I hope people don't take his advice for electronic fence for the cotton-eating dog!!! Any Certified Pet Dog Trainer or Applied Animal Behaviorist would not suggest such methods.

Dog trainers are not allowed to give veterinary advice, vets should not give behavior advice unless they are qualified to do so.

Our medical doctors know when to refer to a psychologist or psychiatrist, wish this vet would do the same.

my husband installs and sells invisible fences and I have personally felt the 'shock' of the collar placed on the animal. it isn't that bad and has been proven to help dogs learn not to go outside of boundaries when nothing else works. Not to mention, the dogs and owners receive behavior techniques along with the fence to reinforce good behavior. my husband is licensed to provide this service along with the installation of a fence. I understand the hesitation though, because it does SEEM cruel. I assure you it is not

you may want to reconsider that statement about a vet not giving behavior advice - looks like your "certified pet trainer" has to be recommended by a vet to get the "title" and only has to have a high school degree! so, a vet has to say you can be a trainer but you say that you shouldn't listen to the vet but only the person the vet says can be a trainer? that really makes no sense to me. No thanks, I'll take a Doctor's advice over that. i'm sure that some vets aren't good with behavior and a trainer may be better. i say get a better vet!

In fairness, while I think he's entitled to his opinion about the electric fence, I don't agree with it. As a Doctor, I'm sure he deals with these subjects everyday and likes an electric fence for his own reasons. It's just not for me.

here are the eligibility requirements for a certified pet trainer:

Eligibility

At least 300 hours experience in dog training within the last five years. Two hundred twenty-five (225) hours or 75% of experience must be actual teaching hours (group class, private lessons) as a ‘Head Trainer’ or Instructor. Seventy-five (75) hours or 25% of experience can be in other related areas such as working with shelter animals, assisting in classes, working as a veterinarian technician or grooming (bather position not applicable). Occasionally, it has been necessary to verify the experience of a candidate, even after passing the examination. It is advised that a document listing your experience with names and contact information be kept in a safe place for future verification.
A high school diploma or equivalent).
One reference from each of the following:
Veterinarian
Client
Colleague
Completion and filing of an Application for the Certification Examination for Pet Dog Trainers.
Signing and filing the CCPDT Code of Ethics.
Payment of required fee.