If we were to answer in one sentence who a dog behaviorist is, we would compare him to a dog psychologist. A behaviorist knows that every dog is different and his problems should be approached comprehensively. A dog's behavior is made up of many factors from his canine experience to his diet to health and physiological issues. A behaviorist knows the importance of dog communication and the ability to read the signals sent by our pet. Working with a dog is not about “dominating” him, but about skillful understanding and cooperation of both parties.
A behaviorist is also most often a dog trainer , because training is one of the methods in working with a dog.
If someone is a trainer without a background in behavioral knowledge, he often tries to modify the behavior of the animal with methods that are not based on finding the cause of the problem and only on the elimination of symptoms.

Precisely because the Internet is full of advice 🙂 I used to be, before I took up the subject of dog behavior in earnest and before the study of dog behaviorism refuted a lot of stupidity , which I read on groups for dog people I was also a fan of Internet tips. Of course, that in the abysses of the Internet you can find wise, interesting and, most importantly, consistent with reality content. Unfortunately, in most of them there is no mention of the fact that each dog is an individual case and should be approached as such.

If you want comprehensive training for your dog, don't hesitate to ask what methods the trainer works with and what the training session is like - especially at a place where the dog is left for several weeks. If the place to which you want to give your dog is still guided by the outdated theory of dominance ( from which its promoter himself has withdrawn) and the trainer begins the conversation with the words; we can't let our dog be dominated, then with a high degree of probability we can conclude that this place has no idea about modern behaviorism. If the trainer categorically forbids recording/photographing his sessions hiding behind “professional secrecy” consider whether it is the right place - even if it is recommended. There are no secrets in training a dog, instead there is work and time spent on it. In the last place where we heard about the ban on recording training, it turned out that the “trainer” held a mini leather whip in his hand and, unfortunately, did not hesitate to use it.
In the case of training with boarding, make sure that you will be able to see your dog at any time, in addition to this, make sure that in a given place the dog is not subjected to “breaking” attempts, for example, by sitting in a dark, cramped, closed cage, or is not starved for food as a reward.
Ask questions about whether a clip collar (called a choke) or electric collar shots are used during training.
Effective training is supposed to lead to the cessation of the use of such tools and not their implementation.
Also ask yourself: what's the point of spending sometimes even several thousand on training a dog if I'm going to get out of it with a choke?

We do not believe that in these times of unlimited access to knowledge and the latest research and behaviorist publications, working with a domestic dog must be based on any form of violence or very strong aversive methods.
As for K9 training, this is the type of training originally dedicated to service dogs. Different training will be needed for a German Shepherd who learns, for example, aggression on call and another for a Yorkie who lies with us on the couch. It's a bit like preparing a bodyguard in a clothing store for work through military training 🙂
We definitely cut off the methods of breaking the dog, because we do not want the work with the dog to look as described, for example, in the following articles :
https://www.hejto.pl/wpis/wesola-lapka#google_vignette
https://oko.press/mam-psa-i-co-teraz-interwencjazego we do not use violent methods in working with the dog or methods used in K9 training?

If we check ourselves and can wholeheartedly recommend a particular kennel or breeder, information about it will certainly appear on our website.
For the time being, we invariably encourage you to scrupulously verify the place from which you take your dog. Regardless of whether you decide on a puppy from a registered kennel or not - you have the right to check the conditions from which the puppy is taken. Ask questions, find out which bitch's litter it is, when she was admitted previously, and unquestionably check the conditions for the puppies. Be especially sensitive to “kennels” (referred to as pseudo-breeding kennels) where there is an excess, often malnourished animals of various species in a small space, and the mother is exploited to the limit of her canine capacity. We don't even mention cases of kennels where pets sat in their own feces. Also, do not be fooled by explanations that the owner “accidentally” failed to take care of the bitch for the umpteenth time 🙂
Remember that your dog begins to form already in the neonatal period and its socialization period, which lasts from 4 to 12 weeks, can project later behavioral problems.
Also think about who you want to support with your money and whether you are not really buying a mongrel breed type for a few hundred dollars.
If you care about a particular breed, and currently can't afford a dog from a reliable kennel, see if the breed's foundations don't have dogs to give away. Often puppies also go to such places.