The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) has called for more education regarding safety around dogs for children, after the recent tragic events leading to the loss of a 14 year old girl’s life in Greater Manchester.
Research undertaken by the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) suggests that to reduce the chances of behavioural problems in pet dogs, new puppy owners should make sure that they see the parents of their puppy.
The APBC is particularly disappointed that the BBC chose to show Jordan Shelley using extremely confrontational techniques when attempting to train a Jack Russell Terrier on The One Show.
The methods used were unnecessary, dangerous for owners to imitate and have serious welfare implications for the dog involved.
The APBC is extremely pleased to welcome the formation of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC).
David Ryan, APBC Chair, said, “The formation of a regulatory council for dog training and behaviour has been long overdue. For too long the public and their pets have had to put up with poor service from unqualified “behaviourists” and “trainers” – advice that can not only be plain wrong, but can have implications for the welfare of the pet and the safety of their owner.
Contrary to recent reports, trancing rabbits is unacceptable. The APBC has joined with national and international behaviour and welfare organisations in condemning one of the techniques used by Cliff Penrose, described as a “rabbit whisperer”.
APBC Chair, David Ryan, warns of the dangers of yet more “whispering”, stating “I am dismayed and disappointed that yet again so called “whisperers” are able to portray outmoded and dangerous methods of interacting with animals as being welfare friendly.”
The APBC has joined with national and international behaviour and welfare organisations in condemning some of the techniques used by Cesar Millan, the self-styled “Dog Whisperer”.
APBC Chair, David Ryan says, “It is only right that people are made aware of the adverse effects that some of these training methods can have on their pets and the relationship they have with them.”
The APBC is delighted to have contributed to the consultation following which the Welsh Government Assembly has decided to completely ban the use of electric shock collars, announced today by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones. There is no place in modern training for devices that cause pets pain and we are pleased that the Welsh Government Assembly has taken the initiative in the United Kingdom. We look forward to the same result in Scotland and England.
The APBC has joined with national and international behaviour and welfare organisations in condemning some of the techniques used by Cesar Millan, the self-styled “Dog Whisperer”.
Although some of Millan’s training methods can effect positive changes in pets - many pets will benefit from consistency, firm boundaries and increased exercise - the use of outdated “dominance” theories to explain dog behaviour can lead to conflict and welfare implications for dogs.
The APBC has joined with other behaviour and welfare organisations1 worldwide in warning of the possible dangers of using techniques for training dogs that can cause pain and fear, such as some of those seen used by Cesar Millan, who has announced a UK tour next year.
The organisations have joined forces to voice their serious concerns about techniques which pose welfare problems for dogs and significant risk to owners who may copy them. These concerns are shared, and the statement supported, by similar organisations around the world2 and in continental Europe3.
On behalf of The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), the Chairman, David Ryan, would like to issue the following statement regarding the recent tragic events involving children and dogs.
“This is a tragedy for all concerned and the APBC extends its deepest sympathy to the families involved. All dog owners have the responsibility for understanding and addressing the potential dangers of keeping any dog. Dogs should be well socialised, particularly to children and infants, but even so the interaction of dogs and children or infants should always be supervised by an adult.”
The early weeks of a puppy’s life are crucial for it to develop into a well balanced adult dog. Lack of adequate socialisation is one of the biggest causes of aggression in dogs.
The recently announced UK tour by Cesar Millan brings with it controversy and confusion for concerned pet owners and pet behaviour professionals.
The APBC believes that there is much to thank Cesar for – his programmes have made owners aware that the two alternatives for a badly behaved pet are not just “put up with” or “put to sleep”.
The APBC is delighted to have contributed to the consultation following which the Welsh Government Assembly has decided to completely ban the use of electric shock collars, announced today by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones. There is no place in modern training for devices that cause pets pain and we are pleased that the Welsh Government Assembly has taken the initiative in the United Kingdom.
Behavioural issues in pets are on the rise and a recent survey carried out by CEVA Animal Health, manufacturer of D.A.P.® for dogs and Feliway® for cats, has revealed that 94 per cent of veterinary professionals believe that owners’ lifestyles are the major cause.
“Watch this film for entertainment but not as an example of how to interact with or train your pet”, is the advice from the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). The film is excellent in exploring the depth of the human animal bond, which can be satisfying and enriching. However an owner is responsible for their pet’s physical and mental well-being under The Animal Welfare Act and responsible pet ownership is what every pet deserves.
The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors was recently given the opportunity to take part in the Welsh Assembly Government consultation on the use of electronic training aids on dogs and cats.
The views expressed in the document below were presented on 6th December 2007. The document containing the response can be downloaded by clicking here (PDF 385kb).
