IAABC Core Competencies

The IAABC recommends animal behavior consultants be skilled in seven Core Areas of Competency:

Core competency is defined as "a skill needed in order to be successful at a job or other activity.”^[1] Success as an animal behavior consultant depends on the ability of the consultant to accurately assess the function of an animal’s behavior, and implement effective behavior modification strategies in agreement with a Least-Intrusive, Minimally Aversive approach. Animal behavior consultants also should maintain a working knowledge of biology as it relates to animal behavior, an understanding of consulting and behavior change program management, and ethics as it relates to both animal behavior and human learning.

I) ASSESSMENT SKILLS

A. History taking skills and history assessment

Eliciting accurate information

Interpretation of information provided

Assessing owner interpretation of behavioral issues

B. Behavioral observation skills

Accurate observation and interpretation of behaviors demonstrated by the animal

Ability to integrate information obtained by direct observation of the animal and
the humans involved

C. Apply and integrate any additional behavioral, historical, medical and physiologic information.

Critically evaluate the quality of this information.

Act appropriately to remedy any areas of concern

II) GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICATION OF LEARNING SCIENCE

A. Learning Science

Operant conditioning

Classical conditioning

Desensitization

Counterconditioning

Observational learning

Habituation

Sensitization

Latent learning

Flooding

Extinction

Stimulus Control

B. Application and awareness of differences, effectiveness and possible deleterious effects of behavior modification and training techniques such as:

Lure/reward

Shaping

Marker training

Compulsion

Desensitization

Counterconditioning

C. Evaluation of scientific information and data analysis

Ability to apply scientific data to behavior modification plans

Ability to collect and utilize related data to monitor progress and improve outcome

Ability to apply fundamental concepts of applied behavior analysis in developing and implementing a behavior modification / training plans.

D. Intervention Strategies

Management and safety interventions

Behavior modification strategies

Knowledge and appropriate use of training equipment

Ability to apply scientific data and learning theory principles to treatment strategies

III) SPECIES-SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE

Exercise and housing requirements

Nutrition and diet fundamentals for the species

Common health issues

Species- and breed-specific anatomy, behavior, nutritional requirements

Developmental stages

Basic neuroscience and endocrinology as they relate to behavior

Communication behaviors

Interpretation of body language

Environmental enrichment

Behavior issues:

Separation-related

Aggression

Social signaling problems

Sexual/reproductive

Maternal

Fears and phobias

General anxiety disorders

Repetitive behaviors

Cognitive dysfunction

Elimination disorders

Destructive behavior

Self-injury

Excessive vocalization

Ingestive disorders

Impulsivity/unruliness

IV) CONSULTING SKILLS

Awareness and evaluation of environment, and awareness of effect on animal and human client behavior

Ability to assess human interactions with, and emotional sensitivities about the animal without judgement.

Ability to assess how these impact the animal’s behavior

Ability to assess family’s goals

Observation and interpretation: Understanding of human behaviors

Awareness and ability to adapt to human learning needs and styles

Ability to develop solutions that function for all members of the animal’s community.

Ability to assist family members in resolution of conflict to arrive at a common goal"

Awareness of ancillary support services

Veterinarian
Veterinary Behaviorist
Supplementary Practitioners
Veterinary Nutritionist
Family Therapist

Critically evaluate issues concerning complementary and alternative approaches or products

Understand important principles in cognitive psychology, including education, learning styles, perception and attention.

V) GENERAL KNOWLEDGE OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

Ethology

Communication behaviors

Genetics

The key ethological, psychological and physiological concepts that underpin animal welfare.

VI) BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AS RELATED TO ANIMAL BEHAVIOR CONSULTING

Basic gross anatomy and organ systems

Basic neuroanatomy and neurobiology (as relates to behavioral assessments)

The functional anatomy and physiology of the vertebrate nervous and endocrine systems and their role in mediating behavior.

The concept of neural plasticity, and how a learner’s genetic makeup and environment can affect their brain’s ability to learn.

Psychopharmacology and the mode of action of the major classes of drugs used in clinical animal behavior.

VII) ETHICS

Understand the key ethical and legal issues and responsibilities related to working with human clients and their animals.

Understand and abide by the Code of Ethics laid out in the Joint Standards of Practice; keep up to date with any updates and changes to these.

Understand the process of filing ethics complaints and the scope of sanctions that certifying organizations can use.