Anthrozoology Research Group

Jacqui Ley

Background:

I qualified as a veterinarian in 1995 from Melbourne University. I worked in general small animal practice for 5 years. I achieved Membership to the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (Veterinary Behaviour Chapter) by examination in 2000 and began seeing veterinary behaviour cases as well as continuing to work in general practice. After a brief hiatus to produce a set of twins, I completed my PhD in 2008. My thesis is titled Describing and Measuring Canine Personality. I am currently combining research, small animal practice and study to become a specialist in veterinary behaviour practice with motherhood.

I have a veterinary behaviour consultancy, Animal Behaviour Consultations and see pets and animals referred to me for behaviour problems. These are not problems of manners or training but problems due to anxiety disorders and need to be diagnosed and treated appropriately. I alsogive lectures to and work with general veterinarians, veterinary nurses and dog trainers to increase their awareness of behaviour problems and treatment options.

I have 20 years experience training dogs for general manners and competitive dog sports, competing successfully with my dogs. Lack of time means I no longer compete but I maintain an interest in dog sports and dog showing.

My experience as a veterinarian has shown me that people value their pets immensely and both parties suffer when the pet's behaviour is challenging. Not all problems can be fixed with training and it is rewarding to help an owner understand and help their pet by understanding their species specific needs, individual needs and limitations.

Current Research:

My current research aims to develop an understanding of the factors important to owner satisfaction with their dogs. This may help identify areas where education and support will help owner's understand their dogs and retain them in their homes.

I also have another project that is measuring canine personality in dogs referred for a veterinary behaviour consultation.

Research interests:

Animal behaviour; comparative psychology; applied animal behaviour analysis; human-animal interactions; animal cognition

Publications:

1. Ley, J, Coleman, G.J., Holmes, R and Hemsworth, P.H., (2005). Assessing fear of novel and startling stimuli in domestic dogs Applied Animal Behaviour Science 104, pp 71-84
2. Kendall K. and Ley, J. (2006). Cat ownership in Australia: barriers to ownership and behaviour Journal of Veterinary Behaviour 1:15-16
3. Ley, J and Bennett, P., (2007). Do dogs have the same personality dimensions as humans? Anthrozoos 20(2), 113-124
4. Ley, J, Bennett, P and Coleman, G. J., (2007). Personality Dimensions that emerge in companion canines. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 110, 30-317
5. K. Kendall, J.M Ley (2008) Owner observations can provide date for constructive behaviour analysis in normal pet cats. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 3, 244-227
6. Ley, J., & Bennett, P.C., Measuring personality in dogs, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, accepted January 2008.
7. Ley, J., McGreevy, and P., Bennett, P.C., (accepted). Inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the Monash Canine Personality Questionnaire – Revised (MCPQ-R), Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Weblink: http://www.drjacquiley.com

Contact: drjacquiley@msn.com