WHO WE ARE
Established in 2015, International Canine Behaviourists (ICB) is a leading global authority in dog behaviour, devoted to the welfare of dogs and their guardians. Our core philosophy, "Welfare Never Compromised," drives our commitment to achieving optimal mental and physical health for dogs.
At ICB, we specialise in understanding and resolving canine behavioral challenges. Our empathetic, non-judgmental and supportive approach is rooted in our own experiences as dog guardians, ensuring a deep connection with each client's unique situation.
Our team consists of highly skilled professionals with extensive hands-on experience, theoretical knowledge, and academic qualifications in dog behaviour. We are dedicated to using humane, scientifically validated behavior modification techniques. Our adherence to a stringent code of conduct, along with our affiliations with the Dog Charter and the PIAI, underscores our promise of utmost professionalism and welfare standards, contributing significantly to the regulation and advancement of the canine behaviour and training industry.
ICB's worldwide network guarantees excellent coverage and accessibility, with expert behaviourists available across the UK and internationally. Our approach is holistic, focusing on the entire spectrum of a dog's emotional and behavioural health, and offering personalised guidance through every step of the behaviour modification process.
Our behaviourists are ready to collaborate on vet-referred cases and are fully insured. We confidently address all types of behavioural issues across various breeds, continuously updating our practices with the latest research and developments in canine behavior science. Choosing ICB means partnering with an ever-evolving, knowledgeable team dedicated to the lifelong welfare of dogs.
OUR TEAM
ICB is a unique community of canine professionals led by our own members. Click on the profiles below to learn a little more about us.
Brigitte Barton
Chair
Claire Ansteen
Director - Marketing
Angela Pitman
Director - Admissions
Sarah Hall
Director - Website & Technical Support
Alison Garforth
Director - Treasurer
OUR PATRONS
Discover the remarkable people who fuel our mission: our valued patrons. Each brings a unique journey and a steadfast dedication to improving canine wellbeing and pioneering canine behavioural science, guiding our journey at International Canine Behaviourists (ICB).
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Dr. Marc Bekoff
Patron
Marc Bekoff is professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is an award winning researcher who has published more than 1000 essays (scientific, popular, and book chapters) and 30 books, including Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do. Marc has studied dogs and their wild relatives for many decades. www.marcbekoff.com.
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Dr. Ian Dunbar
Patron
Veterinarian, animal behaviourist, and author, Dr. Ian Dunbar received his veterinary degree and a Special Honours degree in Physiology & Biochemistry from the Royal Veterinary College (London University) plus a doctorate in animal behaviour from the Psychology Department at UC Berkeley, where he researched sexual differentiation and especially, the development of aggression in domestic dogs.
Dr. Dunbar has authored numerous books and DVDs about puppy/dog behaviour and training, including How To Teach A New Dog Old Tricks and the SIRIUS® Puppy Training videos. In 1982, Dr. Dunbar designed and taught the world’s very first off-leash puppy socialisation and training classes — SIRIUS® Puppy Training. Subsequently, he created and developed the San Francisco SPCA’s Animal Behavior Department, the American Kennel Club’s Gazette “Behavior” column, which he wrote for seven years, and the K9 GAMES®, which were first held in San Francisco in 1993 and continue as annual events in Japan and Europe.
Dr. Dunbar has consulted on a variety of movies — full-length features, documentaries and animation (including Pixar’s UP) and he has twice spoken at the prestigious Conference (TED). Over the past 40+ years, Dr. Dunbar has given well over 1500 one-day seminars and workshops for dog trainers and veterinarians to popularise early puppy socialisation, temperament modification, and owner-friendly and dog-friendly dog training. After he founded the Association of Pet Dog Trainers in 1993 and later, the APDT Foundation, Dr. Dunbar was inducted into the Dog Fancy Hall of Fame along with four of his heroes, James Herriot, Konrad Lorenz, Lassie, and Balto.
Dr. Dunbar is TopDog (CEO) of the Center for Applied Animal Behavior in Berkeley and a Director for www.dogstardaily.com — a free online, multi-media educational website for puppy and dog owners. Ian lives in Berkeley, California. https://www.dunbaracademy.com/