Lauren Novack (MS, ACDBC, KPA): How Do We Know We're Really Practicing Better Welfare? (Part 1 of 2)

Worry Less, Wag More: The Behavior Vets Podcast

This is PART 1 of a 2-episode interview with Lauren Novack, who discusses her graduate research about the science and social validity of companion animal welfare. If animals can't talk to us, how do we really know if the treatments we employ and behavior change we strive for is actually doing good for companion animals? In Part 1, we discuss:

• "Freedom From" to "The 5 Domains"
• The challenges of objectively measuring animal welfare
• Behavioral variability
• Degrees of freedom and the enhanced choice model
• How our values affect the way we train

Lauren's bio:
Lauren Novack has a Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis with a specialization in Companion Animal Behavior from Hunter College. Applied Behavior Analysis is the science of behavior, which focuses on the identification of environmental conditions that cause behavior and the development of evidence-based behavior interventions. Her research focuses on the intersection between animal welfare and behavior interventions for companion animals. She is a Behavior Analyst, Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and Family Paws Parent Educator.

Lauren founded dog walking and training company Lauren’s Leash in 2011 which she operated in Manhattan through 2018 before joining Behavior Vets. She creates custom behavior intervention plans for dogs (and their people) who have been diagnosed with neophobia, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, various types of aggression, and separation anxiety. In addition to her work with private clients, Lauren offers education through Behavior Vets, professional organizations including the International Association for Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and both professional and academic conferences.
Links:
Novack, L.I.; Schnell-Peskin, L.; Feuerbacher, E.; Fernandez, E.J. The Science and Social Validity of Companion Animal Welfare: Functionally Defined Parameters in a Multidisciplinary Field. Animals 2023, 13, 1850.
Constructional Aggression Treatment 4- Part Webinar Series with Lauren Novack and Kellie Sisson Snider (MS)
Theme music composed and performed by Andy Sells
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