Seminars & Webinars

Science behind Animal Behaviour Series: A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Dog Behaviour Issues

Dog trainers, behaviourists, and veterinary professionals share a common goal – the well-being of the pet and the quality of its relationship with its owner. Yet the boundaries between these roles are often blurred. When the underlying cause of a pet’s behaviour is misunderstood, an animal may spend months in training programmes that cannot resolve what is, at its core, a medical problem. Likewise, veterinarians may reach for pharmacological solutions before the full potential of behaviour modification has been explored.

This lecture examines the complementary strengths of each profession – and crucially, their limits. It looks honestly at what trainers and behaviourists do brilliantly, and at the clinical signs that indicate the brain, not the behaviour plan, needs attention. For instance, fear that does not dissipate, aggression with no identifiable trigger, repetitive behaviours that persist despite consistent and competent intervention are not necessarily signs of professional failure; they are cues for referral.

Through case studies and a practical referral framework, this lecture offers all audiences a shared language – recognising red flags, communicating the need for referral without undermining professional trust, and collaborating effectively after diagnosis.

The relationship between these professions is not a hierarchy. It is a handshake. The animal benefits most when each professional knows when to step forward – and when to step aside.

About the Speaker

Dr Emmanuelle Titeux graduated from the national vet school of Alfort, Paris, where she subsequently completed a surgical internship. With more than 20 years of experience in behavioural medicine, she is a Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine, where she serves as Secretary. She has published numerous scientific articles. She also delivers lectures and training in behavioural medicine for veterinarians, veterinary nurses and dog trainers. She is currently working at Beecroft Animal Specialist & Emergency Hospital in Singapore as a specialist in behavioural medicine.

Date and Time: 26 August 2026 (Wed), 10:30 am – 2:30 pm 
Refreshments provided

Venue: Botany Centre Function Hall, Level 1
1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Please note the nearest entrance is Tanglin Gate, opposite Napier MRT Station

Suitable for: Dog Trainers and Behaviour Consultants, Members of the Veterinary Profession, Pet Owners, Animal Welfare Groups, General Pet Sector

CPE / IAABC / CCPDT CEU: 4 points (pending approval for IAABC / CCPDT)

For enquiries, please contact:
brina_chan@nparks.gov.sg
ian_liang@nparks.gov.sg
kwang_hao_yang@nparks.gov.sg

Recordings 

Missed the past seminar/webinar sessions? Tune in via the links below! 

Science behind Animal Behaviour Series: Understanding Avian Behaviour: Why Parrots Do What They Do (And How We Can Help) 
Ever wondered why your parrot suddenly bites, screams at dawn, or plucks its own beautiful feathers? Hear from Robin Horemans, a Certified Parrot Behaviour Consultant with over two decades of expertise, as she shares her knowledge on the science behind avian behaviour and what drives these complex actions in our feathered companions.
20 Sep 2025 | Ms. Robin Horemans | Watch it here

Science behind Animal Behaviour Series: Cracking the Cat Code: Understanding Feline Behaviour & Welfare
Cats are masters of subtle communication, but feline behaviour can be mystifying at times! Deepen your understanding of why our pet cats behave the way they do through exploring real-life cases and common scenarios. Discover the fascinating reasons behind your cat's behaviours and learn to better interpret and meet their needs.
10 Sep 2025 | Dr Jenna Kiddie | Watch it here

Science behind Animal Behaviour Series: Neurobiology of Fearful and Frustrated Dogs
Your pet dog may be experiencing frustration, fear, or anxiety if it exhibits signs such as excessive barking, aggression towards other animals, or avoidance behaviours in stressful situations. Hear from Daniel Shaw, a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) and behaviourist with a Masters in Neuroscience, as he shares his expertise on the neurobiology of these emotional states and their impact on canine behaviour. With insights drawn from the latest research, Daniel explains how understanding the brain’s response to various stimuli can help us address and manage these challenges effectively. Daniel will also share some practical interventions that promote emotional well-being and resilience in dogs.
10 Jan 2025 | Daniel Shaw | Problem Behaviour in Dogs: Science-Based Strategies for Supporting Fearful and Frustrated Dogs

Science behind Animal Behaviour Series: Separation Anxiety - Mission Possible 
Separation anxiety can cause both dog and owner a host of problems. Does you dog mess up your home and chew up every bit of furniture? Does your dog bark incessantly and howl through the night causing your neighbours to complain? Does your dog attempt to escape and hurt itself? These scenarios are all too familiar for owners with dogs facing separation anxiety. In this webinar, you can look forward to understanding what is separation anxiety, why it occurs and how to address it. You’ll also learn about the considerable research that has been done regarding separation anxiety over the past four decades. Even the most severe case of separation anxiety can be resolved with the advancement of systematic behaviour modification protocols. 
16 June 2023 | Ms. Malena DeMartini | Separation Anxiety - Mission Possible 

