About

As the founder of Human-Animal Science, I created 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.

Staying current in my field through study, research, and on-the-job experience, I avoid blindly following trends or ideologies and do not compromise my integrity for personal biases or funding sources. My education fosters diverse perspectives and critical thinking, prioritizing seeking knowledge and sharing critical thinking over 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.

Human-Animal Science (HAS) is an independent self-sustained initiative registered in Denmark that complements my professional focus. Its approach results from over two decades of study, research, and practical experience.

The pedagogical content adheres to scientific and empirical standards independent of personal or commercial interests. It also values excellence, respect, and integrity and fosters respectful debate regardless of an individual's standing.

I invite you to become a valued member of my website, partake in my professional journey, and join me in furthering our shared interests.

Current Functions

• Animal behavior modification instructor & advisor.
• 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).
• Independent writer, researcher, and academic advisor in anthrozoology and animal behavior & modification.
• Voluntary mentor at Animal Behaviour Collective.

Relevant Education & Certifications

• PhD Student in Human-Animal Studies- BIU.
• MSc in Animal Studies & 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 UNL-Congento.
• 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.
• 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.
• Auxiliary 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). Pet Abuse. In: Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Domestic Violence. Springer, Cham. (In edition)
• Barata, R. (2023). Stimulus Habituation. In: Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sexual Psychology and Behavior. Springer, Cham. (In edition)
• 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.
• ORCID.

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.
• 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 institutions such as 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.