What is a Behaviorist?

I was recently visiting a professional association’s discussion group.  The hot topic was the improper use of the term “Behaviorist”.  There are so many new trainers calling themselves “Behaviorists”.  The consensus of the group was as I’ve said for years.  True Behaviorists are veterinarians who have done extended studies in behavior or have a degree in applied animal behavior.  There are probably only about 30 in the USA according to the ABS (Animal Behavior Society) which is the recognized registry for Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB) and Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (ACAAB).  This does not mean one not registered with ABS is not using methods that are behavior based.  There are many trainers who are excellent, I mean superb with their timing and understanding of behavior, which will never be certified.  Many organizations require schooling that they may not possess or in some other fashion can not meet the requirements to apply for certification.  I’ve seen many trainers that are certified by one or more organizations and I wouldn’t train with them with the worst dog I’ve ever owned because of their methods.  So how does one select a trainer?  Well, the first thing I want to see is how they train, how they interact with the dog, owner, how they answer questions, what does my gut tell me.  I have people call and want to sit in on a class to see how we train.  Most times they sign up for class, sometimes not.  Sure I want the business but I also understand my method may not be the right one for everyone. I did have a person ask when I would begin correcting the dog with a training (choke) collar, I explained that I can’t correct something if I didn’t take the time to teach what was right and what wasn’t.  That didn’t sit well with her and she mumbled something under her breath and left.  I felt sorry for her poor dog but didn’t loose any sleep because she didn’t like the method I use for training.  Ultimately, I need to be able to look at myself in the mirror each day and know I do no harm.  This does not mean I would never correct a dog, but I do believe that I need to be fair in training.  Dogs do not innately know what is correct for us, they are not of our world.  Their world is pretty small, which is not a bad thing, but it pretty much revolves around them; how do I get my next meal, belly rub, walk, etc.  This is what drives them; it’s a pretty neat world they live in.  Look at it, not too bad!