12/29/2025
It's that time of year when many of us are looking for training for our dogs to start the new year off right. It's important to remember that we, as veterinarians, are very concerned about both the mental and physical health of your dog. If your dog is showing signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression, they need more than just training; they need appropriate behavior modification from a qualified trainer and or a board certified veterinary behaviorist.
At the bottom of this post, there are links to information on how veterinarians should select trainers to work with their patients and clients, as well as a list of trainer certifications and what they mean. Unfortunately, trainers are not licensed, so anyone, regardless of their experience with dogs, can call themselves a trainer. Some trainers may have letters after their names or call themselves a "behaviorist" when they have no formal education. It is crucial that we entrust our dogs, our family members, to somebody who is going to help them improve.
If a trainer uses the words, alpha, pack, dominance or uses vibration collars, shock collars, leash jerks these are not humane methods. These trainers should be avoided- even if they use food.
We love your pets and want them to stay in your home, which is our ultimate goal for everyone to feel safe.
We wish you the best. If you have any questions, or if your dog or cat is experiencing aggression, fear, anxiety, separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, or noise sensitivity, please let us know. We can help with all of those things. Thank you, and here's to a great 2026.
Key Points
1. Behavioral issues such as fear, anxiety, and aggression are often medical conditions that require appropriate behavior modification, not just obedience training.
2. The dog training industry is unregulated, so it is crucial to verify a trainer's qualifications and education, as anyone can claim the title of trainer or behaviorist.
3. Pet owners should look for trainers with meaningful certifications that require knowledge assessment and continuing education, such as CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) or KPA (Karen Pryor Academy), and be wary of credentials that only require a paid membership fee.
Actionable Takeaways
1. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on qualified trainers they trust for their own and their staff's pets.
2. Before enrolling a dog in classes or boarding at a training facility, verify the trainer's credentials, confirm they engage in continuing education, and ensure the facility is a safe place for your dog.
3. Contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat is experiencing aggression, fear, anxiety, separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, or noise sensitivity, as these are medical conditions that can be helped.
Resources and References
• A guide for veterinarians on how to select trainers to work with their patients and clients.https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.dacvb.org/resource/resmgr/docs/How-to-select-a-trainer-vet.pdf
• A list of certifications for trainers and an explanation of what they mean.
•https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.dacvb.org/resource/resmgr/docs/ACVB_Dog_Training_Orgs_with_.pdf
•https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.dacvb.org/resource/resmgr/docs/US_Animal_Behavior_Professio.pdf
