BVetMed, DipCABT, MRCVS

Before retiring, Robert was veterinary director for the UK Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE UK), the first organisation in the UK to develop government-regulated courses to degree level specifically in companion animal behaviour and training. 

He is an international consultant to the pet industry where he has engaged in the development and risk assessment of pet ‘toys’ targeted specifically at promoting the welfare of pets and their relationships with their owners. He has been actively involved in the development of ‘The Puppy Plan’, first launched in February 2012 and updated in 2014, a collaboration between Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club. He is also a member of the International Cat Care Behavioural Advisory Panel.

His primary academic interests include companion animal cognitive science and emotionality, nutrition and its effects on behaviour, and applied neurophysiology, pharmacology and therapeutics in companion animal behaviour therapy.