Converting the latest scientific findings into practical solutions for Canines

The science of dog behaviour is not new and over the last couple of decades in particular, some of this research has filtered down to the dog owner. Books on dog training and behaviour are plentiful but often, the essence of the science is so diluted that some of the original, crucial elements are simply ignored. A type of convenient short-hand for dog behaviour has developed amongst many dog trainers and owners and this approach is now so common that it is in danger of becoming set in stone.

Following several years of professional canine behavioural practice at the Natural Animal Centre, it has become increasingly clear to us that coercion and inadequately understood dog behaviour has no place in the training and behaviour modification of dogs. Yet although the use of positive reinforcement in modifying the behaviour of young and readily trainable dogs is becoming more widespread, typically, the more unacceptable the behaviour of the dog, the more often modification tends towards the use of aversive therapy or force.

The Natural Animal Centre wishes to improve the situation by educating prospective Canine Behaviourists so that they offer clients a service based on both scientifically and practically proven principles.

Currently it is possible to gain degrees in animal behavioural science at a number of universities in this country but none of them offer practical hands-on behavioural study of dogs and also, many do not offer positions to students whose background is not of an academic nature.

The Natural Animal Centre aims to bridge the gap between the academic institutions and the dog trainers by offering a quality, scientifically and practically based qualification for those seeking to help dogs from a behavioural perspective.

Objectives of the CBQ:
-to give the dog-owning public and canine welfare organizations a choice in hiring qualified canine
  behaviourists with a recognizable, trustworthy qualification
-provide veterinary surgeons with the choice and security of referring canine behavioural problems to
  appropriately qualified canine behavioural professionals
-provide canine behaviourists with a credible, valuable, scientifically-based accreditation which would give
  them the knowledge and practical experience to offer professional behavioural advice to a paying client
- provide a structure for on-going Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain the integrity of the
 CBQ in the market