Alana Stevenson: Professional Background
Dog Behaviorist | Cat Behaviorist | Dog Trainer
Alana Stevenson is a professional dog behaviorist, cat behaviorist, and positive dog trainer. She specializes in helping clients resolve dog and cat behavioral problems, including fear and aggression, anxiety, and litter box problems. Since 2003, Alana has only used positive reinforcement with no harsh methods. All techniques are science-based. Shock collars, prong collars, and choke chains are never used.
Formerly based in Boston and New York, Alana provides dog behavior and cat behavior consultations and online dog training for clients worldwide. See International Clients.
Credentials and Certifications
– M.S. in Biology Education | B.A. in Biology
– Elite Fear-Free Certified Professional
– Certified in Low Stress Handling for Dogs and Cats
– Certified Small Animal Massage Therapist (Bancroft School of Massage Therapy)
Alana combines her academic background in biology with training in animal behavior, learning theory, ethology, and humane, low-stress handling techniques. She is certified in small animal massage therapy and integrates mindful, gentle touch into her professional work with dogs and cats.
Author and Educator
Alana is the author of The Good Cat Parent’s Guide to Feline Behavior Modification (Routledge, Taylor & Francis, 2024), and two well-regarded books on humane dog training:
– Training Your Dog the Humane Way (New World Library, 2011; Italian edition by DeAgostini, 2014)
– The Right Way the First Time (2007)
Alana was invited to serve on the Cat Friendly Practice Advisory Council for the American Association of Feline Practitioners, contributing her knowledge on feline behavior modification and humane, low-stress cat handling.
Alana Stevenson is a high-integrity, gifted practitioner.
Alana Stevenson is a high-integrity, gifted practitioner.“As a colleague, founder and former president of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, I have been very familiar with Alana’s work for many years. Alana Stevenson is a high integrity, gifted practitioner. She is extremely knowledgeable and is an expert in her field. I know the quality of her work, and it is excellent. I once consulted her about a cat who adopted us, and her advice was on-target. Ms. Stevenson has devoted her life to the well-being of companion animals. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking behavioral help for their dogs and cats.”
~ Lynn Hoover, author of Dog Quirks and Behavior Solutions
2007
Professional Affiliations
- Feline Veterinary Medical Association (formerly AAFP)
- Animal Behavior Society
- International Society for Applied Ethology
- Association for Professional Dog Training International
- International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork
Certified with:
– Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (2004-2022)
– Council for Professional Dog Trainers (2007-2020)
– International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (2003-2010)
– Association of Animal Behavior Counselors (2003-2008)
Teaching & Instruction
Instructor – Animal Behavior, Handling & Management (Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, 2007-2010)
High School Biology and Environmental Science (1997-2002)
Alana has created instructional content for animal shelters, rescues, and universities, including a full-semester curriculum on feline behavior for the University of Vermont’s Department of Animal & Veterinary Sciences.
2010
Media Features
Alana’s work has appeared in publications such as Cat Friendly Homes, Animal Wellness Magazine, American Dog, K9 Magazine, Hondenleven, Life with Dogs, and Life With Cats. She was interviewed by The Boston Globe, appeared on the New England television show Chronicle as a featured animal behaviorist, and was on Capital News 9 in New York, where she provided tips on how to calm excitable, high-energy dogs. She has been interviewed on multiple podcasts and featured in various media outlets.