Animal Behaviorist.

As a consumer, it’s important to understand the role of an animal behaviorist or certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB), and how they can help you and your furry friend. In addition, animal behaviorists are specialists who work with animals to help resolve problematic behaviors, improve relationships between animals and their owners, and maintain the overall welfare of animals. In this article, we will delve into what an animal behaviorist is, what they do, and how to find a certified animal behaviorist.

What is an Animal Behaviorist?

An animal behaviorist is a professional who specializes in the behavior and psychology of animals. They have received specialized training and education in animal behavior and use this knowledge to help resolve behavior problems in pets and other animals.

What Do Animal Behaviorists Do?

Animal behaviorists help resolve a wide range of behavior problems in pets and other animals. Some of the most common problems they help with include:

Aggression.

Animals can display aggressive behaviors for a variety of reasons, including fear, anxiety, territoriality, and dominance. Animal behaviorists work with owners to identify the cause of the aggressive behavior and develop a behavior modification plan to reduce or eliminate it.

Separation anxiety: Some pets become anxious when left alone and can display destructive or disruptive behaviors, such as barking, chewing, or digging. Animal behaviorists help owners understand the cause of the anxiety and develop a behavior modification plan to reduce or eliminate it.

Separation anxiety, anxiety and fear.

Pets can become fearful or anxious in response to a variety of stimuli, including loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. Animal behaviorists help owners understand the cause of the fear or anxiety and develop a behavior modification plan to reduce or eliminate it.

House-training problems.

Pets can have difficulties with house-training for a variety of reasons, including improper training methods, medical conditions, and anxiety. Animal behaviorists help owners understand the cause of the house-training problem and develop a behavior modification plan to resolve it.

Destructive behavior.

Pets can display destructive behaviors, such as chewing, digging, or scratching, for a variety of reasons, including boredom, anxiety, and lack of exercise. Animal behaviorists help owners understand the cause of the destructive behavior and develop a behavior modification plan to reduce or eliminate it.

Other behavior problems.

Animal behaviorists can help with a wide range of other behavior problems, including barking, jumping, excessive licking, and more.Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB).

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB).

The Animal Behavior Society (ABS) is the leading organization in the field of animal behavior and provides a directory of certified animal behaviorists on their website. ABS certifies animal behaviorists based on their education, experience, and knowledge in the field of animal behavior. The ABS certification provides assurance to pet owners that the certified animal behaviorist has the necessary qualifications and expertise to address behavior problems in pets.

One resource provided by the ABS is the Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) program. To become a CAAB, an individual must have a graduate degree in a relevant field, such as biology, psychology, or veterinary medicine, and have completed at least two years of experience in the field of animal behavior. CAABs must also pass a comprehensive exam and agree to adhere to the ABS Code of Ethics.

The Animal Behavior Society offers a certification program for individuals with expertise in animal behavior. This program recognizes individuals who have received education in the field of animal behavior from a USDE or CHEA accredited college or university. The objective of the certification program is to ensure that professional animal behaviorists meet specific standards, to educate clients and employers about their qualifications, to provide public access to professional advice, and to increase public confidence in animal behavior professionals.

To become a certified applied animal behaviorist, an individual must have a strong background in biology, psychology, and animal behavior. They must also have practical experience working with animals and a deep understanding of animal behavior. The certification process includes a written examination and a practical evaluation, and individuals must meet certain continuing education requirements to maintain their certification.

There are two levels of certification.

Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB).

ACAAB.

The ACAAB certification requires a master’s degree in a biological or behavioral science, two years of professional experience in applied animal behavior, endorsement from three animal behavior professionals, membership with the Animal Behavior Society, and professional liability insurance.

The CAAB certification requires a doctoral degree in a biological or behavioral science, five years of professional experience, or a DVM plus two years in a university-approved residency in animal behavior and three additional years of experience, endorsement from three animal behavior professionals, and professional liability insurance. Both certifications are valid for five years and must be renewed annually.

Certification by the Animal Behavior Society demonstrates to the public, colleagues, and peers that the certificant meets the educational, experiential, and ethical standards required for professional applied animal behaviorists. It does not guarantee specific knowledge or competence.

CAAB.

The Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) is a higher level of professional certification and requires a doctoral degree in a biological or behavioral science with an emphasis on animal behavior, including five years of professional experience, or a DVM (or VMD) plus two years in a university-approved residency in animal behavior, and three additional years of professional experience in applied animal behavior. The individual must also demonstrate their thorough knowledge of the literature, scientific principles, and principles of animal behavior, and provide evidence of original contributions or original interpretations of animal behavior information. Additionally, the individual must provide three letters of recommendation from animal behavior professionals, with at least one from a currently certified ABS member, and demonstrate their experience working with a particular species before working independently in a clinical animal behavior setting.

The Animal Behavior Society’s Certification program is aimed at recognizing the professional training and, educating the public and potential clients and employers, assisting the public in identifying certified professionals, creating public confidence in the advice and opinions of applied animal behaviorists, and providing public and private clients access to professional advice in matters concerning animal behavior.

Another resource provided by the ABS is the Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) program. ACAABs must have a graduate degree in a relevant field and have completed at least one year of experience in the field of animal behavior. They must also pass a comprehensive exam and adhere to the ABS Code of Ethics.

How to Find a Certified Animal Behaviorist.

Pet owners can find a certified animal behaviorist by visiting the ABS website and using their search function to find a certified behaviorist in their area. The ABS website also provides information on what to expect during a consultation with a certified animal behaviorist and how to prepare for the consultation.

It’s important to find a certified applied animal behaviorist who is a good fit for you and your animal. You can ask potential behaviorists about their education and experience, their approach to solving behavioral problems, and their success rate. You can also ask for references from other clients and read online reviews.

When you work with a certified applied animal behaviorist, it’s important to be open and honest about your animal’s behavior and to provide as much information as possible about their background and history. They will conduct a thorough evaluation of your animal and will work with you to develop a customized behavior modification plan.

Behavior modification.

The behavior modification plan may involve using positive reinforcement techniques, such as reward-based training, to encourage desired behaviors and discourage undesired behaviors. In some cases, medication may also be used to help modify an animal’s behavior.

It’s important to remember that modifying an animal’s behavior takes time and patience. You’ll need to be consistent and persistent in following the behavior modification plan, and you may need to make some lifestyle changes to support the process. With the right help and support, however, most animal behavior problems can be successfully resolved.

References:

1. Animal Behavior Society. (n.d.). About ABS. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/about-abs
2. Animal Behavior Society. (n.d.). Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAABs). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/caab
3. Animal Behavior Society. (n.d.). Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (ACAABs). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/ac-aab
4. American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. (2021). What is a veterinary behaviorist? Retrieved from https://www.dacvb.org/what-is-a-veterinary-behaviorist
5. Association of Professional Dog Trainers. (2021). Understanding the role of animal behaviorists. Retrieved from https://www.apdt.com/pet-owners/choosing-a-trainer/animal-behaviorists/
6. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2021). Animal behavior resources. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/animal-behavior
7. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. (2021). Find a consultant. Retrieved from https://www.iaabc.org/consultants
8. Association of Professional Dog Trainers. (2021). Understanding the role of animal behaviorists. Retrieved from https://www.apdt.com/pet-owners/choosing-a-trainer/animal-behaviorists/
9. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2021). Animal behavior resources. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/animal-behavior
10. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. (2021). Find a consultant. Retrieved from https://www.iaabc.org/consultants

 

By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Behavior Consultant Canine.