The International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants is the most respected behaviour expert association worldwide.
In 2012 I began the very long and drawn out process of applying for approval to join the organisation. This process included getting client and veterinary references, submitting many cases that I have worked on, carrying out hypothetical assessments and behaviour modification plans, taking part in on line fictitious consultations through video chat, and sitting an extensive written exam.
The entire process took 9 months, and on my birthday last year I got the letter stating that I am now an approved member of the IAABC!
This is one of my proudest career achievements to date, and one that I feel shows my level of commitment and dedication to my chosen career.
https://iaabc.org/consultants
In 2012 I began the very long and drawn out process of applying for approval to join the organisation. This process included getting client and veterinary references, submitting many cases that I have worked on, carrying out hypothetical assessments and behaviour modification plans, taking part in on line fictitious consultations through video chat, and sitting an extensive written exam.
The entire process took 9 months, and on my birthday last year I got the letter stating that I am now an approved member of the IAABC!
This is one of my proudest career achievements to date, and one that I feel shows my level of commitment and dedication to my chosen career.
https://iaabc.org/consultants
In early 2014 I applied to the Association of Animal Behaviour Proessionals and was approved by this respected international organisation as a Companion Dog Behaviour Consultant.
The process was similar, though not as extensive, as the application for the IAABC.
This approval means that my clients can now trust the advice I administer, given that I am a double certified behaviour consultant.
The process was similar, though not as extensive, as the application for the IAABC.
This approval means that my clients can now trust the advice I administer, given that I am a double certified behaviour consultant.
APDTI No: 020
I am a proud member of APDT Ireland. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers was originally established by Dr. Ian Dunbar - the God of the dog training world, in the UK and since then branches of APDT have opened worldwide.
Unfortunately, some APDT organisations allow members to join without any formal assessment and by simply paying a fee.
Luckily, APDT Ireland requires applicants to first successfully pass a written exam, then are assessed while teaching a 60min training class, and directly after teaching the class, applicants are interviewed by the board to explore their methods and find out more about their suitability for APDT approval.
Unfortunately, some APDT organisations allow members to join without any formal assessment and by simply paying a fee.
Luckily, APDT Ireland requires applicants to first successfully pass a written exam, then are assessed while teaching a 60min training class, and directly after teaching the class, applicants are interviewed by the board to explore their methods and find out more about their suitability for APDT approval.
My love for animal behaviour science began in 2002 when I enrolled in a four year Zoology degree programme with UCC.
The focus here was more on elephants and less on dogs, though this is where I learnt to observe and analyse behaviour (my final year thesis was on the behaviour of the Patagonian hare (mara's) in Fota Wildlife park) and I used my time on this course to become a 'scientist', learn how to read and write scientific papers, and expanded my love for all things four-legged!
The focus here was more on elephants and less on dogs, though this is where I learnt to observe and analyse behaviour (my final year thesis was on the behaviour of the Patagonian hare (mara's) in Fota Wildlife park) and I used my time on this course to become a 'scientist', learn how to read and write scientific papers, and expanded my love for all things four-legged!
I am currently enrolled on the one year Animal Behaviour and Welfare masters course at Newcastle University.
This masters course will cover general animal behaviour with a strong focus on canine behaviour.
This masters course will cover general animal behaviour with a strong focus on canine behaviour.
I am awaiting my results for a recent exam I sat for approval to the Certification Council for Professional Dog Councillors, but I'm pretty confident I passed ;)
I will update this once my results come through.
I will update this once my results come through.
I have taken evening classes with St. Johns Central College here in Cork, both the Animal Grooming course and the Animal Welfare course with Lisa O'Donovan of the ISPCA.
I would thoroughly recommend that anyone interested in animals, or just growing as a person, enroll on the Animal Welfare course with Lisa. This changed how I look at life in general, made me a more understanding person, and taught me not to make judgement on people or situations - there's always more going on than you see!
Studying with Lisa has helped to make me a better dog trainer and human communicator. Often it is easy to get frustrated with dog owners for not treating their dogs as they should, or for not following your instruction, but thanks to studying with Lisa, I am much more understanding and patient with dogs owners. I like to try to put myself in their shoes and look at situations through their eyes, which then in turn helps me to put together a plan that will help the dog, not judge the owner!
I would thoroughly recommend that anyone interested in animals, or just growing as a person, enroll on the Animal Welfare course with Lisa. This changed how I look at life in general, made me a more understanding person, and taught me not to make judgement on people or situations - there's always more going on than you see!
Studying with Lisa has helped to make me a better dog trainer and human communicator. Often it is easy to get frustrated with dog owners for not treating their dogs as they should, or for not following your instruction, but thanks to studying with Lisa, I am much more understanding and patient with dogs owners. I like to try to put myself in their shoes and look at situations through their eyes, which then in turn helps me to put together a plan that will help the dog, not judge the owner!