The UK REGISTRY OF CANINE BEHAVIOURISTS LTD., founded in 1992, is a professional body of canine behavioural therapists with members practicing throughout Great Britain, and a select number of international members. Membership is open to practising canine behavioural advisors who meet the criteria and high standards set by the UKRCB. The membership is encouraged to communicate with each other, thereby facilitating a continuous sharing of knowledge. All members have agreed to abide by a strong Code of Ethics and Constitution.

The UKRCB is a non-profit making organization which comprises a nation-wide network of canine behaviour advisors who offer a comprehensive referral service to Veterinary Surgeons and their clients for owners of dogs with behavioural problems. Veterinary Surgeons may refer clients for advice which may be carried out in the behaviourist's practice or at the client's home or on occasions, at the veterinary centre. The problems will be analysed and the clients counselled as to how to modify the problem. Liaison with referring practitioners will be maintained by report. Follow-up support for the client will be available by telephone at no further cost to the client of the Veterinary Surgeon. All Members of the UKRCB are experienced hands-on dog trainers and dog training instructors with proven track records in modern, kind training methods and the assessment of behavioural problems. In addition to being experienced in advising owners and offering support in all aspects of dog ownership, many also run their own dog training classes.

Whilst the UKRCB, recommended by Dogs Trust, believes that it is essential for a member to be fully conversant with the scientific knowledge and up to date research appertaining to canine behaviour and have considerable communication skills, we do not believe that academic knowledge should be the only criteria to consider when looking at the credentials of a canine behaviourist. Indeed, we strongly believe that academic knowledge on its own, without the necessary "hands on" practical experience, does not bring the necessary depth of knowledge needed for a client to gain maximum benefit from a consultation. All our members, in addition to their specialised knowledge of canine behaviour, are also required to show that they have had and continue to have practical "hands-on" experience with a large variety of dogs, as well as a continuing commitment to ongoing professional development.

The Board of Managers of the UKRCB consists of a Chairman, General Secretary and three members who have been elected to office by the Membership. Allied to the Board is an Education Officer and Deputy Education Officer who are responsible for guiding Allied and Associate Members in their training and preparation for full Membership. The Board of Managers is fully supported Board of Professional Advisors, comprising a number of veterinary surgeons, a geneticist, feline behaviour consultant, bereavement counsellor, a barrister, a solicitor, magistrate and a doctor of human medicine. All are specialists and highly respected in their own chosen field and will guide UKRCB members whenever the need arises. Such assistance enhances the service available to Members' clients.

The UKRCB has a real commitment to education and promoting responsible dog ownership. A Symposium is held each year which is open to members of the public, dog training instructors, members of the veterinary profession and canine behaviourists, whether members of the UKRCB or not. Speakers at the Symposium are selected for their expertise, knowledge and innovation in canine behavioural understanding. In-house Educational days for members are held each year.

For further information about minimum criteria for application and levels of affiliation, please apply in writing to:

Robert Alleyne
105a Ringstead Road,
Catford,
London SE6 2BT,
Telephone 0208 355 4836.
Email Robert Alleyne