IAABC UK & Ireland
Within the animal behaviour industry, Ireland and the United Kingdom have always worked together under similar guidelines. Being part of an international and highly respected organisation means that our members are recognised for their excellence and commitment to ethically driven behaviour consulting and training.
Having a team based in both Ireland and UK means our members have direct access for any queries, thoughts or contributions specifically related to this part of the world.
ABTC Accreditation Process
We have recently been working on several projects on behalf of our UK & Ireland membership. One that was of particular importance to our members was IAABC’s role under the Animal Training & Behaviour Council (ABTC) model. While IAABC is recognised as an ABTC Practitioner Organisation, one aspect that was often requested was IAABC’s ability to be able to offer our members the opportunity to apply for ABTC Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) accreditation. This would mean our members could be recognised and listed within ABTC as individuals in their own right. With the recently introduced APEL assessment, we are able to apply and are currently working on the process of the CAB application. Going forward, once granted status by ABTC, we will be able to take applications from those interested and assess those wishing to achieve CAB status.
Continuing Education Reciprocity
Another area which was of huge importance to our members was the awarding of CEUs. At the beginning of the year, we sent out invitations to those organisations whose educational standard is already approved by the ABTC so that any event or course they are running will be prioritised for approval for CPD/CEUs with IAABC. At this time we encourage organisations interested in participating to reach out for more information.
Member Support
The IAABC UK & Ireland chapter caters to our Certified and Accredited members while also encouraging those working professionally in the industry without any credential to start the journey to becoming a recognised IAABC member. Those pursuing the examination process do so because of IAABC’s high standards, the evidence-based approach of our members and their commitment to our Code of Ethics which includes Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive interventions when working with both animals and humans.
Justine Harrison CEBC
UK & Ireland Regional Liaison
Justine has over 10 years' experience working as a horse behaviour consultant and more than 40 years' experience riding, competing, teaching, and training. She has competed successfully in various disciplines including showing, showjumping,and dressage.
Justine is an IAABC certified Horse Behaviour Consultant and an Accredited Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. She is also the IAABC's UK Outreach Chair and a member of the Application Review Committee.
Justine is a guest lecturer at several UK universities. She writes regularly for a number of publications internationally and is the residen behaviourexpert for Horse magazine in the UK. She also acts as an expert consultant in legal disputes and court cases involving equine behaviour.
Josanne Dodd CDBC
UK & Ireland Regional Liaison
Based in Co. Limerick in Ireland, Josanne is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC), Professional Member of APDTI (APDTIre035) and is owner of JD Canine Confidence. Josanne primarily works with clients in their own homes helping with behavioural and training issues. She also currently teaches the QQI level 6 minor award Practical Dog Training course in Creedon’s College in Cork.
Josanne started this journey over 12 years ago after many years working in the corporate and logistics sector. She decided to step into the professional arena after many years rescuing and owning dogs, going on to complete an Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour and the IAABC’s intensive Animal Behaviour Consulting: Principles & Practice course.
She is a passionate believer in supporting work to regulate the training industry using science led and compassionate methods that promotes the welfare of the animals she works with.
Outside of work in the dog world, she enjoys exploring the Irish countryside. She lives with her husband, two children, four dogs, five cats, a variety of chickens and a very noisy cockerel!
