I hear the most horrendous stories of well… blatant animal abuse from people, and some of their experiences with people calling themselves ‘trainers’ or ‘ behaviourists’, all labelled under the guise of ‘dog training or behaviour ’.
The UK dog training and behaviour sector is not formally regulated. Anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist. That creates risk. Poor advice, especially punitive or “balanced” methods using aversives, can worsen behaviour, increase fear, and create new problems.
This blog guides you on how to find a qualified, evidence-led behaviourist or trainer and what to avoid – even if you don’t hire me, PLEASE hire someone qualified!
What “Qualified” Looks Like
A credible behaviourist should be able to show:
• Relevant education
Formal study in animal behaviour, learning theory, or a related field. Typical routes include degree-level study or accredited diplomas.
• Adherence to evidence-based practice. Use of humane, ethical, reward-based methods grounded in learning theory. Clear avoidance of punishment-based techniques that suppress behaviour without resolving cause or that can cause discomfort and pain.
• Professional membership
Registration with recognised organisations that set standards and codes of conduct.
• Insurance and governance
Public liability insurance, written terms, data handling, and clear welfare policies.
• Veterinary collaboration
Willingness to work with your vet and rule out medical causes where relevant.
Check Professional Bodies
Because the sector is not regulated by law, professional bodies act as a proxy for standards. Membership alone is not a guarantee, but it is a useful filter.
- INTODogs (International Organisation for Dog Trainers)
- Maintains a directory of trainers and behaviourists
- Promotes force-free, welfare-led practice
- Requires members to follow a code of ethics and continue professional development (CPD)
- Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)
- Maintains practitioner registers with defined role standards.
- Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)
- Focus on clinical behaviour cases and vet referral work.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Use direct questions. Expect clear answers:
• What methods do you use?
Look for reward-based approaches. If tools like prong collars, shock collars, grot or slip leads are used or suggested for correction, walk away.
• How do you assess behaviour?
Expect a structured history, environment review, and management plan. Not a one-size-fits-all “fix”.
• Do you provide a written plan?
You should receive step-by-step guidance and follow-up support.
• Do you work with vets where needed?
Behaviour can have medical drivers. A credible practitioner recognises this.
• What are your qualifications and memberships?
These should be easy to verify.
Red Flags 🚩
Avoid practitioners who:
- Rely on punishment, corrections, or dominance language and methods
- Offer guarantees or quick fixes
- Ignore context, environment, underlying causes or emotional responses.
- Refuse to share qualifications or references
- Discourage owner involvement or understanding
- Don’t include follow-up sessions after initial consultation.
Punitive approaches can suppress warning signals such as growling. This increases bite risk because the underlying emotion remains.
What Good Practice Looks Like in Sessions
• Focus on reducing fear and stress, not just stopping behaviour
• Use management (set-ups that prevent rehearsal of unwanted behaviour)
• Build alternative behaviours through reinforcement
• Progress at the dog’s pace, with measurable steps
• Provide clear homework and review points
Practical Selection Process
1. Shortlist 2–3 practitioners using the named associations
2. Check qualifications, insurance, and recent case examples
3. Speak to them. Ask the questions above
4. Select based on method, clarity, and fit for your case
5. Review after the first session. Continue only if the approach is consistent with welfare-led practice; if something feels off, question it.
I cannot count how many times I’ve heard people waste their money, time, and, unfortunately, make their dog worse with unqualified people who, quite frankly, are using techniques that are against the current animal welfare act. Please do get in touch if you would like qualified advice.