Greetings, my name is Roberto Barata, a seasoned professional with extensive experience working with various animal species, particularly dogs, since 2003. My academic background specializes in animal behavior and modification, which I apply in practice to gain a deeper understanding of real-world challenges and ongoing development.
I live in Denmark and collaborate with etologi.dk. I offer consultation services, conduct independent research, and teach online and on-campus courses in animal behavior modification. I have authored content for animal professionals worldwide and participated in pro bono initiatives and research for various institutions.
As the founder of Human-Animal Science, I developed an anthrozoological model in 2008 that merges theory, practice, and empirical frameworks for animal training. This innovative approach offers critical thinking tools and diverse perspectives for animal behavior modification, with educational potential for global initiatives.
My work philosophy prioritizes natural communication, interspecies understanding, and respect for each species' uniqueness. I prioritize critical thinking and questioning and avoid harmful or coercive techniques, reflecting my ethical and technical boundaries.
Through active study, extensive research, and valuable on-the-job experience, I stay updated on the latest advancements in my field, avoiding mindless conformity with trends or ideologies. I maintain integrity by avoiding personal biases and compromised funding sources. My education fosters diverse perspectives and critical thinking. I prioritize independent research and practical work, relentlessly pursuing knowledge and sharing thoughtful analysis rather than seeking titles or recognition.
My mission in life is to respect silence and individuals, prioritize simplicity and precision in our actions, and not waste our precious time and energy on frivolous things.
The Human-Animal Science Project
Human-Animal Science (HAS) is a distinguished research initiative based in Denmark. It was conceived to enhance my professional trajectory. With over twenty years of rigorous study, research, and hands-on experience underpinning it, HAS adheres to stringent scientific and empirical methodologies, steering clear of personal or commercial inclinations.
Central to HAS is the promotion of excellence, respect, and integrity. It fosters an environment where open, respectful dialogues flourish, regardless of background or stature. Distinct from many projects that lean on external financial support, HAS is a self-reliant research venture emphasizing authentic discovery over grant dependence.
The fruits of HAS's labor and investigations are disseminated through various services, publications, and more. Collaborations with keen individuals and institutions facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and the cultivation of a community bound by shared interests.
By becoming a follower, you gain insights into updates, stimulating articles, and avenues for active participation. Your engagement broadens your horizons and paves the way for a more empathetic future devoid of biases and fleeting trends. I've established this permanent platform as a hub for publishing my work. Most articles are available at no cost, and subscribing is optional and will always remain free. To access more technical content and receive advice, including chapter samples and updates from my book, I offer two subscription tiers. You are invited to support this independent work and research through these subscriptions.
Furthermore, HAS is wider than professionals across disciplines. It also aims to equip animal owners and enthusiasts with resources, democratizing knowledge dissemination to a broader audience.
Current Functions
Academic Roles:
Instructor in anthrozoology, animal behavior & modification, natural animal health, and scientific research.
Academic advisor in the areas of anthrozoology and animal sciences.
Independent researcher in anthrozoology and related fields.
Voluntary mentor at Animal Behaviour Collective.
Collaborator at Springer Publications.
Professional Writing & Consultation:
Author and writer at Human-Animal Science.
Author, Co-Author, and contributor in developing technical manuals, translations, articles, and research.
Significant contributions to dog training and the scientific community through written works.
Provides consulting, guidance, and advice to families with dogs, cats, and horses.
Offers mentoring, coaching, personalized courses, and services to professionals in anthrozoology, animal behavior & modification, and related areas.
Relevant Education & Certifications
PhD Student in Human-Animal Studies; MSc in Animal Studies and Research; BSc in Ethology- BIU.
Diploma in Social and Affective Neuroscience- UI.
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- EIC.
Diploma in Psychology & Applied Behavior Analysis- COE.
Certificate in Animal Science- TC.
Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science (FELASA A-C-D)- RTS and Postgraduate by NOVA Medical School.
Certification in Clinical Trials & Data Management- BIL
Professional Dog Trainer & Professional Instructor of Instructors Diploma (Teaching and Research)- ANACP.
Diploma in Advanced Canine Nutrition, Pet Nutrition, Raw Food, Canine Homeopathy, Essential oils, and Herbalism- DNM-U.
Certificate in Animal Health & Wellness- AC.
Diploma in Comprehensive Canine Behaviour & Aggression Therapy Certificate-highest honors, and Certified Pet Dog Trainer/Behaviour Therapist with IPDTA Certification.
Certification in Animal Assisted Therapy/Activities- HC.
Military Dog Trainer Diploma.
Academy of Dog Training & Behaviour Approved Instructor.
Veterinary Technician Diploma.
Portuguese Instruction Skills License- CAP/CCP F584684.
Career Awards
Three Honour Commendations from the Air Force Base Commander (2010/2011/2012) while in the K9 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). Stimulus Habituation. In: Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sexual Psychology and Behavior. Springer, Cham. (In edition)
Barata, R. (2023). Anthrozoology & Animal Training. Human-Animal Science. ISBN: 978-1-66640-473-9
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. (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). My extensive research resulted in direct advising for several implementations on animal sheltering, laws revision (dangerous breeds), human education on animal training, and welfare issues. One of the accepted ones is a proposal of a universal and connected European registration to fight dog traffic, as you can read (in Portuguese) by the words of the new party president.
Professional Experience
Since 2003, I have 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, and animal centers.
Former Portuguese Studies Program Director, Scientific Researcher, and Tutor at the Ethology Institute (2015-2022). I worked for seven years with Dr. Roger Abrantes, one of Konrad Lorenz's last students, which gave me a clear view of the essence of ethology and its foundations, processes, and approaches.
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 in developing technical manuals, translations, articles, and research, among other work in the dog training and 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. I’ve implemented the program in Portugal and Denmark.
Former member of Animals & Society, APDT, PDTE, and PPG. I've decided to keep myself 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.
