Shaping The Future Conference

Anouck Haverbeke, DVM,PhD

Dr. Anouck Haverbeke qualified as a DVM from Ghent University (Belgium) in 2001, defending a thesis about the welfare of horses. Subsequently she obtained a PhD in Ethology in 2009 at the University of Namur (Belgium). Her PhD research improved the security, efficiency and welfare among the working dogs and their handlers at the Belgian Defence. This project has been perceived as the groundwork of forthcoming research, identifying significant improvements in the way working dogs should be raised and/or procured, trained and employed - not to mention their welfare and the human animal relationship. Since 2009, Anouck has directed a veterinary behavioural practice, VetEthology. She conducts ongoing research on Ethology and Human Animal Interactions with collaboration of the University of Namur. Furthermore, she is member of Veterinary Associations on Ethology (VDWE, ESVCE).

Session Topic - European Perspective On Behavior Evaluations

Canine behavior evaluations are used in other nations where there may be differences in cultural attitudes towards dogs and how they live in our communities, as well as differences in the shelter systems that care for unwanted pets.  The European Union has been at the forefront of canine ethology and developing canine behavior evaluations, and much of the published literature on this topic has come from this part of the world.  This presentation will review the history and practical aspects of using behavioral evaluations in the setting of shelters in EU nations, and what that might mean for dogs in the USA.