COAPE (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology) endorsed behaviourists are highly trained professionals specializing in the field of animal behaviour. They have earned their endorsement from COAPE, a well-respected institution known for its rigorous training programs and commitment to promoting positive relationships between humans and animals. These endorsed behaviourists play a crucial role in helping guardians understand and address their animals’ unique needs, fostering healthier and happier homes for both animals and their human caregivers. Each COAPE Endorsed Behaviourist has signed and adheres to the COAPE Code of Conduct.
Here are some key aspects to understand about COAPE endorsed behaviourists:
Comprehensive Training: COAPE endorsed behaviourists undergo extensive and comprehensive training programs that cover a wide range of topics related to animal behaviour, including the unique-to-COAPE-qualified MHERA methodology, psychology, ethology, physiology, neuroscience, animal emotionality and communication. This training equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and address a variety of behavioural challenges in different species of animals.
Holistic Approach: These behaviourists adopt a holistic approach to animal behaviour, taking into account not only the observable actions of the animal but also the underlying emotional and psychological factors that influence behaviour. They understand that behavioural challenges are often rooted in fear, anxiety, past experiences, or even physical health problems.
Ethical and Science-Based Methods: COAPE endorsed behaviourists prioritize the use of ethical and science-based methods to modify and manage animal behaviour. They avoid punitive or coercive techniques and focus on positive reinforcement, which encourages desired behaviours through rewards and positive experiences. COAPE strongly believes in the “do no harm” approach and believe that it is possible to help animals without resorting to fear, intimidation or pain.
Tailored Solutions: Each animal and their behaviour are unique, and COAPE endorsed behaviourists recognize this. They work closely with caregivers to develop individualized behaviour modification plans that address specific challenges and cater to the needs and preferences of both the animals and the humans.
Empowering people: COAPE endorsed behaviourists not only work with pets but also educate and empower pet owners. They help owners understand the reasons behind their pets’ behaviour and provide them with the tools and knowledge needed to reinforce positive behaviours and manage any challenges that may arise.
Promoting Animal Welfare: By addressing and resolving behavioural challenges, COAPE endorsed behaviourists contribute to the overall welfare and well-being of animals. They play a crucial role in preventing pet relinquishment and abandonment, as well as improving the quality of life for pets and their families.
COAPE endorsed behaviourists are dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field of animal behaviour. Their commitment to ethical, science-based, and holistic approaches ensures that animals and their human companions receive the best possible care and support when dealing with behavioural challenges. These experts are instrumental in fostering harmonious relationships between humans and their beloved animal companions.
CABTi, which stands for the COAPE Association of Behaviourists and Trainers International, is an organization that provides education, certification, and support for COAPE Qualified professionals specializing in behaviour therapy and training. CABTi members are individuals who have successfully completed COAPE and CABTi’s rigorous training programs and have been officially recognized and endorsed by the organization as qualified experts in the field of behaviour and training. Here are some additional key points to understand about CABTi endorsed members:
Comprehensive Training: To become a CABTi member, individuals must successfully complete a COAPE Diploma course (extensive and specialized training programs offered by COAPE.) These programs cover a wide range of topics related to canine behaviour, including the MHERA behaviour assessment and ESTA modification techniques.
Ethical and Science-Based Approach: CABTi members adhere to ethical and science-based principles in their work with animals. They prioritize positive reinforcement and humane training methods, avoiding harsh or punitive techniques that can harm the animal’s well-being. All CABTi members have signed the CABTi Code of Conduct.
Individualized Behaviour Plans: Just like COAPE endorsed behaviourists, CABTi endorsed members create individualized behaviour modification plans for each client. These plans take into account the unique needs, history, and temperament of each animal, as well as the goals and preferences of the animal’s guardian.
Continuous Learning: The field of behaviour is dynamic, with ongoing research and developments. CABTi members are committed to staying informed about the latest advancements in the field. They engage in continuous education and professional development to provide the most up-to-date and effective services to their clients.
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1-2-1 training for puppies and adult dogs, behaviour consultations, home visits and training in a secure field. Consultations via Zoom or in person.
COAPE DipCABT
Each of the professionals listed below subscribes to COAPE’s Ethics and have signed a Code of Conduct commitment to only use force-free protocols in their businesses. Their areas, as well as services are described in the table below to ensure that you find the best behaviourist or trainer in your area to assist with any problems you may be experiencing with your companion.
If you have any feedback, praise or complaints regarding any behaviourist or trainer on this list, please email us at [email protected].
Aims of the CABTi
The aims of the CABTi are set out here.
Aims of the CABTi complaints procedure:
Valid complaint criteria
What constitutes a complaint?
Examples of complaints:
Examples of issues which will not be considered complaints:
Who can lodge a complaint?
