Training for Animal Professionals & Shelter Staff

Prevent behavior problems. Reduce bite incidents and injuries. Improve animal welfare.

Dog and cat behavior training for animal professionals, rescues, and shelter staff — tabby cat in woman’s arms

Improve Your Animal Handling and Training Skills

Many behavior problems in shelters and animal care settings are unintentionally caused or worsened by well-meaning but outdated handling and training methods.

With 20+ years’ experience, Alana Stevenson provides practical training in dog and cat behavior modification and handling for dog trainers, animal control officers, shelter staff, rescue groups, and veterinary care teams. Learn new training techniques, get help with individual behavior cases, improve animal handling skills, onboard new staff, or train your entire team.

Training methods are science-based, positive, and easy to implement.

Online Dog & Cat Behavior Training for Professionals

Alana’s online training in behavior modification and humane animal handling provides the same effectiveness as in-person instruction without travel costs or geographic barriers. Get evidence-based behavioral help when you need it—regardless of location.

In-person training available upon request.

Cat Behavior Training

  • Fear Free and low-stress cat handling
  • Gentle, low-stress intake procedures
  • Behavior modification for feline aggression
  • Calming fearful, anxious, and aggressive cats
  • Bite prevention
  • Fear of touch and handling
  • Defining and assessing behavior problems
  • Socializing feral cats and kittens
  • Kitten handling protocols for foster programs
  • Designing and implementing kitten training classes
  • Housing multiple cats to prevent behavior problems
  • Cat-friendly housing and environmental enrichment

Dog Behavior Training

  • Kennel aggression prevention and management
  • Safe handling of defensive and reactive dogs
  • Fear of touch and handling sensitivities
  • Dog bite prevention
  • Defining and assessing behavior problems
  • Behavior modification for fearful and unsocialized dogs
  • Counter-conditioning exercises to prevent aggression
  • Reactive dog protocols that protect dogs and handlers
  • Rehabilitation for traumatized and aggressive dogs
  • Introducing dogs in high-stress environments
  • Understanding dog-to-dog interactions
  • Managing dog play groups to prevent conflict

If you represent a shelter, rescue, or veterinary clinic and would like to work together on behavior support or education, you’re welcome to reach out. Alana is open to working with organizations that share a commitment to humane, science-based care—particularly in areas where support is limited.

dog and cat training tutorials — happy Dachshund and tabby cat, shelter resource Dog & Cat Behavior Training Tutorials 
Affordable dog and cat behavior training tutorials for individual use or team-wide training.

To request professional dog and cat behavior training for yourself, shelter, rescue, or veterinary care team, call 617–921–1224 or
EMAIL ALANA

  All levels  •  Cost-effective • Knowledgeable staff and volunteers • Better animal welfare

Low Stress Handling for Dogs and Cats Certification    Elite Fear Free Certified Professional    International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB) Member    American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Member       International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) Member    Association for Professional Dog Training (APDT) Member

“I was fortunate to attend Alana Stevenson’s seminar at Paws4Ever in Mebane, NC where I volunteer train for them. She provided great information and assistance on how to work with dogs who are fearful and leash reactive, and taught us leash techniques that are really effective. We loved her demonstrations.” ~ Kelley Neiderhiser, Gate City Animal Hospital, North Carolina

“Our front staff is still talking about your seminar, and applying what you’ve said to evaluate the way pets are behaving in the lobby!” ~ Shannon Nowak, LVT, Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas

“Alana has worked to create comprehensive operating procedures for shelters that respect a cat’s natural behaviors, focus on reducing stress, and integrate feline-friendly handling techniques that are integral in working with cats.”
~ Heather O’Steen, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)

“Alana Stevenson is an animal behaviorist with an up to date, science-based approach to reduce behavior problems presented in a heartfelt way. Her contributions to low-stress feline care have improved the shelter, veterinary and home care experience for many cats.” ~ Dr. Sally J. Foote, Veterinarian, Speaker DrSallyJFoote.com

“Alana worked with Homeward Bound in 2017 and her knowledge of behavioral challenges, their motivations, and how to address them was astounding. She was patient, detailed, and very attentive to the needs of the dogs and the questions of the staff.”
~ Jessica Danyow, Executive Director, Homeward Bound

“Excellent short videos like yours provide positive training expertise for all our volunteers and staff. ~ Shelley Thayer, Executive Director, Cat Depot, Sarasota, Florida