Experts
Knowing about dog behavior will help you prevent problems and have a good relationship with your dog. How can you learn more and get help when you need it?
1. Your veterinarian is a resource for dog behavior information. They can refer you to behavior professionals for consultations or classes.
2. Certified experts using evidence-based, humane training methods include:
- Veterinary Behaviorists (Dip ACVB)
- Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB)
- Certified Behavior Consultants (CDBC, CBCC, PCBC-A)
- Certified Dog Trainers (CPDT, PCT-A)
- Veterinary technicians with a behavior specialization (VTS-Behavior)
These professionals focus on the use of force free, positive reinforcement-based methods.

There are several ways to get behavior help for your dog. You can work with a dog trainer, animal behaviorist, or a veterinary professional. To make sure you get qualified help, get referrals from your vet. When interviewing a trainer, ask them what training, degrees, or certifications they have.
Philpotts, I., Dillon, J. & Rooney, N. (2019). Improving the Welfare of Companion Dogs – Is Owner Education the Solution? Animals, 9, 662.
experts Library
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Directory: Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
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The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians
Directory: Find an Animal Behavior Consultant (IAABC)
Directory: Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant
Directory: Find an Animal Behavior Consultant (AVSAB)
Selecting a Behavior Consultant
Directory: American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
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Additional Resources to Support Dogs in Other Environments
SHELTER & RESCUE
Dogs living in shelter or rescue kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, including those caring for dogs in home-based foster systems or rescue networks, are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
PET FAMILIES
Dogs living in homes as family pets face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, support the human-animal bond, keep pets in their homes, and improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
Research & Teaching
Dogs living in research or teaching kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
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