What Is A Dog Behaviorist?

Welcome to The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Inc.
is a professional association for the field of animal behavior consulting. The association represents the professional interests of behavior consultants throughout the world. It is involved with the problems, needs and changing patterns of animal-owner relationships, and helps to ensure that trained practitioners meet the public’s needs. The association provides the tools and resources animal behavior professionals need to succeed. It works tirelessly to nourish the animal-human bond.The association’s members meet standards for education and training and are held to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Certified members qualify in one or more species-specific divisions, working with dogs, cats, horses, and/or parrots.
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ABOUT THE IAABC
IAABC members have diverse practices but believe that animals matter, and so do animal-owner relationships. They understand that animal behavior consultants can help manage and modify problem behaviors and strengthen relationships.

As professionals, IAABC members work to minimize the use of aversive stimuli and maximize the effective use of reinforcers to modify animal behavior. The LIMA (least intrusive and minimally aversive) principle is useful as a general rule. Within that framework, the IAABC welcomes diversity and openness. Positive regard, and respect for differences are core values. Animal behavior consultants also respect the client’s right to self-determination and embrace a non-judgmental approach.

Animal Behavior Consultants are required to demonstrate competency in five core areas including assessment and intervention strategies, counseling skills, behavioral science, knowledge of animal behavior, and species-specific knowledge in order to obtain certification through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. The field of Animal Behavior Consulting is growing and as a result, the IAABC is continually revising and improving upon its programs to meet this need.
IAABC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Marjie Alonso

Marjie Alonso, CDBC, CPDT, is a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant living in Somerville, MA., with her two dogs, two sons and very understanding mate. Marjie first started dog training in the late 1970s, eventually starting her own full time training and behavior consulting business, City Dog Training, LLC. In addition to her work at City Dog Training, Marjie is currently the Vice President and Training Director of the New England Dog Training Club, the oldest AKC club in the US. She serves as a behavioral consultant and volunteer trainer for several dog rescue groups, providing temperament evaluations, rescue dog acclimation programs, one-on-one training sessions and behavior modification programs. She also writes training and behavior information sheets, providing them to veterinary offices and dog rescues and shelters as handouts for clients and adopters. Marjie is a contributing expert trainer for Dogtime.com. Marjie takes her continuing education quite seriously, and attends many seminars, workshops and advanced internships each year in the field of dog behavior, behavior modification techniques, training and temperament evaluation and assessment. Recent seminars include those by Sue Sternberg, Suzanne Clothier, Patricia McConnell, John Rogerson, Clicker Expo, Kathy Sdao, Pia Silvani, Jean Donaldson and many more. Marjie is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, and a Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).

For information, email president@iaabc.org.

Vice President – Kathie Compton, CDBC, CPDT

Kathie Compton, CDBC, CPDT is the owner of mARFa Dog Training. Prior, Compton served as Executive Director for a subsidiary of Hoechst Pharmaceutical. She also served as Human Resources Director for a division of Life Care Services Corporation, as Assistant Technical Director for Aerolease International, and Executive Secretary to the President of Avmark. She served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Miami Aviation Association and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Marfa. She is also a member of the Board of Responsible Ownership of Marfa Pets. Compton holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Wisconsin. Compton is the author of the book, “Dogs.Made Easy! A New Owner’s Manual.” She and her husband live with Yorkshire Terrier Cozy Dog, in Marfa, Texas where they were honored with the 2006 Business of the Year Award from the Chamber of Commerce.

For information, email kc@texasdogtrainer.com.
Secretary  -  Mikel Delgado, CCBC

Mikel has been working as a full time Cat Behavior Specialist at the San Francisco SPCA since 2002. In addition to behavior consultations and adoption counseling, this job entails staff and volunteer training, community education, temperament testing and behavior modification of shelter cats. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for Rainbow Grocery Cooperative and Women’s Access to Gain Economic Security (WAGES) and has over six years of secretarial experience. Mikel lives in Berkeley with her two cats, and is currently a psychology major at Cal State University.

For information, email secretary@iaabc.org.

Co-Chair, Cat Division  -  Marilyn Krieger, MA, CCBC

Marilyn is a certified cat behavior consultant, resolving cat behavior challenges for both national and international clients, through her business, The Cat Coach, LLCR. Additonally, Marilyn is the resident cat behavior consultant for Cat Fancy Magazine and catchannel.com, the web site for Cat Fancy Magazine. Her articles have also appeared in Cat Fancy Magazine, Catnip, the Tufts University journal, as well as many other publications.

Marilyn and The Cat Coach, LLCR have received attention in such prominent media outlets as USA Today, MSNBC, San Francisco Chronicle, The Mercury News as well as others. Additonally, she frequently guests on television and radio programs, providing valuable tips and insight on how to improve cat behavior.

In addition to consulting and writing, Marilyn teaches cat behavior classes and lectures nationally. She also volunteers her time as coordinator for California Bengal Cat Rescue and donates her time as a cat behaviorist to the Peninsula Humane Society in San Mateo, California.

