Working With Cats After the Camp Fire

Working With Cats After the Camp Fire

Winner of the 2020 Rebecca Park Animal Behavior Consulting: Principles & Practice Scholarship In times of social isolation, Laughter can be the shortest distance between two people. Under the current pandemic crisis, I am reminded that the best resilience is built...
Documentation Made Easy!

Documentation Made Easy!

I am sure you did not become an animal behavior consultant to spend hours writing behavior plans and other reports.  However, for most of us, it is part of what we do and, I think, a necessary part of our work. It helps us stay focused and track progress. What if I...
Chickens and Roosters…As Pets?

Chickens and Roosters…As Pets?

Chickens are the most widely found bird in the world, and there are only a few countries where they do not live. With an estimated six to eight chickens per person, they are also the most populous bird.1 Nevertheless, perhaps because chickens are typically perceived...
Cat Reintroductions via Online Consultations

Cat Reintroductions via Online Consultations

I did more virtual cat behavior consultations in March, April, and May of 2020 than I had done in my previous four years of consulting. I feel that I’ve really improved regarding being efficient at getting and giving information! In this article, I will share some...
Being a BAME Woman in the Gundog Training Community

Being a BAME Woman in the Gundog Training Community

I have no doubt you are aware that the gundog community is heavily dominated by white men, whereas the general dog sports community is mainly dominated by white women, at least when talking about those who actually compete. I am a mixed-race woman. My father is Black...
Pandemic Poultry Purchasing

Pandemic Poultry Purchasing

Poultry purchasing during the pandemic has brought attention to the need for animal behaviour consultants to have a basic level of understanding of chicken behaviour. Many new chicken owners would benefit from reputable behavioural expertise and resources during this...
The Politics of Identity in Hunting Dogs

The Politics of Identity in Hunting Dogs

My insights into the hunting dog’s world begin with my own experiences of Cypriot hunting dogs, and an engagement with data that exists in my home and workplace in Cyprus. It makes its presence known to me continually and is not to be ignored. Indeed, the...
A Different and Artistic Angle on the Intellect of Dogs

A Different and Artistic Angle on the Intellect of Dogs

However well you navigate the endless rabbit hole of social media, you’ll no doubt notice that pet photography in all its forms has blossomed there. Pet selfies, pet portraits, funny moments, model pup poses, and all the loving candid moments in between — our pets...
The Importance of Collaboration and Mentoring in Dog Training

The Importance of Collaboration and Mentoring in Dog Training

I am new to the dog training world. I, like many of us in this industry, have always had a passion for dogs and how they learn. As a certified dog trainer, however, I am new. This is not my first career, which definitely affects my perspective on this issue. My first...
Five Ways to Protect Your Behavior Consulting Business

Five Ways to Protect Your Behavior Consulting Business

Are you thinking of opening your own business as a behavior consultant? Maybe you already have, or you are working as an independent contractor? Being your own boss has a lot of advantages, but there is heavy responsibility as well. As many have learned from the...
Separation-Related Problems in Cats

Separation-Related Problems in Cats

Cats often suffer from the perception that they are the easier option, the “set it and forget it” pet that requires less attention and is less impacted by our absence. In reality, they are complex individuals who are capable of forming deep social attachments and are...
Using Dog Training Tools for Myself During a Pandemic

Using Dog Training Tools for Myself During a Pandemic

It’s 10 p.m. on a Sunday night. I’m out on our block in Brooklyn with my dog, Eddie, for a final pee before bed. The fireworks started a few moments after we got to the sidewalk. They’re farther away than they were the night before but the booms are big and coming at...
Target Training for Horses: Hit or Miss?

Target Training for Horses: Hit or Miss?

In the beginning Most equestrians have heard of clicker training, and many now practise it, but compared to traditional horsemanship it is still the new kid on the block. In the 1940s Keller and Marion Breland (and later with Bob Bailey) trained many different animals...
Research Report: Dog-Dog Aggression in the Household

Research Report: Dog-Dog Aggression in the Household

Canine housemate aggression is a serious behavior problem in many dog households. Accurate reporting of the incidence of housemate aggression is challenging. Few owners report fights between housemates to the veterinarian. Presentation for bite wound care is often the...