My ethos as a behaviourist working with dogs, cats and horses

Ethos

Love
& Science
Ok this might not seem like the most natural combination, but it's because you love your animals that science is so important. Here's why these are the cornerstones of my approach.

Love

We all recognise the emotion that is "love" and know that this is what we feel for our pets but we're sometimes are embarrassed to use the word, perhaps because we're told not to humanise animals and love is a human emotion... isn't it?

Animals might not be capable of complex moral reasoning (although I swear my cats have a daily planning meeting under my bed to plot their evil deeds of the day!) but I would certainly argue that they feel love. Dogs, for example, form strong bonds with us that show all the hallmarks of attachment between children and parents - they use us as a 'safe haven' when worried, we act as a 'secure base' from which they can explore the world and they form strong emotional bonds towards us, seeking to maintain proximity when possible. Both dogs and humans show increases in oxytocin (the hormone responsible for that rush of love we feel) in response to physical contact, even eye contact. This is truly remarkable to me. An exciting area of research is exploring whether dogs show similar attachment styles as children towards parents and whether this could impact the treatment of behaviour problems. Which brings me on to the science...

Why is Science important to me?

Science advances our knowledge, but is also gives you value for money. It gives us an evidence base for understanding behaviour problems and their treatment so that you can have confidence in what you're learning.

I have a confession: Before I started on my behaviour career I had a puppy called Domino. I bought a book and, assuming it had value because I paid for it, I merrily pretended to eat out of his bowl before giving it to him. I now realise that it isn't handing over money that makes knowledge valuable it's the science behind it, that's what tells us what works and what doesn't.

How often have you heard "it's never the dog, it's the owner"? That simply isn't true. Behaviour is a complex interplay of internal factors (e.g. genetics, hormones, neurochemistry) and external factors (e.g. the environment). You're a part of that, for sure, but you're not the only part. And I've always found that phrase accusatory, as though it's your fault, when it isn't. We can only do our best with what we know at the time, you can't possibly find all the answers without help.

It's my job to learn and grow, all the time, so that you're getting the very best information, all the time. It's not for me to denounce other people's way of doing things, but to explain why I do what I do so that it is completely clear and transparent, so that you can make an informed choice. I'll share my mistakes as well as my successes. It's important to me to be open-minded, to adapt as our knowledge of these wonderful creatures grows, not to do things just because that's the way I've always done them.

Science gives us so much interesting information and understanding your pet goes a long way to reducing your anxiety and stress.

Why is science important to my pet?

Science has revolutionised the way we approach animal behaviour and training. We understand how animals learn and the emphasis is on positive reinforcement rather than asserting dominance. These changes have an impact on welfare.

We also understand that animals are individuals, with their own personalities, likes and dislikes and what works for one might not work for another. We become more kind and compassionate as a result. I never forget that we are often our pet's whole world and in my experience understanding breeds patience.