Co-Evolve is run by Dr Michelle Lord. Michelle is a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) with the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) and a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC). Michelle has being seeing canine behaviour cases through vet referral for the last ten years
Alongside her work with clients, Michelle has also worked extensively in research. She recently completed a four year period of work on a Dogs Trust funded, long-term study of the behaviour, health and welfare of dogs throughout their lives (www.generationpup.ac.uk). The results of this study are being used to develop management and prevention strategies for a wide range of behavioural and health problems in dogs. Prior to this Michelle worked at the Royal Veterinary College as a research assistant and as an honorary research fellow at the University of Bristol. Results of her studies have been published in peer reviewed scientific journals, including ‘Veterinary Record’ and ‘Applied Animal Behaviour Science.’ Please see below for a full list of Michelle’s contributions to scientific research.
Michelle believes that her consultations with clients compliment her research work, and vice versa. Being at the forefront of canine research is a vital component of being able to help owners with their dogs, as we are learning more and more about dogs and their behaviour through scientific studies. Unfortunately the dog training and behaviour industry is largely unregulated, with many ’trainers/behaviourists’ using outdated methods which are detrimental for both owners and their dogs. Michelle’s scientific background, experience and qualifications, along with her commitment to continuing professional development, enable her to offer the highest level of advice and support for canine behaviour issues.
Dr Michelle Lord CCAB is a fully qualified clinical animal behaviourist.
Most pet insurance companies cover Michelle’s consultation costs.
Michelle adheres to a strict Privacy Policy, see here for more information.
Many vet practices across Bristol and the South West refer cases to Michelle.
Michelle’s client testimonials are available here
Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) with the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB)
Full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)
Certificated member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC)
Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Experienced researcher with several publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals***
PhD in Animal Behaviour, University College Dublin, Ireland
First class honours degree in Zoology (BSc (Hons)), University College Dublin, Ireland
April 2013 – present. Owner of Co-Evolve Dog Training and Behaviour Consultancy.
February 2018 – August 2019. Research Officer for Cohort Studies. Dogs Trust, Wakely Street, London.
August 2015 – January 2018. Research assistant. Royal Veterinary College, London and the University of Bristol, Langford, Avon.
December 2013 – March 2017. Honorary Research Fellow, University of Bristol, Langford, Avon.
February 2009 – February 2014. Puppy Training Supervisor. Guide Dogs for the Blind, Northern Ireland.
Belshaw, Z., Youens, E., Lord, M., and Packer, R.M.A., 2025. “A Dog Brings Benefits No Matter Where It’s from”: UK Residents’ Understanding of the Benefits and Risks of Importing Puppies from Romania to the UK. Animals, 15(15), 2192; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152192