The following framework was devised in response to a request from the Companion Animal Welfare Council for job descriptions for companion canine psychologists, behaviourists, trainers and advisers and was both devised and agreed by the member organisations of the Pet Education Training & Behaviour Council (PETbc).
The framework provided the foundation for developing recognised job descriptions for all those involved in the canine sector (see Canine Job Roles). The further educational ‘Levels’ referred to in the table remain those currently recognised in the UK.
| Companion Canine Psychology, Behaviour and Training Practitioners Levels of Expertise | ||||||
| Levels | Dogs | Cats | Horses | Rabbits | Rodents | Exotics |
| 7/6 | Lecturer | |||||
| 6/5 | Canine Psychologist/ Behaviourist | |||||
| 6/5 | Teacher/lecturer | |||||
| 5/4 | Specialist Canine Psychologist/Behaviour Practitioner/Trainer | |||||
| 4/3 | Canine Behaviourist Practitioner/Trainer/Advisor | |||||
| 4/3 | Specialist Dog Trainer/Instructor | |||||
| 3/2 | Dog Training Instructor | |||||
| 3/2 | Pet Socialisation and Training Adviser | |||||
| Examples of practitioner knowledge and experience at each Level | ||||||
| 7/6 |
Doctorate/Postgraduate/Lecturer with specialist knowledge and understanding of canine and owner psychology, behaviour modification and epidemiology and including practical experience as a practitioner. Example of practitioners at this level: Lecturer in psychology or veterinary surgery with specialist knowledge and understanding of canine psychology, behaviour modification and epidemiology and including practical experience as a practitioner. |
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| 6/5 |
Post graduate or veterinary surgeon with specialist knowledge and understanding of canine and owner psychology, behaviour modification and epidemiology and including practical experience as a practitioner. Example of practitioners at this level: Post graduate or veterinary surgeon with specialist knowledge and understanding of canine psychology, behaviour modification and epidemiology and including practical experience as a practitioner. |
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| 5/4 |
Honours graduate or equivalent practical and theoretical experience, with specialist knowledge and understanding of canine and owner psychology, behaviour modification, some understanding of epidemiology and including practical experience as a practitioner. Example of Practitioners at this level: Trainers of support dogs, military, police, search and rescue dogs, ‘sniffer’ dogs, gundogs and other working dogs and those involved in counselling owners and solving serious behaviour problems including aggression. |
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| 4/3 |
HND/HNC/OCN/C&G (Level 3) or equivalent with practical and theoretical experience in training and behaviour modification, canine and owner psychology and some understanding of epidemiology. Example of practitioners at this level: Those involved with the training and care of support dogs, military, police, ‘sniffer’ dogs, search and rescue dogs, gundogs and other working dogs. Some limited counselling of owners and solving minor behaviour problems. Instructors in obedience and/or training classes. |
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| 3/2 |
Practical knowledge and experience of dog ownership, the socialisation of puppies and basic pet dog training. Example of practitioners at this level: Breeders, Veterinary Nurses and others involved in advising clients and/or socialisation classes for puppies and with experience of basic pet dog training. |
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