Erin Jones
BSc, MSc, PgDip, PhD, CDBC, ADT-IAABC

Erin Jones holds a BSc in anthropology and psychology (Trent University), a MSc in anthrozoology (Canisius University), a PhD in human–animal studies (University of Canterbury; New Zealand Centre for Human–Animal Studies) and a postgraduate diploma in animal welfare (Thompson Rivers University). Erin’s primary research interests are the moral and ethical dimensions of the dog-human relationship. Erin’s professional qualifications include: certified dog behaviour consultant and accredited dog trainer with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, certified professional dog trainer with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and accredited animal behavior consultant with Companion Animals New Zealand. 

Erin is the founder of Merit Dog Project, an educational platform for assisting dog caregivers and those involved in dog education. She is also the Journal Director and a research associate at the IAABC Foundation. She is the author of Constructing Canine Consent (CRC Press, 2024); co-editor of Exploring Topics in Non/human Coexistence (Lanturn, 2025) and forthcoming Beyond Behaviour: The ethics of dog-centred training (CRC Press, 2026). She is an international speaker as well as an instructor at the IAABC Foundation and Small-Paws.

Dr. Erin Jones offers case review services to professionals working in dog training and behaviour though Merit Dog Project. For information on these services or to book her for events or speaking engagements, please contact her through Merit Dog Project.

Coming Soon!

Beyond Behaviour: Exploring the ethics of dog centred training practices.

Erin Jones, PhD