IAABC – International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

IAABC – International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants “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.  Associate members are consultants in practice, on the path to Certified membership.” “ 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.”  “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 IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) has offered the only certification for dog behavior consultants so far and continues to work both independently and in tandem with the CCPDT towards accomplishing the mutual goals of legitimate standardization and credentialing in the industry. Marjie Alonso, current president of the IAABC, feels that the IAABC and the CCPDT “are in a good sisterhood of organizations working towards a shared goal with mutual respect for each other.”