Companion Animal Behavior & Training

Academic Training: Depending on the position, educational requirements range from a BS to PhD in Animal Sciences, Animal Behavior, Ethology or Applied Psychology. Another academic route to become a behaviorist is as a board certified veterinary behaviorist (DVM). Practical experience in training and working with companion animals is often encouraged or required (see departmental internships for more information).

Opportunities: Private animal behavior consultant or trainer, veterinary behaviorist, service dog trainer (guide dogs, service dogs, hearing ear dogs), pet dog trainer, academic teaching/research

Professional Associations: Animal Behavior Society (ABS), International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE), National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI), American Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)

Sources for Additional Information: Delta Society (service dog training information and standards), Center to Study Human-Animal Relationships and Environments (CENSHARE), Etologisk Institut