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Roberto Barata is a professional with extensive experience working with various animal species, especially dogs, since 2003. His expertise in animal behavior and modification is scientifically grounded and actively applied, enabling him to address real-world challenges and contribute to ongoing development. His preference for hands-on experiences and direct engagement with practical, realistic situations drives his work and dedication in the field.

Living in Denmark, Roberto collaborates with etologi.dk. He offers a spectrum of services, including consultation, independent research, and teaching both online and on-campus courses in anthrozoology and animal behavior modification. His contributions extend globally, having authored content for animal professionals and engaged in pro bono work and research for numerous institutions.

In 2008, he founded Human-Animal Science, where he has been pioneering anthrozoological models that integrate theory, practice, and empirical evidence in animal training. His pragmatic approach provides critical thinking tools and fresh perspectives for animal behavior modification and has significant educational implications for global initiatives.

Roberto’s work philosophy is underpinned by a commitment to natural communication, interspecies understanding, and respect for each species’ intrinsic nature. He emphasizes critical thinking and questioning and steers clear of harmful or coercive communication, reflecting his ethical and technical standards.

He remains at the forefront of his field through rigorous study, extensive research, valuable practical experience, and a dedication to eschewing mindless conformity. He upholds integrity by eliminating personal biases and compromised funding sources, and he champions incorporating diverse perspectives and critical thought in his educational endeavors. His focus is steadfast on independent research and hands-on work, driven by an unyielding quest for knowledge and a dedication to disseminating insightful analyses.

He is a vocal critic of scientific biases in animal training studies and urges professionals to engage in field-based research and empirically substantiate their theories actively. His work offers varied viewpoints, promotes a practice-based approach to animal behavior modification, and highlights the educational importance of evidence-based practices for worldwide initiatives.

Roberto’s life mission is to honor silence and individuals, prioritize simplicity and precision in actions, and consciously avoid squandering precious time and energy on trivial matters.

Current Functions

• Human-Animal Science Founder & Coordinator.
• Animal Training and Researching Collaborator at etologi.dk.
• Independent research, consulting, and advising to professionals, students, and families with dogs, cats, and horses, alongside personalized events and other professional services to companies and institutions.
• Voluntary Animal Behavior Advisor (Rådgiver i dyreadfærd) at Vi Finder Hund.
• Voluntary Mentor at Animal Behaviour Collective.
• Voluntary Collaborator at Springer Publications.

Relevant Education & Certifications

• PhD in Human-Animal Studies; MSc in Animal Studies and Research; BSc in Ethology- BIU.
• Postgraduate in Animal Experimentation- NOVA Medical School.
• Teacher Certification in Anthrozoology & Animal Behavior- EAHEA.
• Diploma in Social and Affective Neuroscience- Universidad Isabel I.
• Diploma in Advanced Applied Ethology (dogs, cats, horses,) Applied Pet Ethology (cats and horses), Applied Canine Ethology, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and Ethics After Darwin Certificate- Ethology Institute Cambridge.
• Diploma in Professional Dog Trainer & Professional Instructor of Instructors (Teaching and Research)- Asociación Nacional de Adiestradores Caninos Profesionales.
• Diploma in Comprehensive Canine Behaviour and Aggression Therapy Certificate, highest honors, and Certified Pet Dog Trainer/Behaviour Therapist with IPDTA Certification- CCS.
• Diploma in Dog Training Instruction (Approved Instructor)- Academy of Dog Training & Behaviour.
• Diploma in Psychology & Applied Behavior Analysis- Centre of Excellence.
• Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science (FELASA A-C-D)- Roskilde Tekniske Skole.
• Diploma in Veterinary Technician- Master-D.
• Diploma in Military Dog Training- Portuguese Air Force.
• Diploma in Ayurveda and Master Herbalist- Academy for Health & Fitness.
• Certification in Philosophy of Science- University of Pennsylvania.
• Certification in Clinical Trials & Data Management- Biotecnika.
• Certification in Advanced Canine Nutrition, Pet Nutrition, Raw Food, Canine Homeopathy, Essential oils, and Herbalism- DNM University.
• Certification in Organic and Alternative Animal Health- Iowa State University.
• Certification in Animal Health Care- The Animal Care.
• Certification in Animal Assisted Therapy/Activities- Harcum College.
• Certification in Mindfulness (Master Level) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Practitioner- Achology.
• Certification in Coaching & Leadership, NLP and Behavior Management- Evolui.
• Certification in Holistic Health Practitioner- NS Academy.
• Certification in Life Coaching with ACELC & PCELC accreditation- EC Academy.
• Certification in Mentoring for Professionals- ACQUIROS.
• Certification in Instruction Skills (PT), License CAP/CCP F584684- Escola de Negócios e Administração (Administration and Business School).