Anyone may lodge a complaint, including existing CABTi members, members of the public, veterinary professionals, and members of other organisations. This list is not exhaustive.
Complaints procedure
All complaints must be made in writing and submitted by e-mail to CABTi. Complainants must give their full name, contact phone number, e-mail address (if available) and postal address. Full contact details will be requested if not initially provided. Failure to provide this information will render the complaint null and void. Anonymous complaints will be disregarded. The complaint will be logged with the administrator. Membership status of the individual will be checked and if found not to be a member the complainant will be informed that no action can be taken by the CABTi.
The letter of complaint and contact details of the member will be passed to the CABTi Complaints Committee.
The CABTi Complaints Committee will contact the complainant by phone, email or letter to determine the particulars of the complaint. The exact details of the complaint will be verified and documented by the CABTi Complaints Committee and submitted to the complainant for agreement.
Should the complainant advise of independent parties who may be able to support the complaint, validity will be checked by the CABTi Complaints Committee.
Should the complainant supply names and contact details (phone number, email address and postal address) of those independent parties referred to above, they will be contacted in writing by the CABTi Complaints Committee. Failure to provide the above details will mean no contact will be made.
The CABTi Complaints committee will contact the CABTi member who is the focus of the complaint, in writing by email or post, to notify and explain the details of the complaint, including the name of the complainant and witnesses if applicable.
The CABTi Complaints committee will forward copies of all relevant documentation to the member by either email or recorded delivery. The CABTi member will only be asked to respond once all documentation has been received.
The CABTi member will be asked to submit a written response to the allegations within 14 days of receipt of all documentation. Extensions may be granted at the discretion of the CABTi Complaints Committee.
The CABTi Complaints committee will consider the CABTi member’s written response and, if deemed reasonable, no further action will be taken and both parties will be informed in writing.
Should the CABTi Complaints Committee not consider the CABTi member’s written response appropriate or reasonable, he/she will be informed in writing. Mediation between the complainant and CABTi member will be undertaken if necessary to reach an acceptable complaint resolution.
Should resolution not be reached by both parties, or the alleged offence is considered to be serious, the complainant and CABTi member will be asked to attend a specially chaired meeting of the CABTI. This meeting will take place at a convenient location for both parties, at a mutually suitable time and date. The CABTi member will be given 28 days written notice to attend a meeting of the Complaints Committee and written details of the complaint made against them.
The complaints panel will consist of the CABTi Complaints committee. The CABTi member and complainant will be allowed to bring another person. Both parties will be given the opportunity to present their case or be represented by another who will do so for them, e.g. solicitor.
The CABTi Complaints committee will determine the nature of the meeting, how best to proceed and whether cross examination is necessary or appropriate.
Should either the CABTi member or complainant decline or refuse to attend this meeting, it may proceed in their absence. Within 14 days of the meeting a decision will be made by the CABTi Complaints committee. Members may not be suspended or expelled unless at least two thirds of the committee present votes in favour either. The member and complainant will be informed of this decision in writing.
In the event of a further or more complaints being received at any time during the 5 years after a first warning has been issued, the CABTi Complaints committee will investigate and ensure the credibility of the claim and reserves the right to terminate membership immediately.
Additional points
The CABTi Complaints committee may deem the use of phone calls necessary for ease, clear communication and clarity. In this case, the CABTi member will be contacted, and a mutually convenient date and time agreed on. Members will not be called unexpectedly and questioned. Phone calls between the CABTi Complaints committee and the CABTi member will last no longer than 30 minutes; if this is not sufficient time then both parties should agree on another date and time.
Discussion of the actual complaint will only happen once the member has been informed in writing of the nature of the complaint and provided with copies of all documentation relating to it.
Sanctions
Sanctions will be appropriate and reflect the weight of the offence. For example, they may include offering an apology to the complainant, completing CPD within a specified timeframe, suspension for a period of time, or expulsion for serious or continuing repeated offences. Failure to comply with recommendations may result in further disciplinary actions by the CABTi Complaints committee.
Follow-up to complaint
If the complaint is not upheld, a record will not be kept nor used in any future proceedings.
If the complaint is upheld, a record will be kept on file for five years and may be taken in consideration if other complaints of a similar nature are received in the future.
Details of an upheld complaint will not be passed on to any other organisation either formally or informally.
This privacy policy sets out how COAPE / CABTi uses and protects any information that you give COAPE / CABTi when you use this website. COAPE / CABTi is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website; you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement. COAPE / CABTi may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 1 June 2014.
What we collect
We may collect the following information:
What we do with the information we gather
We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:
Security
We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
How we use cookies
A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added, and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.
We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about web page traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.
Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.
You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.
Links to other websites
Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.
Controlling your personal information
You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:
We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen.
