When to call on a professional: Don't face difficulties alone
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: call in a professional when progress stalls despite your efforts, or when your dog's behaviour puts you at risk or wears you out (aggression, reactivity, intense fear, separation anxiety). Start with your vet to rule out pain or illness. A dog trainer teaches you to train your dog; a veterinary behaviourist diagnoses and treats behaviour disorders. Choose someone who uses positive methods, never choke, prong or shock collars.
Asking a dog trainer or behaviourist for help isn't a failure: it's a responsible step, for your dog's wellbeing and your own.
When should you call in a professional?
Lately:
Growling or biting: see the vet first. A sudden change in behaviour can come from pain or illness. And in France, if your dog has bitten someone, a veterinary observation procedure is mandatory.
Trainer, behaviourist, vet: who does what?
| Professional | Their role | When to see them |
|---|---|---|
| Dog trainer | Teaches you to train your dog. In France, they must hold a qualification (certification, recognised training or certificate of capacity) and declare their activity to the prefecture. | Lead walking, recall, manners, puppies |
| Behaviourist | Analyses behaviour and suggests solutions. The title isn't protected: check their training and methods. | Reactivity, fears, relationship problems |
| Veterinary behaviourist | A vet trained in behaviour: diagnoses, rules out medical causes and can prescribe treatment. | Aggression, severe anxiety, compulsive disorders |
How do you choose the right professional?
Positive
Reward and motivation. Avoid choke, prong or shock collars.
Training and references
Ask about their qualifications and registration, and for client reviews.
Tailored
A plan suited to your dog and your daily life, not one method for everyone.
Explains clearly
Shows you what to do, corrects your posture and makes you independent.
For a specific problem, one-to-one sessions are often more effective at first. A good professional also helps you manage your own frustration: training is teamwork between you, your dog and them.
7 mistakes that hold training back
Applying the rule "when you have time" is fine.
FALSEInconsistency confuses the dog: if pulling sometimes works, it'll keep doing it. The whole family should apply the same rules.
A choke collar helps correct a dog that pulls.
FALSEAversive methods create fear and anxiety, damage trust and can encourage aggression. See why to avoid choke collars.
A dog lacking exercise learns less well.
TRUEWith pent-up energy it pulls and can't focus. Suitable exercise and scent games help it concentrate.
You should see results within a few days.
FALSEEvery dog learns at its own pace. Set realistic goals, and take a break if you feel frustration building.
A retractable lead is ideal for learning to walk on a lead.
FALSEIt teaches the dog that pulling earns more freedom. Use a fixed 1.5 to 2 m lead and a well-fitted harness.
Better to start training in a busy park to get it used to things.
FALSEToo many distractions stop it learning. Start somewhere quiet, then build up gradually. See lead walking with distractions.
When you reward matters as much as the reward.
TRUEReward within a second or two of the right behaviour, with a treat it loves and praise.
Gear-wise: a well-fitted Confort Y harness and a fixed 1.5 to 2 m lead. For everyday tips: what to do if your dog pulls on the lead.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a dog trainer and a behaviourist?
A trainer teaches you to train your dog (lead walking, recall…). A behaviourist analyses behaviour problems. Only a veterinary behaviourist can make a medical diagnosis and prescribe.
How can I tell if a dog trainer is reputable?
Ask about their training, registration, methods and references. Be wary of anyone who uses or recommends choke, prong or shock collars.
My dog growls: trainer or vet?
Start with the vet to rule out pain, especially if the behaviour is new. They can refer you on.
How many sessions will it take?
It depends on the problem and the dog. For lead walking, a few sessions are often enough; for reactivity or anxiety, expect longer follow-up.
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