Career Awards

• Three Honour Commendations from the Air Force Base Commander (2010/2011/2012) while in the military canine team.
• CCS/IPDTA Behaviour Therapy Excellence 2020.
• CCS/IPDTA Dog Training Excellence 2020.
• CCS/IPDTA Education Award 2020.
• CCS/IPDTA Humane Dog Training Award 2020.

Publications & Research

• Barata, R. (2024). Anthrozoology & Animal Training, 2nd Edition. Human-Animal Science. ISBN: 978-1-66640-473-9
• Barata, R. (2023). Stimulus Habituation. In: Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sexual Psychology and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08956-5_298-1
• Barata, R. (2023). Pet Abuse Definition. In: Shackelford, T.K. (eds) Encyclopedia of Domestic Violence. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85493-5_1346-1
• Barata, R. (2023). Anthrozoology & Animal Training. Human-Animal Science. 
• Barata, R. (2020). Positive Reinforcement. In: Vonk, J., Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_761-3
• Research and Advising for the Portuguese Animal Provider. (2020). Study and Research for the Portuguese Animal Provider Marisa Quaresma dos Reis about urban carriage horses. The provider presented it during an institutional talk about Horse Welfare.
• Scientific Consulting (2020) to Kruuse on E-collar (Elizabethan collar), dogs and cats ’ vision, stress, and veterinarian environment.
• Research and Advising for the Portuguese Animal Political Party (PAN). (2017-2020). Extensive research resulted in direct advice for several implementations on animal sheltering, laws revision (dangerous breeds), human education on animal training, and welfare issues. One of the accepted ones was a proposal for a universal and connected European registration to fight dog traffic, as you can read (in Portuguese) in the words of the party president.
• ORCID.

Professional Experience

• Since 2003, he worked and co-worked in several areas, including schools and companies in the animal field: operational, military, sports, competition, social, educational, breed clubs, pet sitting, dog walking, shelters, hotels, zoos, and animal centers. His work has significantly contributed to animal training and the scientific community through written and practical efforts.
• Former Portuguese Studies Program Director, Scientific Researcher, and Tutor at the Ethology Institute (2015-2022). He worked for seven years with Dr. Roger Abrantes, one of Konrad Lorenz’s last students, which gave him a clear view of the essence of ethology and its foundations, processes, and approaches, including a deep practical understanding of interspecies communication and precision in animal behavior modification.
• Former animal technician and scientific advisor on welfare, instruction, ethogram creator, behavior analysis & modification, environment adaptation, adverse phenotypic, and 3R’s implementation in the laboratory/clinic environment (US & Europe).
• Author, co-author, and contributor to developing technical manuals, translations, articles, and research, among other work in dog training and the scientific community.
• Former licenses of Professional Instructor of Instructors, Certified Juez CCE, Professional Dog Trainer, Behaviourist, and Dog Training Certification in Defense and Surveillance Operations by ANACP.
• Former Canine Good Citizen, Puppy, Urban, Community Canine, Trick Dog Evaluator- license 92303, AKC Temperament Test Approved Evaluator- license 107545, AKC Fit Evaluator, by American Kennel Club (AKC) with official authorization from AKC to use the CGC program outside the US. He implemented the program in Portugal and Denmark.
• Former member of Animals & Society, APDT, PDTE, and PPG. He decided to keep himself independent of any institution/association/membership.
• Other Certifications: Certified education in Critical Thinking; Leadership, Life Coaching (ACELC, PCELC Accreditation) and Mentoring; Behavior Management and Psychology; Psychosociology at work and interpersonal skills management; Social psychopedagogy; CBT; NLP (ABNLP); Lean Expert; Project and Quality Management; ISO 9001:2015 System audit.