• There are dog trainers. 
  And there are trainers who have studied to work as behavior consultants and behavior modification specialists.
   

• There are veterinarians. 
  And there are veterinarians who specialize in behavior.  And there are a growing number veterinary behaviorists with a degree - but they are harder to find and often require long-distance consults. 

Veterinarians are often the first person a pet owner asks for behavior advice, even though their DVM's field of expertise is physical health, not behavior and training.   We are thrilled to be working in conjunction with Dr. Megan Cathey DVM of ABC Behavior Consulting who works with Diamonds in the Ruff behavior consultants to create a complete behavior work-up for you and your pets' needs.

Dog trainers specialize in teaching manners, skills, and putting behavior on cue - resolving unwanted habits through training.  The focus is on operant behavior.  The resolution of behavior issues that stem from emotional responses like fear, anxiety, and aggression goes far beyond teaching cues and training.  Not all dog trainers are knowledgable enough to develop a comprehensive behavior modification plan.  Teaching a growling dog to be quiet can make him MORE dangerous, not less.  When there is an emotional component, the answer is desensitization and classical counter conditioning.  The art of changing emotional states and conditioned associations takes a different skillset than that of a basic obedience instructor.

A dog trainer can help you teach your dog to go in his crate on cue.  A behavior specialist can help address the emotional component and confidence building for the dog who is afraid to be left alone.  The behavior modification plan may be mediated by non-prescription interventions like Thundershirts, over-the-counter calming supplements, DAP sprays, etc.  But when separation stress becomes true separation anxiety - which is a panic disorder, not a training issue - you may need the help of prescription medication under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian.  In this case, you need a triage of care:  you, your behavior/training specialist, and your veterinarian working together to come up with solutions and support for your troubled dog.

THERE IS NO MAGIC PILL that fixes problem behavior.  Basic training takes practice, dedication, patience and time.
Developing and implementing a behavior modification plan requires the above PLUS attention to detail and dedication to follow the plan as directed.  Medication FACILITATES behavior modification.  It doesn't fix problem behavior.  It can make it possible for behavior to change, with the help of your behavior consultant. and by following their behavior protocols, in addition to the recommended Rx by your veterinarian.