A Holistic Approach to Positive Reinforcement Training for Dogs 
This free workshop (in-person and online) by Ms Barbara Wright will focus on basic exercises which can be used in training your dog including how to use quiet cues. 
9 October 2022 | Focusing on Reducing Barking & Teaching Dogs the Quiet Cue  

Science behind Animal Behaviour Series: Canine Ethology 
Join Dr Kristina Spaulding, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist from the United States, as she brings you through the natural behaviour of dogs to understand their needs, especially for stray dogs transitioning to pets. Find out how to identify and reduce stress in pet dogs and clear any doubts you may have on pet dog care, during the live Q&A session. Find out more about the speaker here.  
4 May 2022 | Getting to Know Stray Dogs 
5 May 2022 | Improving Quality of Life in Pet Dogs 
  
Science behind Animal Behaviour Series: What is a Happy Dog? Improving Welfare of Dogs in Home and Shelter Environments 
Join Dr Alexandra (Sasha) Protopopova, Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia’s Animal Welfare Programme who will review the research into the natural history of dogs. This will help us understand them better and live harmoniously with our dogs. To find out more about the speaker, click here. 
23 March 2022 | What is a Happy Dog? Improving Welfare of Dogs in Home and Shelter Environments 

Science behind Animal Behaviour Series: Shelter Dog Behaviour 
Trish McMillan holds a Master of Science degree in animal behaviour and will be presenting two webinars on “Behaviour assessments in shelters” and “Post-adoption support for shelter dogs”. She will be reviewing the science behind behaviour assessments and how it can guide decisions to achieve the most ethical outcome for shelter dogs. In addition, she will be discussing the importance of providing behavioural support for adopters and fosterers in a home environment. Join us if you would like to find out how we can improve shelter dog care and help them learn how to become great pets! 
8 Sep 2021 | Behaviour Assessments in Shelter 
9 Sep 2021 | Post-Adoption Support For Shelter Dogs 

Common Skin Diseases in Dogs 
Have you seen your dog scratching non-stop or developing red spots on its skin? Let Veterinarian Dr Suria Fabbri from the Animal & Veterinary Service bring you through some common skin diseases in dogs, what to look out for and what to do to make your dog cope better. 
28 Aug 2021: Common Skin Diseases in Dogs

Science behind Animal Behaviour Series: Behaviour Modification Strategies for Canine Aggression 

Michael Shikashio, a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant, will be presenting two webinars on understanding and modifying aggression in dogs. He will highlight why dogs display aggressive behaviour and show some of the effective techniques he uses in his behaviour cases. The presentation will include a case study, with video, that shows the progression of behaviour change from start to finish. In addition, Michael will be discussing the crucial components to assess severity and prognosis in aggression cases. Find out more information about the speaker here. 

19 May 2021 | Behaviour Modification Strategies for Canine Aggression (Part 1) 
20 May 2021 | Behaviour Modification Strategies for Canine Aggression (Part 2) 

Bunny Medic 101 
Do you know everything there is to know about looking after a rabbit properly and ensuring its best health and welfare? Hear from Dr Chang Siow Foong from the Animal & Veterinary Service and Dr Cathy Chan from the Animal Doctors who will provide tips on rabbit care and husbandry, together with Ms Zheng Meifang from House Rabbit Society Singapore, Ms Lynne Tan and Ms Stella Loo from Bunny Wonderland who will share about rabbit welfare cases. 
24 April 2021: Bunny Medic 101 

How to Identify and Manage Your Pet's Anxiety 
Does your pet cower in fear or run away when there are strangers in the house? There are many reasons why pets behave the way they do especially when they encounter someone unfamiliar. Learn how to identify the symptoms of anxiety in your pets and manage them properly through Dr Lin Anhui our AVS vet and Dr Chow Hao Ting from Joyous Vet. 
27 Feb 2021: How to Identify and Manage Your Pet's Anxiety  

What you need to know about getting a pet this festive season 
Before you get a pet as a present, join our AVS vet as he provides a glimpse into the process of getting a pet and how to be a responsible pet owner. Being a pet owner comes with more responsibilities than you think! 
19 Dec 2020: Responsible Pet Ownership: What you need to know about getting a pet this festive season 
 
Science behind Animal Behaviour Series: The Science of Canine Behaviour 
Animals are part of our community and their health and well-being are intrinsically linked with ours. We need to live harmoniously together, as we work towards making Singapore our City in Nature. Join us as we hear from internationally-renowned speaker, Dr Roger Abrantes to learn more on how to interact with our canine companions.  
27 Oct 2020 | Dr Roger Abrantes | Principles of Animal Behaviour Modification