• PhD Student (commencing January 2026) – The University of Exeter

• MSc Anthrozoology – The University of Exeter
  (An interdisciplinary field exploring human–animal interactions and relationships, including animal behaviour, psychology, veterinary medicine, animal health, ethics, wildlife conservation, and more.00
  Dissertation: Ameliorating Stress in Traumatised Rescue Dogs: Common Causes, Presentations and Trauma-Informed Care Approaches

• Advanced Level 6 Diploma in Canine Behaviour (Clinical Canine Behaviour Level, with Distinction) – International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour
  Dissertation: Rescue Dogs: A Comparison Between the UK and Other Countries

• Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist – APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors)*

• Accredited Advanced Canine Behaviour Diploma – BCCSDip.AdvCanBhv, PETbc

• Merishia Canine Massage Therapist (Advanced Knowledge of Canine Anatomy and Physiology)

• Certified L.E.G.S. Family Dog Mediator – Ethologist Kim Brophy

• Certified Trauma-Informed Pet Professional – Daniel Shaw / ABK

• Animal Welfare – University of Edinburgh

• Genetics and Behaviour – Dr. Jessica Heckman

• Animal Emotions – Illis Animal Behaviour / Dr. Karolina Westlund

• Cognition and Emotions – Dr. Brian Hare – Duke University

• How Behaviour Works: Living and Learning with Animals – Dr. Susan Friedman

• Behaviour Bible: Chapter 2 (Verses 1–7) – The School of Canine Science

• Canine Behaviour and Psychology – Canine Behaviour Centre

• Certified Dog and Puppy Trainer – ISCDT

• Certified ‘Fear Free’ Animal Trainer – Fear Free Pets

• Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour Instructor

• Assistance Dog Specialist – Danielle Beck

• Holistic Dog Behaviour and Training Programme – AEDC / Marc Adda

• Advanced Training Foundations – IMDT / Steve Mann

• Certified Bite Prevention Educator (Advanced canine body language and safety education)

• Learn to Talk Dog: Programme One – Sarah Whitehead

• Canine Body Language Specialist – DTC

• BHARCS Canine Essentials 101 – Sindoor Pangal (Free-ranging and street dogs)

• Free-Ranging Dogs – AEDC / Marc Adda

• Puppy Pre-School Instructor – Karen Pryor Academy

• Puppy Training Specialist – Lauren Watts, DTC

• Diploma in Puppy Training

• Puppy Talk! – Puppy Body Language – Sarah Whitehead

• Empowering Puppy – Grisha Stewart

• Puppy Lab (Levels 3 & 4) – The School of Canine Science

• Accredited in Advanced Canine Reactive Behaviour – Canine Principles

• Reactivity Specialist – DTC

• Revolutions in Reactivity (Advanced) – Dogenius Institute

• Aggression in Dogs Master Course – Michael Shikashio, Kim Brophy, Dr Chris Pachel

• Certified Scent Work Specialist – Jamie Proud / DTC

• Certified Canine Enrichment Technician (DN-CET) – DogNostics

• Straight-Forward Scent Work – Sarah Whitehead / Milne Mutt

• Separation Anxiety and Shadowing Programme – Behaviour Veternarian Moira Hechenleitner

• Ongoing Certification in Separation Anxiety – Julie Naismith

• Certified Acute Herbalism Specialist – Dogs Naturally / Rita Hogan

• Diploma in Holistic Canine Health

• ‘Be a Tree’ Programme Educator – Child-focused dog safety and body language education

• Children and Dogs Specialist – Debby Lucken (KAD)

Kirsty is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly undertakes further training, education, and skills enhancement in the fields of canine behaviour, ethology, anthrozoology, neuroscience, welfare, and holistic care. She actively engages in evidence-based learning to remain at the forefront of her field.

Kirsty holds memberships with leading professional bodies in the field of animal behaviour and training, all of which require strict adherence to ethical codes and demonstrate her academic qualifications, experience, and professional integrity.

Some of these memberships include:

• The Pet Professional Guild British Isles (PPGBI)
• UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter
• The International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC)
• Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist – APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) *Provisional members have demonstrated that they have the appropriate level of Knowledge and Understanding for the professional role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB). They are now gaining the practical experience necessary to be assessed as a CAB and therefore become a Full member of the APBC. The APBC supports its Provisional members undertaking behaviour consultations.

These assessments evaluate Kirsty’s proficiency in behaviour and handling across multiple species, extending beyond canine-focused work.

These memberships validate her credentials and commitment to working with both animals and people in a compassionate, ethical, and scientifically informed manner.