Laura Vissaritis

Laura VissaritisLaura V is Australia's most loved animal behaviourist - bringing a wealth of experience, expertise and enthusiasm to the animals in our lives.

She’s studied everything from Zoology to Genetics and Archaeology, to the National Dog Trainers Federation Cert III in Canine Behaviour and Training. Having completed her postgraduate qualification in Education and her postgraduate Psychology degree, Laura is well placed to successfully help countless owners and their dogs around the world.

Laura has dedicated herself to a life helping animals and people alike. Her philosophy – dognitive therapy – helps dogs by training not just them, but their owners too. Based in Melbourne, she is an expert in the behaviour modification of aggressive dogs in particular. Her unique focus, personality and experience sees her involved in any number of media activities,whether it be Dogs Life magazine, commentating on pet behaviour on Channel 9’s Today Extra, Channel 10’s Studio 10 or Channel 7’s Better Homes and Gardens or Saturday Disney.

Laura contributes regularly to a range of publications along with being the host of a weekly pet behaviour segment on Fairfax Media’s news talk radio 3AW, a dog behaviour segment on Magic 1377 and a live radio pet segment on Australia Overnight. Laura is the author of books ‘Things Your Dog Wants You to Know’ and ‘Dognitive Therapy’. She also has a podcast of the same name on SCA’s Podcast One network.

Articles 37 to 48 of 74
Preparing Your Animal for Flying

Preparing Your Animal for Flying

Laura Vissaritis

Flying with your pet can be a stressful experience. Not only because of the rules, regulations and requirements, but also because us pet lovers know that flying can be hard on our fur babies. With this in mind, we caught up with Animal Behaviourist Laura V, who shares her top tips how to ensure the experience is as positive and comfortable as possible for your furry friend.

What’s in Your Pet’s Bowl?

What’s in Your Pet’s Bowl?

Laura Vissaritis
They say you are what you eat. Humans are currently amongst the height of food crazes, from Paleo and Atkins to Detox Teas and Alkaline diets. We are insatiably looking for the next way to get fit and lose weight. But what about our pets? What is in their food bowl these days, and are we doing what’s best by them? In her latest article for HIF, Animal Health and Behaviour Expert, Laura V, shares her top tips on how to keep your pet healthy. 
Category:Pet Health
What Is a Therapy Dog and What Do They Do?

What Is a Therapy Dog and What Do They Do?

Laura Vissaritis

Did you know over 20,000 Australians enjoy a visit from a therapy dog each week? According to animal behaviourist, Laura V, “For the everyday person, the hug of a dog, the wagging of a tail and their unconditional love makes us all feel better. Therapy dogs though are carefully selected and trained to assist with the mental and physical wellbeing of people, who are often experiencing some sort of chronic illness or stress.” With this in mind, Laura V shares some of the incredible ways canines are helping people with a variety of disorders or disabilities to get them through their day.

Do Dogs Dream?

Do Dogs Dream?

Laura Vissaritis
Did you know that during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep the human and canine brain can become indistinguishable? According to Animal behaviourist Laura V, “If you’ve witnessed your dog in REM sleep, their eyes will move around and paws may also twitch a little too. They do this because they are actually looking at the images of their dream and there’s a good chance they’re re-living that time they played in the park with that new toy you bought them.” In her latest article for our blog, Laura V shares her knowledge on the topic - “Do Dogs Dream”.
Category:Pet Health
The Secret to Your Cat’s Purr

The Secret to Your Cat’s Purr

Laura Vissaritis

There is no doubt we love to hear our cats purr. But have you ever wondered why they do it? According to Animal behaviourist Laura V, “Purring is most likely an emotional expression. Depending on the circumstances, a cat may be experiencing a range of emotions from happiness and relaxation, to hunger, distress, or sometimes even pain.”  In her latest article Laura V shares her knowledge on how and why cats purr.

Exercising with your Puppy - What you Need to Know

Exercising with your Puppy - What you Need to Know

Laura Vissaritis

We all know there's more to fur babies than just those adorable puppy eyes. In fact, according to Animal Behaviourist Laura V, “One of the most important parts of a puppy’s routine is to establish an exercise schedule”. In her latest article for HIF Laura shares her top tops to ensure you expose your puppy to new experiences through physical and mental exercise, without risking their health and wellbeing.

How to Balance Your Pet with Your Lifestyle

How to Balance Your Pet with Your Lifestyle

Laura Vissaritis

Choosing the right type of pet is imperative, as is ensuring your lifestyle accommodates for it.  According to animal behaviourist, Laura V, “One of the main reasons why many people decide against having a pet is not because they don’t want one, but because they believe their lifestyle is too hectic”. In her latest article for HIF, Laura shares her expert advice on how to ensure the right pet fits perfectly into your lifestyle.

Category:Pet Health
How to Stop your Dog from Jumping Up

How to Stop your Dog from Jumping Up

Laura Vissaritis

Did you know that jumping up is the most common behaviour problem for dogs? According to animal behaviourist, Laura V, “the pushing, the knocking over and just the outright annoyance, jumping up is a behaviour that only gets worse, and generally never disappears unless it is managed consistently.” In her latest article for HIF, Laura shares her expert advice to curb this behaviour.

Articles 37 to 48 of 74