-
Quick CATCH question
I completed the CATCH Master Class last fall and want to make sure that I am representing myself accurately. Can I call myself a Behavioral Consultant? BTW – this program was fantastic and I feel very well prepared in my new career.
-
4 Replies
-
Hi Tammy, Graduating CATCH Master Class is no small thing! Congratulations!! Master Class graduates who pass all exams and their skill evaluations earn the CCDT – CATCH Certified Dog Trainer.
Behavior Consultant is usually a term reserved for those who have additional skills and training in working with behavior cases. CCPDT and IAABC are two organizations who certify behavior consultants.
There’s no regulation of any term in our industry, but among colleagues, it’s usually respected that a behavior consultant is different from a trainer due to more experience with helping people deal with issues like separation anxiety and aggression.
Behaviorist is another unregulated term – but usually it implies a PhD in either veterinary behavior or applied animal behavior.
Some trainers like to call out their interests and specialties by saying “certified trainer specializing in X behaviors”.
Congrats again on your success!
-
Thank you
-
I have a doctorate in clinical psychology so extensive training in behaviorism with people. Would that change anything?
-
Hi Tammy, You can absolutely add your PhD to your marketing materials and call out your behavior expertise as well. It surely separates you from the rest of the trainers. Again, with no regulation or standards it is up to the individual trainer to decide what language to use.
That said, in my experience, pet owners want solutions, and your reputation for getting successful outcomes will drive more customers to hire you than anything else. Get those testimonials on your web page, in Google business on and on your social media. Tell stories and solve problems… real actions, real results… these are what will grow your business.
-
-
Log in to reply.