Hi! I Haven't been on leerburg for a while.. now I am having withdrawls! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> miss it!
Got some fuzzy questions... searched and nothing
So, I know alot of us consider ourselves to be, or are by profession, dog trainers, animal trainers, and "animal behaviorists". I am starting some small classes locally where I live and for marketing purposes it was suggested I get a "certification" in animal behavior with the The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. web page
Is this some phony organization? or It is respected?
Would you reccommend the contributing authors for their knowledge and methods supplied in their curriculum for the cert.?
Is this really gonna help he sell my services versus "joe schmo" the other dog trainer in the phone book?
What would be the main difference in a trainer and behaviorist, as I would think they are synonomous- or atleast should be?
Is there a college offering animal behavior courses?
Bounce some ideas back please and recommend other certs. I should get that will matter. I embrace and enjoy the behavioral side (mental) of training some trainers forget.

Thanks! Alison Voore, now back in TX but still dog-less...

I googled IAABC, then I Googled IAABC including the word scam then complaint. I recommend you do the same, try other words too both pro and con.

Searched google, but I'd also like the opinion of the leerburg folks since I know there's alot of knowledge and experience out there.
Would it be worth it to go through the curriculum to get the certificate to be a animal behavioral consultant? Is anyone certified here on the board?

 Quote:

.....What would be the main difference in a trainer and behaviorist, as I would think they are synonomous- ......Bounce some ideas back please and recommend other certs...

http://www.animalbehaviorassociates.com/career_cert.htm

Several orgs linked here:
http://pets.ansci.uiuc.edu/careers/compan_behvr_traing.cfm

http://www.animalbehavior.org/Applied/abspamplet.html

http://www.mypetsbehavior.com/whycertified.htm

This is just my opinion, but.....

I have yet to meet or even hear of an "animal behaviorist" that was worth a flip. And I've been doing this a long time.
They almost never have an actual background in dog/pet training that would allow them to put their "theories" into practice.

Give me a competent trainer any day versus a behaviorist with no practical experience.

Red,
That was a very well written response!!

You get the "common sense" award for the week, for sure! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Alison,

I recently started my own dog training business which includes the behavoral aspect as well. I can tell you that after only a few months that my business has been primarily clients who have heard about me through other clients. I do not advertise and am very busy.

At least 50% of the people I work with call me to work with their dogs who have behavoral issues that they cant deal with. Do your job well, treat people fairly and with respect and you won't have a problem once the word gets out. It doesn't matter what peice of paper you have...what matters is that you know what you are doing and your customers are happy with the service you provide. Good luck

Howard

Howard

Ooh - Ooh; What Connie said, what she said.

Jäger is with me every time I leave the house because he's my service dog in training. Invariably the conversation goes:
Them: That's a great dog. Who trained him?
Me: I did it myself.
Them: How much it will cost for you to train my dog like that.
Me: I'm not in that business.
Them: You should be, I'd pay to have my dog act like that.

Connie's right, a well behaved dog is a joy and your dog will have you turning down business in short order. Look for dog friendly business' like Home Depot or Lowes and showcase your work.