As the field of companion animal behaviour counselling expands and more veterinary practices are aware of their client’s behavioural needs, it is essential that the latest behaviour information is available to veterinary practices. To meet this need, the APBC(Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) is producing a special newsletter for the veterinary profession.
Further to demand, and the success, of the Top Ten Tips section, the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) has expanded its web site to include a special section on parrots.
The APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) is offering an exciting programme of five behaviour events specifically targeted at the veterinary profession. Subjects being covered are: stress in cats, pharmacological treatments for behaviour problems, canine aggression in the veterinary practice, puppies in the behaviourally aware practice and behaviour problems and the veterinary team. All of these events are being presented by APBC members, a number of whom are vets.
On behalf of The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), the Chairman, Donna Brander, would like to issue the following statement regarding the recent tragic events involving children and dogs.
On the invitation of the SSPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), in response to a presentation by the ECMA (Electric Collar Manufacturers Association), APBC member David Ryan recently enlightened members of The Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Animal Welfare Group when he talked to them about the dangers and welfare implications of using electric shock collars to ‘train’ dogs. A Police Dog Trainer and handler for over twenty five years, David explained that for an electric shock collar to work it must fulfil certain criteria.
The APBC’s (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) Annual Review figures, for cases seen in 2005, show that the two most common behaviour problems occurring in pets are dog aggression and cat indoor toileting problems.
Latest figures published by the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) show that nearly 67% of biting dogs referred for a behaviour consultation had received inadequate socialisation during puppyhood.
As part of its ongoing seminar programme, the APBC are holding workshops on reptile, cat and rabbit behaviour at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, on Saturday 22 nd October.
Bonfire Night can be very distressing for many pets and the following suggestions are being made by the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) to help minimise any potential stress.
Ensure that pets are kept indoors and all windows, doors and cat/dog flaps are shut.
Play the TV and radio loudly to help muffle the sound of the fireworks.
When fireworks go off, don’t look worried. If you look cheerful and happy this will help your pet.
APBC member, Carrie Evans, is to appear in a series of programmes entitled ‘It’s a Dog’s Life’. The series, filmed by Tyne Tees Television, is following a number of people who work with dogs: dog groomer, dog walker, dog day carer, hydrotherapist, pet hotel owner, dog trainer and dog behaviourist.
The APBC is delighted to present its first ever Equine Conference at Horse World, Whitchurch, Bristol on Saturday 19 th November 2005. This groundbreaking event will offer a fascinating insight into horse behaviour and common problems encountered by even the most experienced horse owners.
Robert Phipps, known to many as the resident body language expert on ITV’s Trisha show, is to be the key speaker at a seminar on Communication, being held by the APBC(Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors)in Spring 2006 (Date to be announced).
The APBC(Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) is delighted to announce that David Ryan and Claire Arrowsmith have been accepted as Full Members. David and Claire are the first provisional members to have progressed through the APBC’s tiered membership scheme. Founded in 1989, the APBC is recognised as the professional association for companion animal behaviour consultants. It offers a four tier membership, Student, Provisional, Academic and Full.
The 2004 APBC Conference ‘Thinking Outside the Box’ will feature a fascinating presentation by Claire Guest, Operations Director of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, about her recent work training dogs to detect bladder cancer.
The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) is growing increasingly concerned about franchised ‘pet behaviour counsellor’ businesses within the UK. Following recent coverage of these franchises in the national press, many pet owners will be unaware that these ‘behaviourists’ have only received a few weeks training before starting to offer advice on what can be potentially dangerous behaviour, such as dog aggression.
Latest figures published by the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) shows that aggression in dogs and marking behaviour in cats are still the most commonly referred behaviour problems in the UK pet population.
The APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) has re-launched its web site. The new look site, which can be found at www.apbc.org.uk , has been designed to be more user friendly and Full Members of the Association can now easily be found by geographic region. Vets and clients can quickly locate their nearest practitioner by clicking on the appropriate area on the UK map. This links to a quick reference list which also distinguishes the species seen by individual counsellors.
Rabbits have increased in number to be the UK’s third most popular pet. Not only do owners now want the same level of veterinary care for their rabbit as they expect for a dog or cat, but they also hope to have a perfect relationship with their pet.
On behalf of The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), the Chairman, David Ryan, would like to issue the following statement regarding the recent tragic events involving children and dogs.
The APBC is delighted to have contributed to the consultation following which the Welsh Government Assembly has decided to completely ban the use of electric shock collars, announced today by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones. There is no place in modern training for devices that cause pets pain and we are pleased that the Welsh Government Assembly has taken the initiative in the United Kingdom.
