Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - APBC

04/09/2026

In a couple of months, the bangs and whooshes of fireworks will start again - and suffering for many animals and people will follow.

As an organisation working hard to improve the welfare of animals, we’re calling for your help.

The government are currently undertaking a public consultation to consider what both professionals and the general public feel about the use of fireworks.

You can have your say here: https://ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eg0jcixPsRnv1NY

Our members frequently address the behavioural effects of fireworks and their lasting impact on animals.

And we know only to well that it’s not just animals affected, but people too.

It’s time to use our collective voices to urge the government to restrict the use of fireworks to organised public displays and silent fireworks.

We know the unpredictability of the loud noises causes acute panic, injury, and escape behaviour in companion animals and livestock.

And we know fireworks can trigger or worsen a lasting fear of loud noises, often persisting for months even after a single event.

We believe restricting fireworks to organised, well-publicised events and adopting quieter alternatives would allow guardians to prepare and protect their animals, reducing both welfare harm and human cost.

The associated costs for guardians of companion animals can be vast.

The need for veterinary care, medication, behavioural support, and even repairs due to damage caused as a direct result can cause a huge financial strain.

Scheduled, licensed displays can be publicised in advance, while unrestricted private use exposes animals and people to sudden, repeated stress with no opportunity to intervene.

The consultation is open for you to share your views now - please have your say and respond before it closes on Wednesday 7th October 2026.

👉 https://ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eg0jcixPsRnv1NY

04/09/2026

APBC Member Lisa Sinnott has a new e-book out! Celia Haddon (also part of the APBC) has shared some brilliant cat body language videos for this resource and you can check it out now! https://amzn.to/4qSxilV

03/09/2026

🎆 It’s September, which means - love them or hate them - we’re not far from bonfire night and fireworks season. 🎆

Many dogs struggle with fireworks and it takes very little for a dog who has been unaffected by them so far to suddenly grow sensitive to them. There can be many contributing factors behind the fear and stress; negative experiences, how loud and sudden they are (dogs ears are far more sensitive than ours, remember), the vibrations some can cause, the smell of gunpowder (again, dogs’ noses are extremely sensitive), the presence of pain or discomfort that can be worsened when startled… the list goes on.

With Kyber, I remember boasting about how great he was with fireworks - he’d be sniffing around in the garden with them going off in the background with barely a reaction when he was younger. But then, in the space of a year, something changed. It’s hard to pinpoint the cause - it might have been a culmination of things, even - but between one year and the next we went from unbothered and chill to pacing, panting, startling, barking and trying to hide. Looking back I remember we had a few bad thunderstorms that year, along with some negative experiences with our neighbour’s air rifle. He would later also be diagnosed with Luxating Patella in both knees, which had no doubt been causing him pain in certain situations.

So yes, your dog’s tolerance to fireworks can change. And it’s not just their tolerance to fireworks themselves that can change - you’ll be surprise how many big and sudden sounds there are out there, such as bin lids closing, doors slamming, crow scarers on farm fields, fly zappers, balloons popping… the list is endless!

This is why it’s hugely beneficial to start prepping early.

- Desensitise them by playing firework sounds (and other bangs) at a very low volume - quieter than even we can hear - while your dog is doing something enjoyable and calming. These sessions only need to be around 5-10 minutes each.

- Gradually (over a period of days and weeks, dog depending) increase the volume by small increments, keeping an eye out for any signs of stress, such as your dog yawning, panting, tongue flicks, their body stiffening, flinching and so on.

- If your dog already has a fear or uncertainty towards fireworks or certain sounds, speak to your vet or an accredited behaviour professional - the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - APBC), and ABTC (The Animal Behaviour and Training Council) are some of the best places to look.

✨By starting early, you’re giving your dog - and yourself - the best chance of success!

Check out the comments for further information ⬇️ 🐾

03/09/2026

If you walk a reactive dog, you know the drill: spot a dog in the distance, heart rate spikes, start scanning for an exit. Most other owners actually want to help they just need a clear, friendly ask, well most of the time. And those with friendly dogs, here’s how you can also help out.

