Daniel Shaw
Daniel Shaw MSc CDBC is an animal behaviourist with expertise in psychology, animal behaviour, and neuroscience. As the owner of Animal Behaviour Kent (ABK), he supports dogs and cats with behavioural challenges, provides expert witness assessments for legal cases under the Dangerous Dogs Act, and has contributed to Parliamentary discussions on dog bite reform.
With a master’s degree in neuroscience, Daniel combines research with practical applications and has been featured on BBC Southeast Today, TalkTV, and LBC News. He teaches internationally on a range of topics, including aggression, frustration, and trauma in dogs, helping professionals enhance their understanding and approach to complex cases. Daniel also organizes the annual ABK Dog Behaviour Conference and runs ABK Learn, a platform offering science-based education in animal behaviour, training, and neuroscience.
Behavioural Neuroscience: From Theory to Practice
Spend two days with Daniel Shaw MSc CDBC exploring the fascinating world of neuroscience and canine behaviour. This seminar is designed for dog trainers, behaviourists, and veterinary professionals who want to gain a deeper understanding of how the canine brain works and how it influences behaviour. From the foundations of learning and emotion to tackling frustration and aggression, this seminar is packed with actionable knowledge to help you better support the dogs you work with.
Day 1: Foundations of Learning and Emotion
- Introduction to Behavioural Neuroscience
Daniel will begin the seminar by introducing core principles in behavioural neuroscience, from synaptic transmission to brain structure. This session will also explore how we learn about the canine brain through research methods like imaging techniques and behavioural studies, as well as the limitations of current scientific knowledge. By understanding both the strengths and gaps in our knowledge, you’ll gain a critical perspective on how neuroscience informs our work with dogs. - Neuroscience of Learning and Emotion
This session dives into how dogs process rewards, reinforcement, and emotions. Daniel will explore the science of learning and memory, focusing on different types of memory in dogs and their impact on behaviour. The session will also link these concepts to the science of emotion, examining how emotional responses are generated, how they drive behaviour, and the distinction between emotions and feelings. - Puppyhood, Puberty, and Adolescence
Explore the critical stages of brain development and their role in shaping behaviour. Gain insights into how early experiences and developmental changes during adolescence influence social behaviour, learning, and behavioural outcomes. Finally, Daniel will consider how we can apply this to support healthy development and prevent the development of welfare problems.
Day 2: The Science of Frustration and Aggression
- The Neuroscience of Frustration
Frustration is a common experience for many pet dogs and often underpins various behavioural challenges. This session examines the science of frustration, the contexts in which it arises, and the neurobiological processes involved in creating and responding to it. Daniel will explore how frustration interacts with other emotional responses and its behavioural consequences. - The Neuroscience of Aggression
Daniel will explore the different neurobiological underpinnings that can contribute to aggressive behaviour, including the difference between fear, anxiety, and threat responses and the role of reinforcement learning in aggression. Daniel will examine the sensory features of stimuli that may increase the likelihood of aggressive behaviour occurring as well as the role of the frontal cortex in inhibiting aggression responses. - Assessment and Resolutions for Frustration and Aggressive Behaviour
After exploring the causes of frustration and aggression, Daniel will delve into practical strategies to address these behavioural challenges while prioritising the welfare needs of the dogs. He will discuss how to objectively assess these behaviours and develop effective behaviour plans for cases involving frustration and aggression. By examining a range of behaviour change techniques, Daniel will highlight how a deeper understanding of the brain can shape and enhance the way we approach these complex cases.
When?
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025
Location
De Schildkamp
Leerdamseweg 44, 4147 BM Asperen
The Netherlands
www.schildkamp.nl
You can book a hotel room here as well.
Registration
