In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, host Killian is joined by returning guest Suzy White of Snout and About Kilkenny to explore when it makes sense to involve a dog trainer, a behaviour consultant, or both.
Suzy explains the key difference between the two roles: trainers help dogs learn new skills, while behaviour consultants focus on understanding and modifying existing behaviours by identifying the root cause. The conversation covers common training needs such as loose-lead walking, recall, and everyday communication, as well as behavioural concerns like reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, fear, pain, and emotional dysregulation.
Killian and Suzy also discuss why behaviour cases often require collaboration between vets, trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and other professionals. They highlight the importance of decompression, enrichment, scent work, dog sports, and rebuilding the human-dog relationship. This episode is especially helpful for dog guardians who are unsure where to start or what kind of professional support their dog may need.
Takeaways
- A dog trainer usually helps with teaching new skills, such as recall, loose-lead walking, and household manners.
- A behaviour consultant looks at the root cause of existing behaviours, especially when fear, anxiety, pain, aggression, or safety concerns are involved.
- Training a dog who is emotionally dysregulated, stressed, or in pain may slow progress or make things worse.
- Behaviour cases often benefit from collaboration between behaviour consultants, trainers, vets, physios, nutritionists, and other specialists.
- Enrichment, scent work, dog sports, and decompression can play an important role in helping dogs feel fulfilled and more emotionally balanced.
- If there are bite incidents, attempted bites, escalating behaviour, or safety concerns, a qualified behaviour consultant is usually the right first step.
- Because the dog training and behaviour industry in Ireland is unregulated, guardians should look for qualified, accredited, welfare-focused professionals.
Find out more about Suzi White and Snout and About Kilkenny:
Instagram: @ the_dogcentre
Website: https://www.thedogcentre.ie/
Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.
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