What is the Difference Between a Dog Trainer and a Behaviorist?

If you're a dog owner in search of training for your dog, you might wonder: Should I work with a dog trainer or a dog behaviorist Understanding the difference is key to getting the right support for your dog’s needs. Here’s what you should know.

What Does a Dog Trainer Do?

A dog trainer focuses on teaching essential skills and improving everyday obedience. Commands like sit, stay, come, and leash walking are the core of what trainers teach. Many trainers, including at Bullys Behaven in Jackson, NJ, use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior and build a strong bond between you and your dog.

Choose a dog trainer if you want your dog to:

• Learn basic obedience commands

• Improve leash manners

• Master tricks and social skills

What Does a Dog Behaviorist Do?

A behaviorist specializes in addressing deeper behavioral challenges. If your dog struggles with fear, aggression, separation anxiety, or reactivity, a behaviorist looks beyond surface behaviors to uncover root causes. They create targeted behavior modification plans to help your dog—and you—navigate difficult situations safely.

Work with a behaviorist if your dog is showing:

• Aggression (toward people, dogs, or objects)

• Severe anxiety or fear-based behaviors

• Resource guarding or territorial issues

• Leash reactivity or unpredictable behavior

How Bullys Behaven Helps Dogs in New Jersey and nearby areas

At Bullys Behaven, based in Jackson, NJ, we specialize in advanced behavior modification for dogs who need more than basic obedience. Serving clients across Ocean County, nearby towns in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, we help dogs with serious issues like:

• Biting

• Resource guarding

• Leash aggression

• Reactivity toward people and animals

• Destructive behaviors inside or outside the home

We offer both Board and Train programs and Private Single Sessions, providing flexible options based on your dog’s needs and your goals.

Whether you're struggling with an aggressive dog, a reactive dog or behavioral issues, in New York or Pennsylvania, Bullys Behaven in New Jersey is here to create lasting change.

Ready to Transform Your Dog’s Behavior?

Don’t wait for things to get worse. If you’re located in New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania and need expert help with your dog’s behavioral challenges, contact Bullys Behaven today.

Together, we can rebuild your relationship with your dog—and create a safer, happier life for both of you.