Alana Stevenson cat behaviorist dog trainer canine training

Alana Stevenson : Professional Background

Animal Behaviorist | Humane Dog & Cat Training

Alana Linsay Stevenson is a professional dog and cat behaviorist and humane dog trainer. She specializes in resolving behavioral issues, including fear, anxiety, and aggression, using science-based, compassionate methods. Since 2003, Alana has helped clients implement positive reinforcement and behavior modification techniques without the use of aversives like shock collars, choke chains, leash corrections, squirt bottles, or scolding.

Alana offers both in-person and virtual consultations. Based in New England, she works with clients throughout the US, Canada, and Internationally. She provides in-person services in select areas of Vermont.

Credentials and Certifications

– M.S. in Biology Education | B.A. in Biology
– Elite Fear-Free Certified Professional (Veterinary & Dog Training)
– 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 advanced training in animal behavior, learning theory, and mindful, low-stress handling techniques. She is also certified in small animal massage and integrates gentle touch and body awareness into her 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, self-published).

Alana was invited to serve on the Cat Friendly Practice Advisory Council for the American Association of Feline Practitioners, offering behavioral expertise to support low-stress handling and feline welfare practices.

Lynn Hoover Alana Stevenson Review behaviorist & trainerAlana 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

alana stevenson dog trainer

2010

Professional Affiliations

  • Feline Veterinary Medically 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 (1997-2002)

Alana has created instructional content for shelters, rescues, and universities, including a full-semester feline behavior curriculum for the University of Vermont’s Department of Animal & Veterinary Sciences. Her webinars have been used internationally to support humane handling and improve outcomes for animals in care.

Media Features

Alana’s work has been featured in publications such as Cat Friendly Homes, Animal Wellness Magazine, American Dog, and Life With Cats. She was interviewed by The Boston Globe as a feline behaviorist and appeared on the New England television show Chronicle in a segment highlighting her animal behavior practice.

Alana Stevenson cat behaviorist

2010

Advocacy & Early Work

Alana’s commitment to animal welfare began early. She founded her high school’s first animal rights group, later renamed the Student Organization for Animal Respect, and went on to co-lead a national student animal advocacy network in college. She has taught humane education to students of all ages, cared for medically fragile animals, and led efforts to rescue and rehome neglected companion animals—including launching a campaign that freed a capuchin monkey from decades in confinement.

Her lifelong dedication to compassionate care continues to inform her work today.