For more information about Marilyn, please go to www.thecatcoach.com or email catchair@iaabc.org.

Sarah Filipiak, CDBC

Sarah Filipiak is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant who started her Athens, Ohio-based training and consulting business, Best Pets Dog Training LLC, in 2001. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, after which she worked as a newspaper reporter, then editor, for six years.

She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, has served on the board of her local all-breed dog rescue organization since 2001, is a founding member of the Athens, Ohio Dog Parks Committee and performs behavior evaluations for local humane organizations. She completed an internship with Sue Sternberg in May 2004 and has attended numerous presentations on dog behavior and training, including those by Kathy Sdao, Jean Donaldson, Patricia McConnell, Joel Walton and Ian Dunbar. A former AKC obedience competitor, Sarah and Kessel Von Fichtenwald, her first clicker-trained dog, earned a High In Trial award Kessel’s first time in the ring. Sarah has been quoted in the Popular Dogs Training Series magazines for German Shepherds and for Rottweilers.

Besides behavior and psychology, her areas of interest include communication, philosophy and theology, technology and all things equine. She can be reached at info@bestpetsdogtraining.com.

Treasurer – Tonya Sakadinsky BA, CDBC

Tonya Sakadinsky has enjoyed a career spanning over 15 years in animal care, behavior, sheltering and protection.  Tonya served as the Director of Animal Services of La Plata County, and is now a lead cat and dog behavior volunteer trainer for La Plata County Humane Society in Durango, Colorado. As Director of Animal Services Tonya maintained City and County Animal Service budgets, interagency agreements and contractual obligations.  In addition to offering Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting, Tonya also created and administrates “The Prepared Animal Companion”, an educational and counseling program for people who have been charged with animal offenses through the Court system. Tonya’s career emphasis is creating understanding between human and animal in order to promote a peaceable home and community. Tonya holds a  bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Ecology from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.

For information, email treasurer@iaabc.org.

Jamie Whittaker – Parrot Division Chair

Jamie Whittaker and her husband, Barry, have owned and operated ABC Pets since 1988. They are members of American Federation of Aviculture, the Avicultural Society of America and the National Parrot Rescue and Preservation Foundation. Jamie also teaches classes on living with and caring for parrots. Jamie is an aviculturist and advocate for parrots in the home. Her unique experience allows her an opportunity to know birds in all stages of their lives. Helping people to understand and work with their bird’s natural behaviors has enabled many parrots to stay in their homes long term. Jamie has been certified as a parrot behavior consultant through the IAABC since 2006.

You can contact Jamie at bjwbird@abcbirds.com.

Dr. James E. Akenhead

Dr. James Akenhead, was issued professional trainer certification under the auspices of The Ohio Board of Proprietary Schools. This Intensive certification program included laboratory experience, classroom lectures, guest speakers, field visits (i.e. Guide Dogs for the Blind) written and oral examinations, and evaluation of training methods using both video tape and instructor observation. The curriculum also included advanced obedience, assistance dog training, tracking, and protection training. In addition to this professional trainer certification, Dr. Akenhead holds 5 earned college degrees including a Doctorate in Education and research and a Masters Degree in Counseling and 4 additional professional certifications: International Association of Canine Professionals, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and CDBC with International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Jim has taught at the university level: has been recognized as a distinguished graduate of Bowling Green State University: has been included in 7 Who’s Who Directories; and, with his wife Charlene, has been recognized as “business professional” of the year by a local service organization.

You can contact Jim at bigdogs@neo.rr.com.

Eric Goebelbecker, CPDT

Eric Goebelbecker, CPDT-KA, owns and runs Dog Spelled Forward while also working as software engineer on Wall Street. Eric started working closely with rescue dogs 7 years ago as a volunteer and decided that he wanted to change careers almost on the spot. Since then he has attended several advanced apprenticeships, courses, and seminars, and worked as a trainer at Best Friends Pet Care in NY. As a software engineer and technology executive Eric has worked on or around Wall Street for 20 years. He co-founded a small company that changed the way market data is distributed to financial institutions. He also worked as a systems engineer designing and installing trading floors for several major banks and financial institutions, was the Director of Systems Engineering for Telerate and has run several development teams. Eric is also a regular blogger at Dog Star Daily and Dog Spelled Forward

You can contact Eric at eric@dogspelledforward.com.
IAABC Ethics Policy

Principle I: Responsibility to Clients

Animal behavior consultants respect the rights of those seeking their assistance, and make reasonable efforts to ensure that theirservices are used appropriately. Core values for the profession are respect for client right to self-determination and a non-judgmental approach.

1.1 Animal behavior consultants provide professional assistance to persons without discrimination on the basis of race,age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, health status, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.

1.2 Animal behavior consultants comply with applicable laws regarding the reporting of animal bites and possible neglect/abuse.

1.3 Animal behavior consultants embrace a non-judgmental approach that includes respect for the rights of client families to make decisions and help them to understand the consequences of these decisions. Consultants clearly advise the clients that clients have the responsibility to make decisions regarding their animal(s).

