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This article was originally printed in the Jan/Feb 2026 issue of the California Veterinarian magazine.
Veterinarians encounter behavioral cases every day, from counseling a new puppy owner to diagnosing separation anxiety. However, the constraints of the daily schedule often prevent practitioners from spending enough time to fully address these issues. So, what is a veterinarian to do?
We are often in a quandary about which clients to send to training. Unlike veterinary medicine, dog training is not a licensed profession in any state, meaning that anyone can call themselves a “trainer,” “behaviorist,” or “canine aggression specialist.” These individuals can range from someone who has an excellent skillset in training dogs, to someone who trained their dog during 4-H camp. Therefore, it is vital to understand the concepts of humane and evidence-based training so that we can “vet” trainers for our clients.
Where to start?
Humane, positive-reinforcement training is the gold (and silver and bronze) standard for dog training. This approach focuses on teaching the dog what to do by rewarding desired behaviors, versus telling it what NOT to do via punishment.
If a trainer’s objective is to simply control or eliminate behaviors—especially when the dog’s emotional state is not addressed—they are likely using aversive methods to suppress behavior by way of fear, which can lead to greater behavioral fallout like anxiety or aggression.
Trainers who use humane training methodologies focus on addressing the situation by teaching the dog (and owner) new cues, while also managing the environment to set everyone up for success. They are not “cookie pushers” or “purely positive,” but instead understand the intricacies of supporting dogs’ inner health.
Identifying trainers often starts with word of mouth, but it cannot end there. You can start by digging through their websites and social media platforms to get into the nuts and bolts of their methodologies. Once you have whittled away to a more manageable list, the GOLD STANDARD for evaluating whether you will refer to a specific trainer is by visiting them in person without a dog. If they do not allow that, immediately cross them off your list.
Homework before visiting trainers
Verbiage
There are a lot of acronyms and other mumbo jumbo to wade through when looking for a trainer. See the box below for phrases for which to be on the lookout.
Pictures/Videos
Pictures are worth 1,000 words, meaning videos are worth even more! One thing to look for is the tools that the dogs wear. Avoid trainers who utilize or recommend prong or choke collars, and favor those who utilize harnesses. Does the dog seem to have an extra collar around its neck while the handler holds something in their hand or wears it on a lanyard (especially if the dog is off leash)? These can indicate the use of shock collars. You may have to dig deep into their social media accounts to look for these things.
Links
Some links on a trainer’s website are neutral, such as referrals to local pet stores or rescue groups. Other links can help you identify some of their ideologies and recommended tools. If they have a link for something on their Amazon store, see what products they are selling.
Phrases that can signal trainers utilize humane training methods:
Phrases that can signal trainers utilize humane training methods:
Humane, positive-reinforcement training is the gold (and silver and bronze) standard for dog training. This approach focuses on teaching the dog what to do by rewarding desired behaviors, versus telling it what NOT to do via punishment.”
Certifications
Here is where the alphabet soup comes into play. CPDT? IAABC-CDT? CSAT? DACVB? Many, many organizations offer “credentialing” for dog trainers and behaviorists. Some of these organizations have rigorous standards, while others will “credential” someone for the cost of attending their online course. While no state licenses dog trainers, several third-party certifications indicate a commitment to humane, science-based methods.
Visiting trainers in person
You can count yourself lucky if you have found a handful of trainers who passed the “homework” part. Once you then visit the trainer, one positive attribute would be that the trainer spends time teaching in a professional and supportive manner. Another is that they are constantly watching the dogs and adjusting as needed, such as if the dog starts to display anxiety. Additionally, the training facility should be clean and safe, appropriate healthcare recommendations must be followed (i.e., vaccine requirements), and animal and human comfort should be taken into consideration.
Selecting a trainer who is qualified, uses humane methods, and possesses baseline knowledge of animal behavior is a key part of your practice. Good marketing skills do not make a good trainer. Cards and brochures displayed in your practice carry implicit endorsement. The only way you can make a more educated referral is to learn about their methodologies and visit them in person.
Additional Reading
The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists developed documents summarizing organizations and provides helpful handouts on how to select a trainer. Click here to view the resources.
The topic of Dr. Bain’s presentations at the CVMA’s 2026 Spring Seminar will be behavior. Join us on April 10–12, 2026, in person at Yosemite or virtually to attend Dr. Bain’s sessions! See page 18 for more details.
Dr. Melissa Bain is a professor of clinical animal behavior at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and is board-certified by both the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the American College of Animal Welfare. In 2016, Dr. Bain was selected as the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year, and in 2019, she received the Companion Animal Welfare Award from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
It’s Not About Politics….It’s About Your Profession. The CVMA-PAC is a bipartisan political action committee whose purpose is to educate state legislators and candidates on issues of importance to the veterinary profession
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