difference between an animal trainer/behaviorist and psychologist?

[becca114]

I am thinking about my future career and want to work with animals. I want to know the difference between a dog or animal trainer, behaviorist or psychologist? Or do they all do the same thing?

 

[CAYLA]

This may make no sense...but this is how I would describe it.......Psychology... The study of the dog.... allowing the human insight and understanding of the natural behaviour of the dog, understanding different traits and behaviour, and why certain behaviours are carried out.

Behaviourist...those who have a good understanding of the psychology and therefor have a better understanding of working with a behavioural problem(or the owners...in most cases)

Training...someone who trains basic commands, obedience, or a specialised fields...i.e Manwork, gun dog training,and teaches owners.

I have studied canine psychology......however I would say my hands on experience is my real understanding...but to do this as a career and charge for services.....its best to back yourself up with study as well as hands on.

The study is useless unless you have the hands on..I think thats why there are so many useless behaviourists out there...franchises and such.

 

[Nudibranch]

I'd say an animal psychologist is the same thing as an animal behaviourist, i.e. somebody who's done a degree and specialised, e.g. my old primate psychology lecturer. Though I think a lot of the people who work as animal behaviourists wth people's pets haven't studied it at this level, they've been more hands-on, e.g. that guy off Sky, what's his name? Cesar something or other

That's my slightly crap definition anyway!

 

[becca114]

That seems to make sense, thank you