Alana Stevenson: Professional Background

Dog Behaviorist | Cat Behaviorist | Dog Trainer

Alana Stevenson has been professionally working with dogs, cats, and pet parents to resolve behavioral problems for over 20 years. She has utilized only humane training and behavior modification techniques since she began in 2003.

With her behavior consulting and dog training practice formerly based in New York and Boston, Alana now serves dog and cat owners nationally and internationally. Consultations are available online and will soon be available in person in Greater Knoxville, TN.

For more on Alana’s training methods and dog and cat behavior services, see FAQs.

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 an academic background in biology with training in animal behavior, learning theory, ethology, and humane, low-stress dog and cat handling techniques. She is certified in small animal massage therapy and integrates gentle touch 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 positive 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 handling.

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

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

Alana has created instructional behavioral tutorials and content for animal shelters, rescues, schools, and universities, including a full-semester curriculum on Feline Behavior and Development for the University of Vermont’s Department of Animal & Veterinary Sciences in 2018.

Instructor – Animal Behavior, Handling & Management (Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, 2007-2010)
Secondary school Biology and Environmental Science teacher (1997-2002)

Media Features

Alana’s work has appeared in multiple publications online and in print, including Cat Friendly Homes, Animal Wellness Magazine, American Dog, K9 Magazine, Northern Virginia Dog, Hondenleven, Life with Dogs, and Life With Cats. She’s been interviewed by a variety of podcasts and media outlets, including The Boston Globe, and has been featured on Chronicle New England and NY Capital News 9 sharing tips on how to calm excitable, high-energy, jumpy dogs.