Clinical Behavioural Services
I am Barbara J. Hardman, of Bright Hound, I provide veterinary-referred behavioural support for dogs experiencing aggression, reactivity, anxiety, fearfulness, destructive beahviour or other house hold training issues and other complex behavioural concerns connected with medical issues, that require behavioural modification.
My referral process is designed to be straightforward for busy veterinary teams, time is precious and I understand how strech you are. My referral system is simple, so you can send me the essential details, and I will take care of the next steps with our clients, keeping you in the loop on patient outcomes. I do my utmost to ensure the dogs welfare and medical care is put front and center of all training and behaviour work.
- A simple referral. Clear communication, always. Collaborative patient care, for best welfare and outcomes.
What You Can Expect
A straightforward referral pathway:
- The referral button will pre-populate an email for you, you will only be required to provide essential information needed to identify the client, patient and reason for referral. Refer a Client
Direct contact with your client:
- Once the referral has been received, I will contact the client directly to explain the service and arrange the appropriate next step.
Collaborative case management:
- I will liaise with your practice when further medical assessment, diagnostics or veterinary input may be relevant to the behavioural presentation.
Professional reporting:
- Your practice will receive a summary following the behavioural assessment, including relevant findings, recommendations and any areas that may require further veterinary investigation.
Evidence-based and ethical support:
- All recommendations are grounded in current behavioural science, welfare-focused practice and positive, non-aversive approaches.
Working in Partnership for Better Care
As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB), I am registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council ABTC . The standards required for registration are supported by many veterinary and animal-welfare organisations in the UK. The ABTC is also currently working towards UKAS accreditation.
My professional membership is with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors APBC . Its Clinical Animal Behaviourist members are dedicated to promoting animal welfare through ethical, evidence-based behaviour support and are required to work on veterinary referral.
Clinical Animal Behaviourists with the APBC are assessed as having met the relevant standards set by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council ABTC . As a full APBC member, I am required to complete at least 30 hours of CPD each year and to follow a professional Code of Conduct. A formal complaints and disciplinary procedure is also in place, ensuring that members remain accountable to these professional standards.
I believe in a collaborative approach between behaviourists and veterinary surgeons to ensure the best possible care for dogs and support for their owners. I am committed to providing ethical, science-backed behavioural support that works alongside and complements veterinary care.
In line with the APBC and ABTC Codes of Practice, I always consult with the client’s registered veterinary surgeon before proceeding with any behavioural intervention. This applies to all clients, including those who contact me directly. Together, we can provide a holistic and thorough service that supports both the physical and emotional wellbeing of each patient.
A Behaviourist is not a protected term
Sadly, anyone can call themselves a behaviourist. The title “behaviourist” is neither a protected nor a regulated term in Ireland.
Despite the formation of the ABTC in 2010, there are still many unqualified individuals offering behaviour services or describing themselves as a “behaviourist.” Some use methods that are not supported by current behavioural science and may rely on unethical, confrontational or highly aversive techniques to force compliance from a dog.
This is deeply concerning because many behavioural concerns may be influenced or maintained by an underlying medical condition. A practitioner with an appropriate clinical background can recognise when a dog’s behaviour may require further veterinary investigation and can work collaboratively with the dog’s vet to ensure that possible medical factors are properly considered.
Advice from an unaccredited or inexperienced individual can cause more harm than good. Punitive methods may be used when the dog actually requires a more compassionate, welfare-focused and evidence-based approach. This is particularly important when working with aggression, fear or handling difficulties, where inappropriate training and poor handling can quickly increase risk, potentially leading to bites, a breakdown in the human-animal relationship or euthanasia.
That is why it is so important to refer clients to a suitably qualified and accredited professional who follows ethical, evidence-based practices, is accountable to recognised professional bodies and is required to complete ongoing annual CPD.
When you refer a client to me, you can be confident that our patients are receiving expert care grounded in the latest behavioural science & ethical standards
Collaboration for Medical Diagnostics: I will always refer back to the refering vet/practice for further diagnostics whenever I suspect that the behavioural issue may be linked to an underlying medical condition. This ensures that no potential health concerns are overlooked in the treatment plan.
Insurance Coverage for Clients: As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) accredited by the APBC, the majority of pet insurance policies will cover my fees when referred by a vet. This makes behavioural assessments more accessible to your clients, ensuring they get the support they need without financial barriers.
Veterinary Referral Process
1. Click the button below, to submit your referral
Provide your practice details, the client’s contact information and a brief reason for referral in the pre-populated email form. If posssible please attached any relevant clinical notes, investigation results and current medication details.
Refer a Client by Email2. I contact the client
I will contact the client directly to discuss the referral and guide them through the next steps.
3. Your practice remains informed
Where appropriate I will provide your practice with relevant updates and a written summary following the assessment.
N.B. If you would prefer to discuss a case before providing client details, you are welcome to submit your own name, practice details and a short description of the concern. I can then contact you directly.
All information submitted is handled confidentially and in accordance with my privacy policy and applicable data-protection requirements (i.e. GDPR).
Feedback from Referring Vets
“Barbara has been working closely with our clinic to help owners and their pets uncover the underlying triggers of various behavioural concerns, including anxiety and house soiling. It’s been invaluable to work together as a veterinarian and behaviourist, ensuring that we explore or exclude other conditions that might be reinforcing these unwanted behaviours.”
“Barbara has kept us fully informed on each patient’s progress, highlighting areas that may need further investigation. This comprehensive approach has helped support the mental and physical health of her patients throughout the process.”
AibhlinMVB MSc PGCertSAM Veterinary Surgeon at Village Vets