You may request details of personal information which we hold about you. If you would like a copy of the information held on you please email COAPE / CABTi ([email protected]).
If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please email us as soon as possible at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.
CODE OF CONDUCT
This code applies to members of the CABTi (COAPE Association of Behaviourists and Trainers International). Its purpose is to establish certain standards for conduct and to develop and maintain best practice among our members. The aims of the CABTi are as follows:
Principles
Members shall practice with integrity and shall recognise their responsibility towards clients, clients’ animals, and society in general. Their actions or advice should not knowingly cause psychological or physical distress or damage to any of these.
The welfare of clients and their animals shall be paramount and shall not be made subordinate to commercial consideration.
Members shall maintain professional relationships with their clients. They shall not exploit such relationships for improper personal, professional, or financial gain, nor seek inappropriately to impose their own values on clients.
Practice
Members of CABTi have completed relevant training with COAPE and will take a holistic approach using MHERA™ (Mood State, Hedonic Budget, Emotionality and Reinforcement Assessments) which is effective in identifying the underlying emotion of any difficult behaviour and will follow the Emotional Systems Therapeutic Application (ESTA™) method when addressing any emotional challenges/ behaviour. This approach serves to improve the animal’s emotional and behavioural wellbeing.
When treating behavioural challenges, members will liaise with the client’s veterinary surgeon and will conduct themselves in a professional manner so as not to bring the Association, the veterinary surgeon, or the profession into disrepute.
Where techniques are experimental, the client and the liaising veterinary surgeon must be so informed, Members shall keep clients fully informed about the nature of and reasons for their actions and any possible risk or drawback that might arise from them. They shall not lead their clients to form unrealistic expectations of the outcome of any action or intervention.
Members cover their individual business activities with professional indemnity and public liability insurance relevant to their individual needs.
CABTi members are familiar with relevant legislation and are aware of their legal, moral, and ethical obligations towards their client, the client’s animal, and society in general.
Members who work with assistants who are not members of the Association are responsible for ensuring that such assistants act responsibly towards clients and are willing to conform to the spirit of this code.
In joining the Association members agree:
Liability
CABTi shall not be liable to Members for any claims, losses, damages, or other expenses (either direct, special, or consequential) arising as a result of any dispute between a Member and their client or a third party in relation to any professional advice or treatment given. The Member’s own professional indemnity insurance will be sufficient to meet any liabilities that might arise as a result of their professional practice.
Membership fees are non-refundable.
Qualification Criteria for CABTi Membership
Members who have completed their 2023 COAPE Diplomas have obtained C.C.A.B status, identifying them as COAPE Certified Animal Behaviourists.
The CABTi is one of the largest specifically qualified associations for behaviourists and trainers worldwide, with membership open only to behaviourists and trainers who have attained their COAPE Diplomas or have successfully completed the MHERA™ Practitioners Course. Consulting with members of the CABTi offers all animal guardians a guarantee of quality when seeking help with the treatment of behaviour challenges or in training.
All members work under a strict Code of Practice which includes the assurance that coercive or punitive techniques and equipment are never used in treatment. CABTi members maintain their state-of-the-art competence and knowledge through attending various Continuing Professional Development courses and have ongoing access to a wealth of expertise and support via a lively Members Association of over 300 qualified members internationally. You can be assured of the very best of qualified and up to date help with a CABTi member. ICAN was founded by a group of prominent organisations and education providers who use and recommend purely force-free methods. They originally formed in order to meet the profound need for solidarity, mutual support, communication and cooperation between professionals working in the animal behaviour and training realm.
COAPE Diploma graduates automatically become members of ICAN as Certified Animal Behaviourists (CAB).
How can people recognise that you have a solid understanding of both behavioural science and the practical skills required to work in the field of animal behaviour and training?
There are many courses available in animal behaviour and training but how do you know which one to choose? Well, this depends on what your aims and ambitions are. If you want to improve your knowledge and understanding of your pet, then there are probably many courses that could provide this for you.
However, if you want to work within the animal behaviour therapy and training industry then the COAPE Diploma is more likely to fulfil your education needs. The COAPE Diploma is a rigorous course for anyone who is serious about studying Animal Behaviour, and who wants a recognised, well-respected qualification in the industry. Before COAPE UK was incorporated into COAPE International, the COAPE Diploma was a level 6 OFQUAL accredited course. Since COAPE International has students from so many different countries, we decided against keeping the OFQUAL accreditation, as it was a costly exercise for our students, to many of whom OFQUAL has no meaning, and it was also difficult for OFQUAL to adapt to the online learning platform, making them an incompatible choice for us as all our courses are conducted online via our state-of-the-art Learner Management System.
For further information about the COAPE Courses Accreditation, please visit the Courses page.
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