‘A Wagging tail and a smiling face are the signs of a day’s work well done!’

 

Natalie Lagstrom, Head Behaviourist BSc(Hons) Behavioural Science, MSc(Distinction) Animal Behaviour, Director, Naturally Pets.

 

“I spent a lot of my youth around animals – whether watching horses at play in a field, or training a rescue dog, I have always been fascinated by what motivates the behaviour of different animals. Without realising it, even back then I had discovered the secret – MOTIVATION is the key to unlock any behaviour! Having learned by the ‘hands on’ approach, I decided I wanted to study more, to find a more systematic approach to the methods I had discovered so far. This desire motivated me to choose Behaviour Science as my degree from the University of Nottingham.

 

During both my undergraduate and post-graduate studies, I have learned how the natural evolution of biology and behaviour is influenced by the ecological environment. The way our pets function and behave is determined both by adaptation to their current environment – the human household – and by established adaptations to previous environments – the natural habitat of their ancestors. This understanding creates a deep sympathy for the problems experienced by pets trying to fit into their human-controlled lives. Coupled with my training in classical conditioning, operant training and cynopraxic therapy, this understanding provides a strong foundation for the treatment of almost any problem.

 

I take a very ‘hands-on’ approach to Naturally Pets and Watermill Wolves – despite having to find time to spend with my own extensive canine family, tutor students on our OCN course, and  write articles and books, I still love to do the home consults and run the club classes – every pet I work with is unique, and every animal teaches you something new. Helping people and their pets get along better has become my life’s work, and there is no better reward than the satisfied wag of a happy client’s tail!”