Lincoln - Newark - Sleaford - Horncastle
Thank you for taking the time to check me out.
My name is Laura Adkins and I am here to support your clients and patients with their behaviour and training needs using kind, ethical, and science based techniques.
I am an animal behaviour consultant and trainer who only works on veterinary referral for behaviour cases. In the past (among other things), I have also worked as a veterinary receptionist in two busy practices over 6 years.
I think it is important to work as a team to provide the people and animals in our care with the best support we can so I am always open to chat anything through.
Laura Adkins BSc (Hons), MSc, ABTC-ATI, PACT-KSA
What are all the letters after my name and what do they mean?
BSc (Hons) is my Batchelor of Science Honours degree in Animal Behaviour Science.
MSc is my Masters Degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour.
Both of these degrees were from the University of Lincoln where I was fortunate to be taught by some of the most well respected veterinary behaviourists in the world.
PACT-KSA
I am an Accredited Member of the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT). This means I have been assessed and accredited for my ability to fully demonstrate Animal Training Instructor (ATI) skills set out by the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC). I support PACT's ethics and ethos and have signed up to their code of conduct which stipulates the use of non-aversive, ethical and effective methods only.
ABTC-ATI
I am on the register for the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) as an Animal Training Instructor (ATI).
"The Animal Behaviour and Training Council sets and maintains standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer, training instructor or animal behaviour therapist and maintains the national register of appropriately assessed practitioners.
The Council represents the training and behaviour sector to the public and to governments."
Candidate Member
I have achieved pre-certification as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) through the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC).
This means that I have achieved the academic requirements to become a Candidate Member, and I am now working towards full certification and awaiting assessment to become a full CCAB.
FABC believe that Clinical Animal Behaviourists should be highly qualified, highly experienced and work to the highest ethical standards, following up-to-date scientific techniques.
How we can work together:
Behaviour referrals
Once medical factors have been considered first, a referral will allow me to assess your patient's behaviour. I can then support your client in understanding what is happening and what they can do about it.
Sometimes I will spend several hours with your patient at a time. This gives me the benefit of observing them in their home environment and often on their walks. If anything relating to their health is noticed during this time that may not have been possible to observe in a vet consult, I will ensure that it is fed back to you.
You will receive a cover letter to summarise my assessment and action plan along with a full copy of your client's report.
Puppy advice & training
If you have puppies coming in to see you, and your clients would like some support, I offer private puppy support sessions on a pay-as-you-go basis for specific advice.
I also offer a private Puppy Life Skills Course from the comfort of their own homes to cover all the essential foundations. A big part of this is problem prevention, and there is a dedicated section for getting them used to veterinary handling, routine procedures and introducing them to a muzzle in a fun way.
If there is anything you think I should add, I would love to chat to you about it.
Veterinary focussed advice for you and your clients
If you have patients who struggle with certain procedures, types of handling, being in confined spaces, or even entering the building, this is something that can be worked on through a behaviour consultation.
I am also always happy to offer prevention advice, and can provide advice to share with your clients regarding handling and cooperative care. I am also open to discuss providing information evenings/ workshops for your clients.
I'm always open to constructive feedback and happy to tailor them to your specific practice.
01
How the referral process works...
You and your client decide they need behaviour support for their dog.
Your client can be given my contact information (thank you!) so they can have a chat with me about it or take a look at my website for more information.
If they wish to proceed I will send them a questionnaire to complete and a consent form to sign.
If a client reaches out to me in the first instance I will always ask them to inform you of their concerns to allow health factors to be considered before we proceed any further with paperwork.
02
I will email you to request a completed referral form & your patient's full medical history to support my assessment.
I can only work under veterinary referral for behaviour cases, so I only confirm bookings once these have been received. If there are any queries about the forms or what you need to include please let me know.
03
Behaviour Consultation & Reports
I will have a behaviour consultation with your client and patient which usually lasts 2 hours. This can be in their home or via video call - whichever is most appropriate for their situation.
I will ask questions, observe and get to know them a bit before making my assessment of the cause of the behaviour and what is maintaining it. I will carry out a risk assessment and then put together an action plan for moving forward. This will include management tools to prevent things worsening, and a behaviour modification plan.
You will receive a copy of the client's full report along with a cover letter to summarise my findings and highlight anything you may need to be aware of. If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything you can get in touch with me at any point.
I will see them again 2-4 weeks later for a 60 minute follow-up session, which will be followed with another report and cover letter for your records.
The client then has the option to book additional follow-up sessions if/ as they are needed.
