I was asked to write an article describing the differences between a dog trainer and a behaviorist. When I accepted, I thought this would be a rather straight forward definition, but the more I think the more the two overlap. Overlap or not, though, there is a difference, and the difference is important.
Behaviorists are different than dog trainers perhaps most strikingly in their approach.
Behaviorists look backwards to determine the etiology of the behavior in order to determine which method of modification is best, or to decide, in some cases, that the behavior cannot be sufficiently modified to satisfy the owners and be safe. Behaviorists certainly use classical dog training as an essential technique, but they go through extensive diagnostics first. Dog trainers look forward and set their goal on a particular behavior and then implement standard training techniques. Dog trainers usually have a set program that their clients enroll in. There is puppy kindergarten, C.G.C. training, handling classes, obedience and sometimes scent or guard dog work.