Phrases that work

Sorry, my dog needs space, I need to go the other way? Direct and non-judgmental.

We are in training; can we pass at a distance? States a plan without inviting debate.

Mines reactive, we need a bit of room. Educates without alarming.

Could you call your dog back? Mine is having some health issues/recovering and needs space. * As a side note many reactive dogs have underlying pain, gut or skin problems, possibly undiagnosed.

Always end with, thank you for understanding, never skip this, it makes the next ask easier for everyone.

And of those with friendly dogs, how you can really help. Here's the part that surprises people: a friendly dog can still terrify a reactive one. Reactivity is about fear or overstimulation, not the other dog's intentions. A big, happy dog bounding over fast looks exactly the same as a threat from the other end of the lead.

If your dog is the easy-going type, you're in a great position to help:

Watch dogs on leads, yellow leads, lettering on leads or harnesses and muzzles.

Watch for owner behaviour are they scanning, trying to get your attention or quickly changing direction.

Dog body language freezing, or stiff body language staring towards you or your dog.

Don't take 'please keep away' personally, it's not a comment on your dog’s personality, looks or behaviour- ever!

Being that person costs nothing and can prevent a real scare, or worse, for both dogs and in fact it will really make that owners day, and knowing you have given yours and that dog the best walk possible by giving them some space.

Be Present, not Distracted, none of this works if nobody's looking up. Phones and podcasts on walks mean missed body language, missed shouted requests, and and missed moments to step aside before things escalate.

A walk is uninterrupted time with your dog, enjoy that, they are not here forever.

03/09/2026

Part two is COMING! Danielle Beck joins us again at 8pm on Monday 21st September. Don't miss out.

https://bit.ly/4wGGRGF

02/09/2026

Barbara Hardman and Jennifer Nash are both Clinical Animal Behaviourists and Full members of the APBC. They recently had the opportunity to interview the researchers behind two really interesting papers with direct relevance to equine behaviour and welfare:

“Combined Reinforcement: Poisoned Cue or a Panacea for Modern Equine Training?” with Ella Bradshaw-Wiley and “Can All Behavioral Problems Be Blamed on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome?” with Dr Ben Sykes and Dr Amy Lovett.

Both conversations were fantastic and covered topics really valuable to behaviour professionals, horse owners and the wider equine community. They discuss reinforcement and training methods, pain and behaviour, differential diagnosis (both Ben and Amy are internal medicine vets), learning history, rider effects, and the importance of looking at the whole horse rather than relying on a single explanation for behavioural change.

The podcast website is here: https://bit.ly/4qU6W2W
It is also available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Audible.

Welcome to Dangerous at Both Ends, Tricky in the Middle an equine behaviour and training podcast with Jen Nash and Barbara Hardman.There’s a lot of information out there about horses.Some of it is brilliant. Some of it is outdated. Some of it has ...

30/08/2026

Risë VanFleet joins us on 8th December! Get this in your diary and book your space now: https://bit.ly/4iwB6qv

29/08/2026

29/08/2026

Well done! Great stuff from APBC Board member - Danielle Beck :-)

New Episode Alert! 🎙️

In our latest episode of Dog Trainers UnPACT, Steve sits down with Clinical Animal Behaviourist Danielle Beck (MSc).

Danielle brings over 20 years of experience to the table, working with complex behaviour cases, assistance dog teams, and mentoring pet professionals across the UK and internationally.

In this chat, Steve and Danielle discuss:
• Moving away from quick fixes to focus on nervous system safety and self-regulation.
• The story behind the "Meerkat Method" and how relatable analogies build client empathy.
• Why having a reactive or complex dog doesn't mean you're a bad trainer.
• Opening up the conversation around difficult topics like behavioural euthanasia.
• How finding the right mentor can help tackle imposter syndrome.

Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out on your journey, there are so many pearls of wisdom in this episode.

Click the link below to give it a listen!
https://dogtrainersunpact.transistor.fm/