About Dr Nicky



Dr Nicky Shaw PhD, BSc (Hons), ADipCBM

Dr Nicky Shaw, PhD, BSc (Hons), ADipCBM, is a clinical animal behaviourist, dog behaviour consultant and dog trainer. Nicky holds a first-class honours degree in Applied Animal Behaviour from the University of Portsmouth and a PhD in dog & puppy cognitive enrichment, behaviour, and welfare from the University of Winchester. She is a proud member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC).

As the inventor of dog-artificial agent interactive technology over 10 years ago, Nicky is recognised for her innovative work in canine-artificial agent interaction. Her research has been commended for its visionary nature and she has worked with esteemed researchers in the fields of welfare and cognition. Nicky's expertise and passion for animal welfare have led her to become a Research Fellow and guest lecturer at the University of Winchester and University Centre Sparsholt. Nicky is a peer-reviewer for animal welfare and cognition Journals and her research continues in 2024 with an expanding network.

In practice, Nicky focuses on promoting effective communication, cooperation, and enjoyable partnerships between dogs, puppies, and their owners. Since 2016, she has trained over 2000 puppies and dogs, conducting puppy classes and providing private consultations in the Chelsea/Kensington area. Nicky is highly regarded and works on referrals from reputable veterinary clinics Medivet Gloucester Road and Elizabeth Street Vets. Nicky is a 100% force-free, rewards- and science-based trainer.


Recent Peer Reviewed Research:

Nicky Shaw, Lisa M. Riley. 2023 First impressions: A preliminary study of domestic dog puppies’ responses to verbal cues issued by an artificial agent

Nicky Shaw, Francoise Wemelsfelder, Lisa M. Riley. 2022 Bark to the Future: The welfare of domestic dogs during interaction with a positively reinforcing artificial agent. Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Nicky Shaw, Lisa M. Riley. 2020 Domestic dogs respond correctly to verbal cues issued by an artificial agent. Applied Animal Behaviour Science

 

Nicky is currently preparing for full CAB assessment. The APBC supports its Provisional Members undertaking behaviour consultations. Members have demonstrated that they have the appropriate level of Knowledge and Understanding for the professional role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB). They are now gaining the practical experience necessary to be assessed as a CAB and therefore become a Full Member of the APBC.