Do I Need a Dog Trainer or a Behaviourist?
Understanding behaviour often starts with curiosity and observation.
If you're struggling with your dog's behaviour, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different terms used in the dog industry.
Dog trainer.
Dog behaviourist.
Behaviour consultant.
Canine behaviour specialist.
It's no wonder many owners find themselves wondering:
"Who do I actually need?"
The good news is that you don't need to have all the answers before seeking help.
In fact, one of the most common things I hear from owners is:
"I'm not really sure whether this is a training issue or a behaviour issue."
And that's perfectly okay.
Let's look at the difference.
What Is Dog Training?
Dog training is primarily about teaching skills.
This might include things such as:
Loose lead walking
Settling on a mat
Focus and attention around distractions
Calm greetings
General manners at home and out on walks
Training helps dogs learn behaviours that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable for both dog and owner.
For example, if your puppy hasn't yet learned how to walk on a loose lead, training can help teach them the skills they need to navigate walks successfully.
Similarly, if your dog struggles to come back when called, training can help build a reliable recall.
In simple terms:
Training focuses on teaching dogs what to do.
What Is Behaviour Support?
Behaviour support focuses on understanding why behaviour is happening.
Many behaviour concerns are influenced by underlying emotions, experiences, learning history, health, environment, or a dog's ability to cope with a situation.
Examples might include:
Fear of visitors
Separation-related distress
Noise sensitivities
Difficulties around handling or grooming
Excessive barking
Struggling to settle
Anxiety in certain situations
When behaviour is driven by emotions such as fear, anxiety, frustration, stress, or overwhelm, simply teaching a new cue is rarely enough.
Instead, we need to understand what the dog is experiencing and help them feel differently about the situations they find difficult.
In simple terms:
Behaviour support focuses on understanding why a dog is behaving in a particular way and helping them develop better coping strategies.
Sometimes It's Both
This is where things often become confusing.
Many dogs benefit from both training and behaviour support.
For example, imagine a dog who barks and lunges at other dogs on walks.
At first glance, it might look like a training problem.
However, the behaviour may be driven by:
Fear
Frustration
Excitement
Previous experiences
Pain or discomfort
A combination of factors
Teaching the dog to walk politely on a loose lead may be helpful, but unless we address the underlying emotion, the behaviour is likely to return.
Similarly, a dog who struggles to settle at home may benefit from training exercises, but we may also need to consider stress levels, sleep, environment, routine, or physical discomfort.
This is why effective support often combines both training and behaviour work.
Why the Difference Matters
Understanding whether a problem is primarily a training issue, a behaviour issue, or a combination of both helps ensure that your dog receives the most appropriate support.
It can also help avoid frustration.
Many owners spend months trying to train their way out of a behaviour problem, only to discover that their dog's emotions, stress levels, or physical wellbeing were playing a much bigger role than they realised.
When we understand the reason behind behaviour, we can create a plan that addresses the cause rather than simply trying to manage the symptoms.
Choosing the Right Professional
One thing that can make this particularly confusing for dog owners is that the dog training and behaviour industry in the UK is largely unregulated.
This means that anyone can describe themselves as a dog trainer or behaviourist, regardless of their qualifications, experience, or understanding of behaviour.
When seeking support for more complex behavioural concerns such as reactivity, resource guarding, separation-related behaviours, fear, anxiety, or aggression, it's worth looking beyond job titles alone.
Consider asking:
What qualifications do they hold?
Do they regularly undertake continuing professional development (CPD)?
Are they members of recognised professional organisations?
Do they use reward-based, ethical training methods?
Will they work alongside your veterinary team when appropriate?
A good professional should be happy to explain their approach, qualifications, and how they can support both you and your dog.
Common Examples
Training Support May Be Appropriate For:
Recall
Calm greetings
Focus around distractions
General life skills
Behaviour Support May Be More Appropriate For:
Reactivity towards dogs or people
Fearful behaviour
Separation-related concerns
Resource guarding
Visitor issues
Anxiety
Noise sensitivities
Sudden changes in behaviour
Every dog is an individual, and many dogs benefit from a combination of both training and behaviour support. If you're unsure where your dog fits, don't worry — that's exactly what I'm here to help with.
What If I'm Not Sure?
Most owners aren't sure.
Dogs don't neatly fit into categories, and behaviour is often more complex than it first appears.
The important thing is not whether you choose the perfect label.
The important thing is getting the right support.
If you're unsure where to start, tell me a little about your dog and what's been happening. Together we can identify the most appropriate next step and create a plan that supports both you and your dog.
Final Thoughts
Dog training and behaviour support aren't competing approaches.
They work hand in hand.
Training helps dogs learn useful skills.
Behaviour support helps us understand the emotions and experiences driving behaviour.
By looking beyond what our dogs are doing and considering how they are feeling, we can provide support that creates meaningful and lasting change.
Because behaviour isn't simply about what we see on the surface.
It's about understanding the dog underneath.
About the Author
Vivienne Moore is a Certified and Accredited Dog Behaviourist and Trainer based in Norfolk and the founder of Walkies Dog Behaviour & Training.
She holds a Distinction in Level 5 Canine Behaviour, is an Accredited Canine Behaviourist (ACB-KSA), a Certified Behaviour Practitioner (PCT-A), an ACE Certified Practitioner, and a Kids Around Dogs Approved Professional. Vivienne is a full Accredited member of the Association of INTODogs and is able to display the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter logo, providing reassurance that her work meets recognised professional and ethical standards.
Vivienne specialises in helping dogs struggling with reactivity, fear, anxiety, frustration, and other behavioural challenges using ethical, reward-based methods that focus on understanding the emotions driving behaviour.
Through one-to-one consultations, practical training, and behaviour support, she helps owners better understand their dogs and create lasting, positive change.
