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Should you get a
certified trainer?
Some industries
have standards and regulations. For example, if you show up to
the hospital, you expect to be seen by a real doctor. If you
found out that the person caring for you had no training, you
would have every right to be upset. Frankly, I’m pretty sure
that the hospital would be quite upset to find out that someone
was practicing without a license inside their facility.
Education and
certification can in some industries give you a great place to
start your search. Looking for a mechanic? Then you probably
start with a list of licensed mechanics and work your way to
someone you trust. If you do choose to hire someone who tinkers
on cars as a hobby, then you take the chance they know their
craft.
Certification does
not guarantee that you are dealing with the best. But at least
you know the individual has some formal credentials.
The pet industry is
slightly different. For the most part, there is no regulation.
That’s right, anyone can hang up a shingle today and proclaim
themselves and expert. The only exception is the designation,
“Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.” These individuals have
at least a master’s degree in a related field. They are few and
far between. Most work in top-level jobs in large
organizations. Sure, you might find an exception, but not
often.
There are other
titles you might see. For example:
Dog Psychologist
Behaviorist
Ethiologist
Canine Psychologist
Certified Pet Trainer
Pet Consultant
And on, and on, and on.
Anyone can use any
of these titles regardless of their education, training and
background.
That’s not to say
there aren’t good organizations with specific mandates. Some
focus on education. If you pay your dues, you have the
opportunity to participate and liaison with other trainers.
Some do have screening practices where you must demonstrate
minimum competency. There are schools that trainers can attend
to become a trainer. Some of those schools are quite good.
Some are a money grab.
But, I find that
you can tell a lot about a trainer by the level of honesty you
get from them. Ask – no grill – about qualifications. No one
person knows everything. Continuing education from reputable
organizations should be part of a trainer’s life.
The second someone
gives you a fancy title ask the hard-hitting questions. “What
education do you have to support that title?” Don’t let them
give you a watered down sales pitch for an answer. Ask for
exact credentials. An honest trainer will answer you quickly
and honestly. An honest trainer does not pretend to be
something they are not.
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