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Evidence-based dog behaviourist in Perth conducting canine behaviour assessment
Perth, WA • Australia-Wide

Evidence-Based Dog Behaviourist in Perth

Led by Dr. Liam Clay — PhD in Canine Behaviour, Australia's first VTS (Behavior). Scientific assessments, expert witness services, and behaviour consulting for dogs, owners, and professionals.

Helping dog owners, veterinary teams, shelters & rescues, and councils & legal professionals across Perth and Australia with evidence-based canine behaviour solutions.

PhD Canine Behaviour
VTS (Behavior) — First in Australia
Perth & Australia-Wide
What We Do

Science-driven solutions for every context

We combine applied animal behaviour science with real-world dog training and clinical experience to support professionals, organisations, and families.

Families & Pet Owners

Help with behaviour problems at home through evidence-based assessment and modification programs.

Veterinary Teams

Support for complex behaviour cases in clinic with specialist consultation and referral pathways.

Shelters & Rescues

Improving welfare, assessments and adoption outcomes through structured behaviour evaluation.

Councils & Legal

Managing dangerous dog matters with independent expert assessments and evidence for hearings.

Trainers & Professionals

Building low-stress, welfare-focused services with continuing education and upskilling.

Your Dog Behaviourist

Dr. Liam Clay — Perth's Leading Canine Behaviour Specialist

Dr. Liam Clay is a canine behaviour scientist and Australia's first Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behaviour (VTS, Behavior). Based in Perth, WA, he provides evidence-based behaviour consulting for dog owners, veterinary teams, shelters, councils, and legal professionals across Australia.

PhD in Canine Behaviour

University of Queensland — behaviour assessment, predictability, and complex problems

VTS (Behavior)

First in Australia (2020) — Academy of Veterinary Behaviour Technicians

Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours)

Canine stress and behavioural problems in shelters

Expert Witness

Independent expert reports for dangerous dog cases and legal proceedings

Dr. Liam Clay, dog behaviourist Perth, with a dog
First in Australia
VTS (Behavior) — 2020
About AABA

Applied Animal Behaviour Analysis in practice

Applied Animal Behaviour Analysis (AABA) uses the principles of learning and behaviour science to understand why animals behave the way they do — and how we can change behaviour humanely and effectively.

At AABA, we use this approach to:

  • Identify the underlying motivation and function of behaviour
  • Design tailored behaviour modification plans for individual dogs and households
  • Develop robust behaviour and temperament assessments for shelters, councils and legal contexts
  • Support One Welfare and Five Domains frameworks in everyday practice

The goal is simple: better welfare, clearer decisions and safer, more sustainable outcomes for dogs and people.

Dog in training environment
10+
Years of Research
& Clinical Experience
Dr. Liam Clay with a dog
First in Australia
VTS (Behavior) — 2020
About

Dr. Liam Clay

Canine Behaviour Scientist & Veterinary Behaviour Technician

Dr. Liam Clay is a canine behaviour scientist and veterinary behaviour technician with a background in dog training, shelter welfare and clinical behaviour.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science (Veterinary Technology)
Honours in Canine Stress & Behavioural Problems
PhD in Canine Behaviour Assessments, Behavioural Problems & Adoption Suitability
VTS (Behavior) — Academy of Veterinary Behaviour Technicians

Dr. Clay works closely with shelters, veterinary teams, councils and industry partners to develop and refine behaviour assessments, training programs and welfare frameworks. He continues to teach and supervise in animal behaviour and research, and is committed to making evidence-based behaviour knowledge accessible to both professionals and the wider community.

Trusted Dog Behaviourist in Perth — Serving All of Australia

Based in Perth, Western Australia, AABA provides canine behaviour consulting services locally and nationally. Whether you're a dog owner in Perth seeking help with aggression, reactivity, or anxiety, or a shelter in another state needing behaviour assessment support — we're here to help.

Perth & WA

In-person behaviour consultations, assessments, and training support across the Perth metropolitan area and Western Australia.

Australia-Wide

Remote consultations, expert witness services, shelter consulting, and corporate behaviour programs across all states.

Wangara, Perth

Clinical behaviour consultations delivered through Future Proof Training Academy in Wangara, Perth.

Professional Network

Working with veterinary clinics, RSPCA, councils, legal professionals, and shelter networks across Australia.

For Dog Owners

Looking for help with your dog's behaviour?

Behaviour consultations for pet dogs are provided through our partnered clinical behaviour service, Future Proof Training Academy (FPTA), and are accepted on veterinary referral only.

Visit Future Proof Dogs
Key Services

How we can help

Behaviour & Temperament Assessments
01

Behaviour & Temperament Assessments

We conduct behaviour and temperament assessments to support dangerous and menacing dog matters, shelters assessing adoption suitability, and councils needing independent expert opinion.

  • Structured behavioural testing
  • Review of history, incident reports and environmental factors
  • Detailed written reports with clear, balanced recommendations
  • Expert opinion for hearings and tribunals
Learn more
Assistance Dog Assessments
02

Assistance Dog Assessments

We provide Behaviour & Obedience Assessments (BOA) and Public Access Tests (PAT) in line with Western Australian requirements.

  • Owner-trainers and assistance dog teams
  • Allied health professionals referring clients
  • Organisations seeking consistent, welfare-focused assessment
  • Focus on suitability for work, welfare and safety
Learn more
Education, Courses & Workshops
03

Education, Courses & Workshops

Through the Behaviour Institute, we offer online courses, webinars and workshops for dog owners, veterinary teams, shelter networks, and trainers.

  • Dog owners and adopters wanting to understand their dogs better
  • Veterinary teams building confidence with behaviour in clinic
  • Shelter, rescue and foster networks working with complex dogs
  • Trainers, daycare and grooming professionals
Learn more
Behaviour Institute

Grow Your Knowledge

All programs are grounded in evidence-based practice and designed to be practical, accessible and directly applicable in the real world.

Online Courses

Self-paced learning for owners and professionals

Webinars

Live sessions with Q&A and case studies

Workshops

Hands-on, in-person skill building

CPD Programs

Continuing professional development

Start Learning
Veterinary behaviour education
Contact

Ready to talk about your case or project?

If you're unsure which service you need, we're happy to help you work it out.

For pet owners

Please include your dog's age, breed and sex, a brief description of the main behaviour concerns, your location and any safety or urgency considerations.

For professionals

Please outline the context (clinic, shelter, council matter, legal case), a short summary of the behaviour concerns, and any relevant reports or case history.

[email protected]
Mon–Sat: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM  |  Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Send us a message