Claire
I have always been obsessed with animals. Wanting to understand and treat them better led me to go back to study for an As/Dip in companion animal behaviour counselling at Southampton University in 2001. After I graduated, I did dog walking to gain practical, hands on experience (and money!), I also ran dog training classes from 2006-2010. I gained full membership of the association of pet behaviour counsellors (apbc) in 2007, which qualified me as a clinical animal behavourist or (CAB). After a while, the behaviour work subsumed the dog walking and training classes. Between 2013 and 2018 I co-developed and co-delivered the pet behaviour modules on the Harper Adams animal behaviour and welfare BSc (which I loved). I now find myself wanting to work less but would still like to share my skills and experience. Training classes seem like the ideal focus. Done well, training classes have the potential to help prevent problem behaviours and foster better relationships between dogs and their owners. Everones a winner!
Why choose qualified practitioners?
Animal behaviour is misunderstood by much of the population, including many practicing professionals. Behaviour problems cause more pets to be put to sleep than heart problems, infections and cancer combined! In addition, keeping a dog is a potential minefield with serious legal consequences when it goes wrong. Despite this, the training and behaviour professions are unregulated with anyone able to practice as a behaviourist!
As you can see there is a real need for regulation to ensure that only qualified people are able to practice. We have been ‘self-regulating’ within the profession for some time and the standard of qualification for a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (or CAB) is very high. Trainees need a relevant degree, there is an experiential requirement and the requirement to observe qualified professionals consulting and for on-going supervision.
Behaviourists, trainers and trainees tend to belong to a membership organisation for support and to get qualified. If the membership application route for the organisation is up to the high standards of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (www.abtcouncil.org.uk), then the organisations and the members they represent appear on the ABTC register at ‘clinical animal behaviourist’ (CAB) level for the public to find. I am a full member of the APBC (apbc.org.uk) which is are member of the ABTC and members appear on the ABTC register.
The ABTC is currently in talks with either The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons or RCVS (www.rcvs.org.uk) or UKAS and we are hopeful within the profession that regulation will take place at some point. Vets will then only able to recommend qualified individuals listed on the ABTC register. As you can see, this should improve welfare of both pets and their owners.