1.4 Animal behavior consultants continue working with a client only as long as it is reasonably clear that the client is benefiting.

1.5 Animal behavior consultants obtain written informed consent from clients before videotaping, audio recording, or permitting third-party observation.

1.6 Animal behavior consultants upon agreeing to provide services to a person or entity at the request of a third party, clarify, to the extent feasible and at the outset of the service, the nature of the relationship with each party and the limits of confidentiality.

Principle II: Confidentiality

Consultants respect and guard the confidences of clients.

2.1 Animal behavior consultants inform clients and other interested parties, the nature of confidentiality; possible limitations of the clients’ right to confidentiality; circumstances where confidential information may be requested and where disclosure of confidential information may be legally required. This may be done in writing or in an verbal review.

2.2 Animal behavior consultants do not disclose client confidences except by written authorization or waiver, or where mandated or permitted by law.

2.3 Upon moving from an area or closing a practice, an animal behavior consultant arranges for the storage, transfer or disposal of client records in a manner that maintains confidentiality and safeguards the welfare of clients

2.4 Animal behavior consultants, do not share confidential information that could reasonably lead to the identification of a client or prospective client, research participant, or other person with whom they have a confidential relationship, unless they have obtained the prior written consent of the client, research participant, or other person with whom they have a confidential relationship.

Principle III: Professional Competence and Integrity

3.1 Animal behavior consultants work to minimize the use of aversive stimuli and maximize the effective use of positive reinforcement to modify animal behavior.

3.2 Animal behavior consultants pursue knowledge of new developments and maintain competence in animal behavior consulting through education, training, or supervised experience.

3.3 Animal behavior consultants maintain adequate knowledge of and adhere to applicable laws, ethics, and professional standards.

3.4 Animal behavior consultants, as presenters, teachers, supervisors, consultants and researchers, present accurate information, and disclose potential conflicts of interest.

3.5 Animal behavior consultants maintain accurate and adequate records.

3.6 While developing new skills in specialty areas, animal behavior consultants practice in specialty areas new to them only after appropriate education, training, or supervised experience.

3.7 Animal behavior consultants do not engage in the exploitation of clients, students, supervisees,trainees, employees,colleagues, or research subjects.

3.8 Animal behavior consultants do not advise on problems outside the recognized boundaries of their competencies.

3.9 Animal behavior consultants, because of their ability to influence and alter the lives of others, exercise special care when making public their professional recommendations and opinions through testimony or other public statements.

3.10 Animal behavior consultants are in violation of this Code and subject to termination of membership or other appropriate action if they: (a) are convicted of any felony; (b) are convicted of a misdemeanor related to their qualifications or functions; (c) engage in conduct which could lead to conviction of a felony, or a misdemeanor related to their qualifications or functions;(f) fail to cooperate with the Association at any point from the inception of an ethical complaint through the completion of all proceedings regarding that complaint.

Principle IV: Responsibility to Students and Supervisees

4.1 Animal behavior consultants do not permit students or supervisees to perform or to hold themselves out as competent to perform professional services beyond their training, level of experience, and competence.

Principle V: Responsibility to the Profession

5.1 Animal behavior consultants who are the authors of books or other materials that are published or distributed do not plagiarize or fail to cite persons to whom credit for original ideas or work is due.

5.2 Animal behavior consultants are concerned with developing laws and regulations pertaining to animal behavior consulting

Principle VI: Financial Arrangements

6.1 Animal behavior consultants do not offer or accept kickbacks, rebates, bonuses, or other remuneration for referrals; fee-for-service arrangements are not prohibited.

6.2 Prior to entering into the consulting relationship, animal behavior consultants clearly disclose and explain to clients and students all financial arrangements and fees related to professional services, including charges for canceled or missed appointments. Once services have begun, consultants provide reasonable notice of any changes in fees or other charges.

6.3 Animal behavior consultants represent facts truthfully to clients and supervisees regarding services rendered.

Principle VII: Advertising

7.1 Animal behavior consultants accurately represent their competencies, education, training, and experience relevant to their practice of animal behavior consulting.

7.2 Animal behavior consultants do not use names that could mislead the public concerning the identity, responsibility, source,and status of those practicing under that name.

7.3 Animal behavior consultants do not use any professional identification (such as a business card, office sign, letterhead,Internet, or telephone or association directory listing) if it includes a statement or claim that is false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive.

7.4 Animal behavior consultants list bachelor, master, specialist and doctoral degrees only from recognized accredited colleges and universities.

7.5 Animal behavior consultants correct, wherever possible, false, misleading, or inaccurate information and representations made by others concerning the consultant’s qualifications, services, or products.

7.6 Animal behavior consultants do not represent themselves as providing specialized services unless they have the appropriate education, training, or experience.

Principle VIII Ethics Education

The Ethics Committee shall design and administer an education program regarding ethics and shall make said program available to the membership

Process for Filing Ethics Concern

The process for filing, investigating, and resolving complaints of unethical conduct is described in the Procedures for Handling Ethical Matters of the IAABC. For matters requiring these procedures, write to President@iaabc.org.