Do you want to become a Applied Animal Behaviourist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
Job Description - 
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Applied animal behaviourists diagnose and treat behavioural problems in animals. Pet behaviour counselling is the most common area of work. Pet behaviour counsellors work with dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and horses. Some work with a range of different animals, while others specialise. The animal problems they deal with include:
• aggression towards people or other animals
• destructiveness
• toileting problems
• livestock chasing
• inappropriate vocal behaviour, eg excessive barking with dogs
• phobias and general control.
Veterinary surgeons refer pet owners to pet behaviour counsellors. Counsellors take a detailed history of the problem and observe and handle the animal to find out the cause. They then advise the owner how to modify the animal's behaviour. They keep in touch with the owner to check progress. If necessary, they modify the advice in light of the progress made.
Most animal behaviourists are self-employed and have no set working hours. Pet behaviour counsellors are likely to work 35 to 40 hours a week. They spend most of their time in consultations in clinics or at clients' homes. Some of the work may be outdoors in all weather conditions when observing animals.
Salaries range from around £15,000 to £30,000 a year. An applied animal behaviourist should:
• be good at science, particularly biology
• have good communication skills, both spoken and written
• be able to build a good relationship of trust with clients
• be able to handle difficult animals
• have management and business skills
• enjoy working with problem animals.
The animal behaviourist field is small but growing. To join the register of Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourists, which is administered by The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour, applicants need an honours degree or higher in a biological or behavioural science. Membership of The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors also requires a degree. There is an increasing number of higher education courses in animal behaviour. There is no upper age limit for entry.
Courses usually include animal science (anatomy and physiology), animal health, animal psychology and animal behaviour, training and welfare.
Prospects for self-employed applied animal behaviourists depend on their ability to develop business. Some experienced animal behaviourists move into teaching and lecturing on animal behaviour courses. They may also write articles on animal behaviour.
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