Dr. Spaulding
Katrina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior
Carefree Campanion
With over 25 years in the dog training and behavior field, Dr. Spaulding brings a wealth of expertise grounded in science. She holds a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology and a PhD in Biopsychology — the study of the biological foundations of behavior — and is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. For 20 years, Dr. Spaulding worked directly with clients, addressing everything from basic training to complex behavior modification. Now, she combines her deep academic knowledge with practical experience to educate professionals on the science of animal behavior, bridging the gap between research and everyday application.
Dr. Spaulding’s journey into teaching began during her graduate training, where she was formally trained in effective teaching techniques. Her enthusiasm for inspiring others to share her excitement for the science of behavior, and empowering them to create a greater impact, earned her an award for Excellence in Teaching by a Graduate Student.
Today, that dedication continues through the Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior LLC, where she delivers engaging online courses and webinars. In collaboration with Irith Bloom, she also co-leads the Carefree Companion Certification Program, which focuses on helping professionals build resilience in animals and create a life worth living for them through humane, science-based training techniques.
In addition to her own courses, Dr. Spaulding is a respected educator for the IAABC Foundation and Virginia Tech's Animal Behavior and Welfare graduate program. She is also the author of The Stress Factor in Dogs: Unlocking Resiliency and Enhancing Well-Being, a must-read for dog owners and professionals alike.
Her areas of special interest include stress, neurobiology, cognition, emotion, and well-being, with a focus on applying these principles to the prevention and treatment of behavior problems in dogs. Her contributions to the field were recognized in 2019 when she received the Association of Professional Dog Trainer's (APDT) Member of the Year Award for her educational efforts.
Dr. Spaulding currently serves as the Vice President of the IAABC Foundation Board and continues to inspire others with her commitment to advancing the field of animal behavior. Reach out to her through www.sciencemattersllc.com or www.carefreecompanion.com.
References:
I.G. Colditz, D.L.M. Campbell, A.B. Ingham, C. Lee.
Review: Environmental enrichment builds functional capacity and improves resilience as an aspect of positive welfare in production animals. Volume 18, Issue 6, 2024. 101173,
ISSN 1751-7311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2024.101173.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751731124001046)
