Dog Trainers and Dog Behaviorists…
A dog trainer and a dog behaviorist both work with dogs to improve their behavior, but their approaches, expertise, and goals are quite different. Understanding the difference between these two professionals can help dog owners determine which one they need based on their dog’s specific challenges.
A dog trainer, like Tom Savoca, owner of Dog Training Does Matter in South Florida, primarily focuses on teaching dogs obedience commands, manners, and general skills that improve their behavior and relationship with their owners. Trainers work on basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel, as well as more advanced skills like leash walking, recall, and tricks. They also help correct common issues such as jumping, excessive barking, and pulling on the leash. Dog trainers typically work with dogs of all ages, but early training is especially beneficial for puppies to help them develop good habits.
For example, if a dog owner in Coral Springs, Margate, or North Lauderdale has a young puppy that needs to learn basic obedience and socialization skills, a trainer like Tom Savoca would be the perfect choice. Through structured programs like private lessons and group training, Dog Training Does Matter helps dogs develop good manners in a controlled, supervised environment.
On the other hand, a dog behaviorist specializes in addressing more complex behavioral issues that often stem from psychological, emotional, or environmental factors. Behaviorists typically have advanced education in animal behavior, psychology, or ethology and work on problems such as severe aggression, extreme fear, separation anxiety, or compulsive behaviors. They analyze the underlying causes of these behaviors and develop detailed behavior modification plans. Unlike trainers, behaviorists focus on reshaping a dog’s emotional responses rather than just teaching commands.
For example, if a dog in North Lauderdale is displaying severe aggression towards other dogs due to past trauma or poor socialization, a behaviorist might use counterconditioning and desensitization techniques to help the dog feel more comfortable around others. While trainers can help with mild reactivity or basic socialization, extreme cases of aggression or phobias often require a behaviorist.
In many situations, the expertise of a dog trainer and a behaviorist can complement each other. For instance, a behaviorist might work with a severely anxious dog to modify their emotional response to triggers, and then refer the owner to a trainer like Tom Savoca at Dog Training Does Matter to reinforce positive behaviors and obedience skills.
For most dog owners looking to improve basic manners, housetraining, obedience, and socialization, a professional trainer like Tom Savoca is the best choice. His North Broward-based training programs provide structured, positive reinforcement training to ensure dogs are well-behaved, responsive, and confident in their environments.
Understanding the difference between a trainer and a behaviorist helps dog owners make informed decisions about their pet’s needs. Whether your dog requires obedience training or more in-depth behavioral modification, working with a professional like Tom Savoca and Dog Training Does Matter ensures you’re on the right path to having a well-behaved and happy companion.
