members range widely from those
casually interested in animal behavior to board-certified specialists.
Association of Pet
DogTrainers, which offers tips on choosing
trainer and lists members at
www.apdt.com. Click on the "Trainer Search" button. A
4,000-member educational association, it encourages members to train dogs
through positive reinforcement and rewards, not punishment. Membership
doesn't necessarily ensure all members employ similar positive training
methods," nor does the Association set standards of skill or competence,"
its Web site notes. Be sure to interview and screen trainers carefully to
be sure you're comfortable having them work with your dog. Some offer
classes and camps for reactive dogs. Phone: 800-PET-DOGS.
Certification
Council for Pet Dog Trainers, which lists
certified trainers at
http://ccpdt.org. Certification requires at least 300 hours of
dog training experience and passing an exam.
National
Association of Dog Obedience Instructors,
which lists member trainers at
www.nadoi.org. Membership requires that trainers pass a written
test, undergo evaluation by peers and have five years experience.
International
Association of Canine Professionals, which
lists its trainers at
www.dogpro.org. This membership organization for dog
trainers, veterinarians, dog groomers, kennel managers and other canine
professionals offset trainers a Basic Trainer Skills Exam for an
extra fee. The exam requires six letters of reference, videotape footage of
the trainer in action and written descriptions of their cases in which the
trainer tackled problem behaviors. Trainers who pass the test earn a
certificate of achievement, though that's not required for membership in the
organization.
International
Association of Animal Behavior Consultants:
iaabc.org
American College of
Veterinary Behavorist, diplomats of the
ACVB whom your veterinarian can contact,
www.dacvb.com/Diplomates.htm
Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors animalbehaviorcounselors.org
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