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Dog Psychologist, Master Trainer, Pet Behavior Counselor, Animal Whisperer, Certified Trainer, Cat or Dog Therapist, Animal
Communicator... what is behind a name? Anyone can use these labels, and there is no regulatory agency overseeing the use
of these titles. It is truly a case of "buyer beware."
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists are specialists in veterinary behavior medicine. Also called diplomates, they
are doctors of veterinary medicine that have undertaken several more years of specialized study in a residency program after
graduating from vet school. This study is not random. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) sets strict
guidelines for residency training that ensure that their education is thorough and rigorous. The educational program must
first be approved by the College and is directly under the guidance of at least one College diplomate member. Formal training
in neurology, learning theory, normal and abnormal behavior, neuropharmacology, ethology and other related topics is balanced
with teaching and lecturing to students, veterinarians and laypeople (pet owners, humane society staff and other pet lovers.)
They must be the principal researcher in at least one experiment; the results must be published in a peer-reviewed professional
journal.
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The training is not all theory and "book learning." The aspiring veterinary behaviorist is required to see a minimum
of 400 cases under the supervision of their mentor, who must be a diplomate of the ACVB. The candidate must then show proof
of satisfactory completion of the program in order to take a comprehensive, multi-species, 2-day, 16 hour examination. Only
upon completion of this exam with a passing score is the candidate awarded specialist status.
Some work in universities and some in private practice. Because we are veterinarians, we are held to a very high standard
of practice, by our College and by state and federal laws. Trainers, pet counselors or others who are not veterinarians have
limited or no accountability. You have to do your homework and find out exactly what their qualifications are beyond what
they are claiming to be.
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If you seek the help of a veterinary behaviorist, you will know, for sure, what that person's minimum qualifications are.
Many of our members have had training and experience beyond those minimum requirements and have interests in breed rescue,
shelter and humane organization issues, agility or obedience dog competition, assistance and working dog training, zoo and
exotic species or animal welfare.
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©2006-2009 Soraya V. Juarbe-Diaz, DVM, DACVB
Last updated on
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