Behaviorist

[JeanT]

"Find a behviorist" is advice often given here (though I do believe I do not read it as frequently now as in the past years). In a current thread a member had a behaviorist evaluate her fearful dog. The dog did well with the behaviorist. The only question that came to my mind was why the behaviorist had not watched the owner work with the dog to see why the owner thought there were problems.

Fortunately there are several very experienced members here who immediately could point out the deficiencies in the behaviorist's evaluation. Their opinions are what give the other thread's OP informed choices.

If I had been that OP and had received the behaviorist's opinion, I would work, work work with the dog and feel that I was the failure. I would also be inclined to feel it was my imagination that the dog was unreliable and that what he needed was for me to learn more and him to be socialized more, perhaps with disaterous consequences.

So, since many of us who would be relying on a "behaviorist" would be doing so because we do not have the experience to know if it is us or the dog, how do we "evaluate the evaluator"?

[Judi W]

Well, I've never recommended one to anyone. I will recommend a good and experienced dog trainer because I believe a good trainer must know and understand behaviors and how to modify them whereas the "behaviorists" seem content to describing. I've not met any that actually put their money where their mouth is working dogs. A wonderful occupation wherein a self-credentialed person gets paid a large some of money.........

[winniecnm]

Perhaps the best referral would be to a working kennel? Who better to evaluate a rottweiler's behavior than someone who competes in SCh... which is a very rigorous assessment of a working dog's abilities?

I would also rather pay someone from a working kennel or sch club to help me out than line the pockets of a "behaviorist". At least then the proceeds would in some way go back into the breed in some small way.

Just a thought or perhaps even a reputed rottweiler rescue agency would evaluate a dog in exchange for a donation?

[Ninasmom]

I think it's a difficult thing for an owner to find a trainer that they trust. When I was in Rochester, I could recommend trainers that I had felt comfortable working with over the years. Word of mouth is a great thing.

Now in Tampa, I haven't met a trainer that I like yet and would not be comfortable recommending anyone, never mind taking my own dog! It's frustrating because I'm itching for a puppy to work with, but won't get one until I find a trainer I like.

[hmeadq]

When our trainer was worried about Doc's "aggression" she refered us to a "behaviorist."

Turns out the lady was not a Doctorite or anything just a very experienced trainer with experience in working breeds (rotties and German shepards primarily) and she does ScH... Best person we could have gone to. Told us we didn't have "aggression" problems she could see (two six week sessions with her confirmed this opinion in her mind) but we did have some owner problems.

Strict NILF program was recommended and Doc is doing great, and now we have backed off NILF a little... I'm glad we ended up seeing more the kind of person Judy described as being better... When I suggested a behaviorist on a previous post that is the kind of person I meant...

[Judi W]

Unfortunately most people who name themselves "behaviorist" have never trainined a dog other than perhaps house manners. You were referred to a good dog trainer.

No one should expect a trainer to fix things for them, but rather to evaluate and coach the owner in techniques.

[mymaggie]

We had a behaviorist in to see our Maggie and I was very happy to find out that she is not agressive and is but is dominent and she is only 11 weeks old. He stated that was great that we cought is not and did not wait until she was to old. I am a little confused with what to do when she does not listen to us when we tell her not to bite? do we just smack our hands or do we smack our hand together and then get out of the room if she does not listen for her to understand that she is not to bite us??? I think that a behaviorist is a GREAT idea, I called him the DOG WHISPERER HA HA HA because he didn't even speak to her and she listened.

[Judi W]

Well, that post just proves my point.

what was so great about this if he gave you no methods to work with your pup? Dominant is a very over-used description and totally relative. Dominant to whom? Even a weak dog can be dominant to an indecisive owner and an 11 week old puppy is not dominant to anyone, only uneducated. I'd suggest that you sign her up for a puppy class and learn how to work with her and in the meantime start teaching things you want her to know. Get a couple of good books and start reading tonight. How to Raise a Puppy You can Live with is a good start.

[lblax]

Originally Posted by JeanT

"Find a behviorist" is advice often given here

ive never suggested one to anyone always a trainer or a training facility the same line of thinking that believes nilif is a way to raise a dog are the ones that suggest the behavorists in most cases if the dog is genetically sound common sense will prevail in training and most of the dogs bad behaviors are fueled by the owners..

[mymaggie]

Judy
thanks for the reply, We will be getting her into puppy classes in Sept. then she will have had all her shots, until then she wont be accepted . I will write and tell about our success with Maggie soon.

Thanks again.

[Judi W]

I just know you will. The most important thing you can do is to be fair to the pup and part of that is knowing what you want and show the pup what you want. It is unfair if you stand and say oh gosh, what to do what to do as this leads the puppy to see/think - hey...... no one is in charge!!! Great deal!

Read a puppy raising book or two and develop some confidence.