University Centre Reaseheath is delighted to welcome the renowned animal behaviourist Evangelos (Vangelis) Diamantakos to our HE canine department as a lecturer and course manager.

Canine undergraduates stand to benefit from Vangelis’s vast knowledge of dog behaviour, training, welfare and management gained in his native Greece and in the UK. As the author of three books, he continues to research topics such as dog assisted interventions and the bond that exists between ‘man’ and ‘man’s best friend’.

Vangelis began his career by spending 26-years in the Hellenic (Greek) Air Force as a Military Working Dog handler (MWD). On becoming the Head Manager of the MWD Programme, Vangelis gained senior managerial experience in operational and educational design and was responsible for the management of military personnel.

During his military career Vangelis wanted develop his interest in the human-canine relationship from a holistic perspective. He completed a BSc in Social Science with Psychological Studies through the Open University before embarking on an MSc in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling at the University of Southampton.

Vangelis was recently invited to host a webinar for the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) where he presented his ongoing research into promoting responsible dog ownership. This is the second occasion that Vangelis has addressed APBC members about an initiative called ‘Challenging the Present: Creating the Future’.

The remit of this project is to address underlying issues in animal welfare, training and management that would benefit from further research. His study has been inspired by the work of industry professionals and dog owners who contribute to the improvement of welfare and education.

Vangelis, who is currently studying for a doctorate in dog assisted interventions, is a visiting lecture at the University of Thessaly in Greece. He also works on a consultancy basis with dogs, cats and horses who are referred by veterinary surgeons for behavioural analysis.

Vangelis commented: “Since graduating, it has been a dream of mine to work in a country where the standards of animal ownership are very high. The UK was my first choice of location because of the deep-rooted traditions in animal welfare.

I’ve had to adapt quickly to my new working and living environment and there’s been a lot for me to digest but I really enjoy lecturing at University Centre Reaseheath. I feel very fortunate to be educating people who wish to enter the world of dog training and behaviour as professionals.” For more information, please visit www.evangelosdiamantakos.gr