The books and products below are useful resources for anyone interested in learning more
about applied animal behavior and the treatment of behavior problems.
This led me into the field
of applied animal behavior — the field concerned with applying behavioral knowledge for the good of animals and people.
Yet, using both these behavior modification techniques requires some knowledge, such as recognizing subtle signs of stress, which is why they are best done under the guidance of a
certified applied animal behavior specialist, veterinary behaviorist or dog trainer well - versed in dog behavior.
AVSAB's mission is to promote the understanding of
applied animal behavior through collaborative, scientific efforts that foster compassionate and respectful interactions with animals.
Stephen Zawistowski, Ph.D., CAAB Executive Vice President, National Programs and Science Advisor ASPCA 520 8th Avenue, 7th Floor New York, NY 10018 212-876-7700 (ext. 4401) The field of
applied animal behavior employs the knowledge of animal behavior that we gain through observation and experimentation for a particular purpose.
In many
circumstances applied animal behavior can be used to mediate conflicts or problems that exist between humans and animals in a way that does not require killing or hurting animals.
Publications in peer - reviewed scientific journals and case studies in applied animal behavior
Liz Gray, MS DVM, graduated with her Master's degree from Colorado State in Zoology (focusing
on applied animal behavior) in 2002.
Stolte, who has her master's degree in
applied animal behavior and welfare, works hands - on at the center, most often with cats who need extra help with socialization.
While getting a Ph.D., her interest shifted from academic to
applied animal behavior, as she studied first laboratory birds, then companion parrots and then wild exotic bird species at the Bronx Zoo.
As an expert in
applied animal behavior, Michele educates pet parents about dog training and behavior and guides them in the use of scientifically sound, humane methods of behavior modification.
Apart from shelter medicine, her interests include parasitology, epidemiology and
applied animal behavior.
The first of its kind, this book is written and edited by leading experts in shelter medicine,
applied animal behavior and shelter administration.
Weiss is co-editor of the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science and has published and lectured extensively in the field of
applied animal behavior.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in animal behavior or a closely related field and be currently active in research and / or practice of
applied animal behavior and membership must be approved by AVSAB's executive board.
If you're academically oriented, you could pursue a masters or doctorate degree in psychology, ethology, or
applied animal behavior — this would be especially important if you want to work with aggressive dogs or other serious behavior issues.
During her schooling, Dr. Gray worked at a local training facility as a dog trainer, and helped to teach
an applied animal behavior class to her fellow veterinary students.
As noted above, approaches in
applied animal behavior may require the integration of both the biological - ethological and the psychological - learning / conditioning approaches.
Individuals are required to have either a Ph.D. or Masters degree (for certification as an associate
applied animal behaviorist), five years of experience in the field, and a record of professional accomplishment and contribution to the practice of applied animal behavior.
The applied animal behavior field is growing as people seek a more harmonious relationship with animals.
Dog trainers practice a third branch of
applied animal behavior.
Dr. James C. Ha, Ph.D., CAAB is a professor of
applied animal behavior at the University of WA and a certified applied animal behavior with over 30 years of experience in animal behavior teaching, research, consulting, and expert witness services.
Please see our article, Finding Professional Behavior Help, for information about locating
an applied animal behavior professional.
Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects The Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects department strives to advance the application of veterinary medicine, forensic sciences and
applied animal behavior to the investigation, prosecution and prevention of cruelty to animals through original research and outreach to professionals in allied disciplines.
Francine Miller is
an applied animal behavior counselor and associate certified dog behavior consultant (IAABC certified associate) who has 13 years experience treating dogs and cats with behavior problems.
Late in my stay at Georgia, I took a research sabbatical at the University of California at Davis and studied
the applied animal behavior of livestock with Edward Price, one of the foremost researchers in the field.
An internship helps prepare a candidate to perform independently and professionally in the field of
applied animal behavior.
Presently, Dr. Marder is
an applied animal behavior consultant at Pet Behavior Consultations in Lexington, Massachusetts, is an adjunct assistant professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, is an advisor to the National Canine Research Council and is an instructor in the course on shelter animal behavior and welfare at the University of Florida.
It was there that she took her first course in
applied animal behavior — an elective available to veterinary students - and she was hooked.