During the 2007 Michael Vick case, the Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team led a team of
certified applied animal behaviorists in behavior evaluations of the rescued dogs, making recommendations to the USDA and U.S. Attorney's office regarding the dispositions of 49 pit bulls from Bad Newz Kennels.
Howling may be triggered by sirens, singing or other noises the dog finds similar to howling, says Dan Estep, Ph.D., a certified
applied animal behaviorist in Colorado and co-author of Help!
«It sounded like the loneliest dog in the world,» recalls Dr. Yin, DVM, a certified
applied animal behaviorist who works at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists.
There are very few opportunities
for applied animal behaviorists from different disciplines to meet and focus on contemporary developments in companion animal behavior.
Certified
applied animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell explains in her blog, «The Other End of the Leash,» that if you are fearful or tense, or if you further scare your dog while he is already afraid, then you can make your dog even more terrified than he already is.
In a recent Vetstreet article, Dr. Katherine Houpt, a certified
applied animal behaviorist at Animal Behavior Consultants of Northern Michigan, explains that cats prefer to eliminate in their own territory, noting that even an indoor cat who's lived in the same place for a long period of time still may not feel as though the home is truly her territory.
-- J.R., Largo, FL A: «If you know there may be an issue, carry an air - horn, umbrella, or even books,» says
applied animal behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin, of San Francisco.
Furthermore, with the popularity of modern shows that showcase humane techniques of pet behavior modification, it is likely that the demand for
private applied animal behaviorists will continue to grow.
«Ten to 15 percent of owners say that they have pet behavior issues,» says certified
applied animal behaviorist Stephen L. Zawistowski, PhD, science adviser to the ASPCA.
Applied Animal Behaviorists, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAABs) and Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (ACAABs)
An applied animal behaviorist has earned an MS, MA or PhD in animal behavior.
Effective applied animal behaviorists will have expertise in (a) behavior modification, so they know the techniques that produce changes in behavior, (b) the normal behavior of the species they're treating, so they can recognize how and why your pet's behavior is abnormal, and (c) teaching and counseling people, so they can effectively teach you how to understand and work with your pet.
The best way is to hire a reputable dog trainer or
applied animal behaviorist so to assess your dog's behavior and determine if you are ultimately dealing with barrier frustration.
While humans and dogs share a lust for covering the body with some sort of scent, what's perceived as a good odor is a whole different story,
explains applied animal behaviorist and dog trainer Patricia McConnell in her book, The Other End of the Leash.
Rather than measuring success with a statistically significant test,
applied animal behaviorists measure a significant result as the successful resolution of the original problem or concern.
While applied animal behaviorists may have been trained in a particular theoretical tradition, more often than not, they are required to combine, and apply the theories and approaches to an understanding of animal behavior developed through several different approaches and models.
A
professional applied animal behaviorist has demonstrated expertise in the principles of animal behavior, in the research methods of animal behavior, in the application of animal behavior principles to applied behavior problems and in the dissemination of knowledge about animal behavior through teaching and research.
The Animal Behavior Society professionally certifies
applied animal behaviorists who meet its criteria, and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists certifies veterinarians as specialists in behavior.
In her book «The Other End of the Leash»,
applied animal behaviorist Dr. Patricia McConnell talks about «juvenile - onset shyness», a period in adolescence when dogs become more cautious and perhaps aggressive towards people and animals who are unfamiliar to them.
Currently, while this field has a number of professional certification services such as the Animal Behavior Society (ABS), which certifies
applied animal behaviorists, there is no state or federal requirement for certification.
«Watch out of that classic swishing, thumping tail,» said Dr. Kat Miller, an ASPCA certified
applied animal behaviorist.
Dog trainers with extensive expertise in dog behavior or
applied animal behaviorists are often the best sources for recognizing the causes of growling and helping you to stop dog growling.
In some cases, a student may be able to work with an animal behaviorist, which can further prepare him or her to become a certified or
applied animal behaviorist.
-- Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, certified
applied animal behaviorist, adjunct professor at University of Wisconsin - Madison, and author of The Other End of the Leash
Whether it is as an animal behaviorist supervising a zoo or wildlife park or as
an applied animal behaviorist helping a family work to adjust the behavior of their beloved companion animals, the animal behaviorist is part of an increasingly well - compensated and respected field.
To become
an applied animal behaviorist, they must complete a masters or doctorates in animal sciences.
Behavior modification programs are employed by dog behavior specialists and range from dog trainers who are well - versed in dog behavior, to certified
applied animal behaviorists and veterinary behaviorists.
Dr. Michele Wan of Advanced Dog Behavior Solutions is a certified
applied animal behaviorist (CAAB) and an expert on the topic.
Sophia had several years of experience as a veterinarian,
applied animal behaviorist and author.
«Multiple studies have shown that if you take two mammals, say rats, and put them in boxes side by side, then give the first one electric shocks, the reaction of the second one — in terms of brain - wave and nervous - system activity — will be identical,» says Stephen Zawistowski, a certified
applied animal behaviorist and an executive vice president of the ASPCA.
Enrolled in a graduate program that meets the certification requirements as
an applied animal behaviorist by the Animal Behavior Society.
We may refer you to other qualified and certified trainers, certified behavior technicians, or certified
applied animal behaviorist.
No matter how mystifying, confusing or out of the ordinary you think your pet's behavior is, we guarantee a certified
applied animal behaviorist has experience with it.