I was delighted to be asked to write a "From the Expert" column for Freya the Cockapoo! A series of my top ten tips for a lifelong relationship with your dog can be found here:
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATIONS
About me
About Me
Qualifications
My first degree was a BSc (Hons) in Psychology at Cardiff University and I had a wonderful Professor who taught animal learning and cognition, who supervised my dissertation on operant conditioning in horses and who ignited my passion for animal behaviour. Understanding human psychology is a vital part of being a behaviourist - it's about giving you the skills to change your pet's behaviour.
I went on to do a Master's degree in animal behaviour at Exeter University, completing my dissertation on the association between training methods and behaviour problems in dogs with the brilliant clinical animal behaviour team at Bristol Vet School. I also studied wildlife in Kenya.
These academic studies have given me the opportunity to explore the science behind animal behaviour and keep up to date with developments in the field. I also complete regular CPD (continuing professional development) to ensure that my knowledge is current and ever-evolving.
Experience
Before my Master's most of my experience was with horses. This was my main interest from a very young age and I was lucky enough to own horses (and a donkey!). Funnily enough riding was never my main passion, it was always behaviour, and I gained a variety of experience from starting youngsters to rehabilitating ex-racehorses.
After my Master's I ran a BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Behaviour, designed to give students the knowledge requirements for certification as a clinical animal behaviourist. I supervised dissertations and taught final year degree students:
- Ethology (the study of animals in their normal environment)
- Anthrozoology (interactions between humans and animals)
- Communication
- Training
- Learning and cognition (how animals think, understand and perceive the world)
- Companion animal behaviour and behaviour problems
- Behavioural pharmacology
- Ethics and law
- Human psychology and clinical practice (how to do behaviour consultations)
I also taught animal behaviour on other degree programmes including vet nursing, equine science and and zoo management.
I set up a behaviour clinic taking referrals from veterinary practices so that students could gain practical experience as well as theoretical knowledge. Although I left teaching I continued doing behaviour consultations.
I've been involved in research in companion animal behaviour as well as equine behaviour and welfare.
Two years ago I moved to South Wales and have established a great relationship with my local vets and continue to take referrals for pet behaviour consultations.
Meet the gang!
News
I've been asked alot recently about improving recall, how to stop jumping up and how to stop dogs chewing so I've created some handouts which might be useful for everyone!
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