Pets Behaving Badly

Meet the Behaviourist...

Hi, my name is Kate and I am an Animal Behaviourist. I have had a life-long passion for animals and that is why I started this business. I have owned many pets including dogs, cats, parrots, rabbits and fish. Currently I have a Boxer called Archie, a Ridgeback cross (rescued from a shelter) called Charlie and two goldfish. I am also a member of the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASSAB).

What is an Animal Behaviourist?

An Animal Behaviourist is someone who has studied animal behaviour extensively at university and as a result, is an expert in the field. A minimum of a Bachelor degree with Honours is required however some Animal Behaviourists continue their study to the Doctoral level (PhD) and beyond.

Why choose an Animal Behaviourist?

Your vet is normally the first person you discuss your pet's behavioural problems with. However, vets receive very minimal university training in the behaviour of the animals they treat. Vets are animal doctors, not animal psychologists. Animal behaviourists, on the other hand, have studied the effects of evolution and the environment on an animal's behaviour (behavioural ecology), not just the animal itself. Animal behaviourists take a more holistic approach. For this reason, it is more appropriate to engage the expertise of an Animal behaviourist to treat behavioural problems in pets.

Kate's Qualifications:

I have a Bachelor of Science degree with First Class Honours in Zoology (LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia).
I am currently undertaking my PhD in dog behaviour (Monash University, Melbourne, Australia).
I have also completed the "Lifestyle Canine Communication" dog training course which included canine behaviour, psychology, body language, socialisation and handling techniques as well as good behaviour shaping techniques (Alpha Dog Training, Melbourne, Australia).

About Pets Behaving Badly...

Pets Behaving Badly was founded in 2004 and offers solutions to owners of pets with behavioural problems. Services provided include:

	Modification of bad behaviour - including separation anxiety, disobedience, destructiveness, mild aggression etc.
	Basic obedience training - such as sit, drop, stay, come and heel. As well as trick training including fetch, shake hands, roll over, play dead, jump through hoop etc
	Advice on pet selection - It is very important that potential pet owners choose an appropriate pet and breed that will suit their lifestyle.

For more information go to Behaviour Consultations

The Problem with Pets...

During the 2004/2005 financial year, the RSPCA alone took in over 50,000 dogs and 55,000 cats. 56% of the dogs and 33% of the cats were re-homed by the RSPCA. Sadly, 34% of the dogs and 58% of the cats were euthanased due to illness, behavioural problems or because a home could not be found for them. Many people who decide to buy a companion animal do so on a whim, not realising how much time, effort and money is involved in taking care of that animal. As a result, many pets are abandoned and end up in a pound or shelter. They will then be adopted out to a new home (if they're lucky) or euthanased. Responsible pet owners must also de-sex their pets to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Doing so will help to ease the pet-overpopulation problem in Australia.

It is important that potential pet owners think long and hard about whether or not they are ready to commit to a companion animal and it's needs. For example, dogs and parrots are very social animals and require lots of companionship. If you work long hours and expect your pet to be happy home alone, think again! These animals become stressed and destructive when separated from their "pack" (you). This behaviour is termed "separation anxiety" and is one of the most common behaviour problems I treat. Remember to always do your research before going out and buying a pet. NEVER BUY A PET ON IMPULSE!!!! You are bound to regret it. The more knowledge you gain about a pet before you go out and buy it, the more prepared you'll be when you bring your pet home and the greater the chance that you and your pet will be happy together.