Hello! Welcome to The Dog In Me website. My name is Tara and I’d like to tell you about my journey. There’s always that ONE dog that seals the deal. For me, a big yellow Labrador in my childhood fully equipped with all the fun, energy and mischief that only a Labrador gives, was that dog.
I took this love and went on to study BSc. Psychology. This decision allowed animal behaviour, animal learning and cognition, human – animal relationships, anthropomorphism and a final year thesis on enrichment for dogs in kennels to form a significant part of my degree pathway.
Following my degree, I jumped straight into post graduate research at Belfast and Dublin Zoological Gardens and earned my PhD in animal behaviour.
While continuing to train dogs personally and professionally. I ran my own Dog Behaviour business, ran one of the first Dog Schools for DogsTrust, presented to and liaised with local veterinary surgeons on common behaviour problems and made a lot of new 2 and 4 legged friends.
After a pause, I re-entered the dog world. My first venture involved organising a Discover Dogs Day for NI Science Festival’s 10th anniversary in February 2024 – Discover Dogs This event brought together trainers, educators and charities in one catch all event.
Dog Royal at Down Royal race course was the next event I got involved with – an all round family day out (dogs allowed!) held October 12, 2024.
As well as being involved in wider dog events, I offer a variety of services from behaviour consultation to free seminars. Behaviour consultations usually involve a vet to rule out any underlying health problems and my seminars are advertised on the home page when one is available. One to one training is also available (although quickly booked out) and I offer a free puppy consult for new owners.
As it stands the dog training and behaviour world is largely unregulated. Navigating a path through this world is delicate and requires a thick skin. I have included a checklist below on what to look out for should you decide to choose a trainer or a behaviourist.
What is a trainer?
- Trainers are people well versed in training stategies that help dogs fit into busy homes.
- Trainers instruct people how to train their dogs. For example, trainers often help owners train their dogs to sit, to lie down, to walk without pulling on a lead among other things.
- Many trainers run training classes and compete in agility, obedience, flyball or other dog related sports and activities.
- Dog trainers often gain certification through external bodies such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT); Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT); Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT); Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE).
- If a trainer has not gained some accreditation I would want to know why. I would want to know why because as trainers, part of our job is to network, to be critiqued and to learn alternative methods. A trainer that is unwilling to do this may be unwilling to learn and develop in technique.
- Many trainers these days use positive reinforcement (PRT) to train dogs and other animals. This is the most effective and most humane method. Some trainers still use punishment based methods and may market themselves as balanced trainers. ‘Balanced’ is a red flag.
What is a behaviourist?
- Behaviourists are people that solve dog behaviour problems. Problems are usually complex and require a range of techniques and expertise to solve or in most cases manage.
- Behaviourists are usually qualified academically at a higher level in the study of animal behaviour.
- Behaviourists tend to work with vets and will generally only see cases once the vet has passed a clean bill of health.
- Behaviourists can train and will advise on training but use behaviour modification to change a dog’s behaviour.
- Usually a behaviourist will be affiliated to a recognised organisation such as Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Counsellors (FABC); Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC); Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE). Affiliation gives behaviourists the opportunity for support with difficult cases and knowledge with new cases.
- A behaviourist is expected to engage in continued professional development (CPD) because there is always more to learn. In fact asking a behaviourist about their most recent CPD is always a good indicator of commitment.
My qualifications, accreditation, membership and Continued Professional Development (CPD)
I have aimed to be as broad as possible in my CPD. Subsequently, much of my continued professional development has focused on a range of dog related subjects. I have studied canine emotion, cognition and psychology primarily. Additional to this, I studied the law around dog ownership, enrichment for dogs housed in re-homing kennels and practical dog training skills. Currently I am engaged with gaining Certified Clinical Animal Behaviour (C.C.A.B.) and I have just completed (6/11/24) an assessment of my practical dog training skills with the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT). I have provided a list below of key CPD, qualifications and membership. It is by no means exhaustive as I engage with regular CPD seminars and webinars at least once per month.
Current: COAPE Diploma in Dog Behaviour (DIPCABT-D) C.C.A.B.
PACT Practical Course for FABC Members – Canine Training Practical Skills
PhD Animal Behaviour – Queen’s University Belfast
Dog Emotion and Cognition – Duke University
The Effects of Positive Reinforcement Training and Grooming on the Behaviour of Dogs housed in a Re-homing Centre -Highly Commended Presentation at Psychology Conference in Ireland National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Career as a Dog Trainer – IMDT
Dog Law Certificate – British College of Canine Studies
Understanding the Canine/Human Interface (Distinction) – Animal Care College
Introduction to Canine Psychology – Advanced Level 3 – Canine Concepts
Learn to Talk Dog – Canine Body Language and Facial Expression – Sarah Whitehead
Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC) Student Member
Insured with Petplan Sanctuary
