I am Debbie Busby and you might have come across my site in search of a qualified horse and dog behaviourist, if so, you’re in the right place!
My story
I have dedicated my life to both animals, having felt a deep connection to them from a young age. I made the decision to continue to foster my knowledge of both species and further deepen the connection that I felt, by making a career out of it. In order to be successful and have the furthest reach in the respective communities, I attended university in a bid to clearly display my commitment to maintaining my professional development. In addition to my Psychology BSc, I also have a Masters degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare. I was only the third equine behaviourist in the UK to qualify to register at the highest level with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (horses and dogs), and I am an Accredited Animal Behaviourist (horses) with the ABTC too.
I am a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, which has the highest entry level qualifications of any animal behaviour organisation in the UK; all full members are academically qualified to at least FHEQ level 6 (honours degree) and knowledge and practical experience are rigorously assessed in the form of detailed case studies.
I am also a Certified Horse Behaviour Consultant member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants and Secretary of the Equine Behaviour and Training Association. I am a graduate member of the British Psychological Society and an academic member of the International Society for Equitation Science, I also hold membership of the British Veterinary Behaviour Association, the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour, the UK Centre for Animal Law and the UK Register of Expert Witnesses.
Click here for my full CV
My Goals
My intention as a behaviour consultant is to help horses, dogs and their owners to cope with the challenges of multi-species living: the domesticated horse is the same animal that ran wild over plains and steppe; domestication came very late in its history. Sometimes the mismatch between what we expect of our horses, and what they need for physical and psychological health, can be overwhelming, and behavioural problems often follow.
I aim to help owners understand and resolve the difficulties their animals are experiencing, and to do this in a way that is psychologically sound and follows the principles of learning theory and ethology.
As well as working with horses and dogs in the UK, I travel to Turkey and the Middle East to research equine and canine welfare and to work with horse and dog owners there. Thankfully, a lot of my work, for both species, is able to be conducted online so I am able to help owners and their animals from all over the world.
If you feel as though you are struggling with your horse or dog and do not feel as though you have any more options, or even just wish to negate behavioural issues before they begin, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Once we’re in touch, I will tailor make a program in order to aid you in your quest for a happy horse and a happy life.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Debbie Busby - Registered and Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist for Horses and Dogs 