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Careers with Animals
- 1. Careers in Dog Behavior
- 2. Resources in Animal Related Careers
- 3. What is a Veterinary Behaviorist?
- 4. What is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist?
- 5. On Board with the Beagle Brigade
- 6. Humane Law Enforcement
- 7. Careers with Animals - Job Descriptions
- 8. So You Want to Work with Animals? A Guide for Youth Who Love Animals
- 9. Urban Life to Agricultural Farmers
What is an Applied Animal Behaviourist?
Dr. Pamela Reid, Ph.D., ASPCA VP Behavioral Sciences
Pets sometimes display behaviour that is so inappropriate or unacceptable that it poses serious concerns for their owners. Applied animal behaviourists help owners understand and work with their pets to resolve behavior problems. Common problems are aggression, fear, separation anxiety, house soiling, and compulsive behaviours.
Applied animal behaviourists have post-graduate degrees (either Master of Science or Ph.D.) in animal behaviour and animal psychology. Some behaviorists have met the requirements for certification by the Board of Professional Certification of the Animal Behaviour Society (ABS). ABS certified behaviourists possess relevant education, research, and practical experience and practice according to specified ethical standards. A list of certified applied animal behaviourists appears on www.animalbehaviorsociety.org. They are an exclusive group, numbering only 40 in all of North America. The most effective applied animal behaviourists have expertise in (a) behaviour modification, so they know the techniques that produce changes in behaviour, (b) the normal behaviour of the species, so they can recognize how and why a pet's behaviour is abnormal, and (c) teaching and counselling people, so they can effectively teach owners how to understand and work with their pets. It is also helpful for the behaviourist to possess a basic knowledge of common medical conditions that may impact on an animal's behaviour and a familiarity with psychotropic drugs, such as tranquilizers and anti-depressants that can be used to further enhance the effectiveness of a treatment program.
Most pet behaviour problems are effectively treated with behaviour modification and training. For instance, a dog, that is frightened of children, will often benefit from a desensitization and counter conditioning program, that provides the dog with gradual exposure to children while associating the presence of children with activities the dog enjoys, such as eating and playing. The dog also requires training to learn how to interact in a controlled and gentle manner with children. Applied animal behaviourists need extensive knowledge of behaviour modification and training principles and procedures.
© 2002 ASPCA
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