
09/10/2024
What's the difference between a qualified behaviourist and a trainer? Well in my experience most trainers just have training goals, whereas a decent behaviourist will evaluate the issue and determine the cause before any goals are set.
Understanding dog behaviour is harder than you may think, and lots of behaviours are misinterpreted. Tail wagging being the prominent example.
Did you know dogs wag their tails for a number of reasons, not just to express happiness? I worked with a dog recently whose owner was confused by her dogs reaction to visitors because 'her tail was wagging but she was growling'. A previous trainer had told the owner to punish the dog for growling. I never punish a dog for growling. Growling is a warning sign, take away the growling and you are left with a dog that gives no warnings π€·ββοΈ
Here's a diagram I found online that shows some of the signs of stress. Hopefully it'll help someone to understand their dog a little bit better π