Knowledge, Skills, Competence & Credentials
Last month, I discussed the importance of carefully reviewing the ethics policies of pet care professionals before entrusting your pet to their care. This month, I’ll discuss the importance of pet care professionals acquiring knowledge and skills and demonstrating competency.
Acquisition of Knowledge
Many people become pet care professionals because they like animals. However, living with them as pets or breeding them is unlikely to provide them with the knowledge they need to be a pet care professional. While there are degree programs for veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians, very few post-secondary programs that lead to a recognized “degree” exist for other pet care professionals although that is starting to change.
Every pet care professional must be knowledgeable of the natural behavior of every species in his care. That requires understanding their evolutionary role in nature and their physical and emotional needs. Many of the behaviors in pets that humans find problematic are due to human failure to meet the pet's most basic welfare needs. Unfortunately, many pet care professionals, including veterinarians, lack formal education in this area.
While dogs and cats have been living around humans for several thousand years, that is a microscopic interval from an evolutionary perspective. Both dogs and cats can be predators or prey, and those instincts are still deep in their DNA, as is what makes them feel safe and what makes them fearful. It is essential for a pet care professional to know this so as not to cause a pet undue distress. To intentionally cause an animal to be afraid or feel intimidated is not only counterproductive but also inhumane and abusive. No sane pet owner or parent wants that for his pet. A pet care professional's first priority is to make a pet feel safe.
When selecting a pet care professional, ensure the pet care professional is familiar with The Five Freedoms. FMI – https://forcefreepets.com/brambells-five-freedoms/
The disappointing amount of mythical and erroneous material circulating and accepted as fact complicates a thorough understanding of pet behavior. That makes it hard for the consumer to assess a professional's knowledge, which will be addressed under “Assessing Competence.”
Acquisition of Skills
There’s “book smart” and “street smart,” and the two do not always come from the same individual. To work with pets, you must have a sound knowledge base and the ability to apply that knowledge skillfully. The required knowledge and skills will often vary from species to species. Skill does not happen overnight; it grows with experience and practice. This is why professionals (doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, accountants, architects, canine behavior consultants, and dog trainers) work in a “practice” as they continually learn new things and improve their skills.
Assessing Competence Through Independent Accreditation
When one completes his education and acquires the knowledge and skills necessary to practice the profession, he must typically demonstrate his competence to practice. Just because he has a degree or a diploma does not mean he is competent. Examination by a governmental licensing board or an independent accreditation organization typically assesses competence to offer professional services and is done to protect the consumer.
Veterinarians in the USA are required to pass a national examination, and depending on the state, they may also be required to pass a state licensing exam. For the most part, other pet care professionals have no licensing requirement; however, to improve consumer protection and the profession, two independent organizations offer psychometrically sound examinations and accreditations through an independent, third-party examination, the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB) and Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). These accreditations are for professional dog trainers and canine behavior consultants.
Unfortunately, CCPDT still allows its certificants to use aversive tools such as shock, choke, and prong collars despite the ethical and technical standards of the dog training and behavior profession deeming these tools and methods inappropriate, unnecessary, and against basic animal welfare. While other organizations may issue certificates, an independent body does not administer its exam process.
Lifelong Learning & Continuing Education
Because knowledge and skills continually evolve, state licensing boards and organizations like the PPAB and CCPDT noted above require professionals to complete continuing education units (CEUs) regularly to keep their licenses or accreditation. I advise against using any pet care professional who is not licensed or accredited.
"Education isn't something you can finish." – Isaac Asimov
Don Hanson lives in Bangor, Maine, where he is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) and the founder of ForceFreePets.com, an online educational resource for people with dogs and cats. He is a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (PCBC-A) accredited by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB)and a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP). Don is a member of thePet Professional Guild (PPG), where he serves on the Board of Directors and Steering Committee and chairs the Advocacy Committee. He is also a founding director of Pet Advocacy International (PIAI). In addition, Don produces and co-hosts The Woof Meow Showpodcast,available at http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts/,the Apple Podcast app, and Don's blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com.The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.