Lavinia Tan
BSc (Hons I), PhD, CDBC, CANZ-ABC

Dr. Lavinia Tan is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a CANZ Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant (CANZ-ABC). She is also a Full Member of the APDT-NZ.  Lavinia holds a BSc with First Class Honours in Psychology and Zoology, as well as a PhD in Psychology, specialising in experimental behaviour analysis and comparative cognition. 

With almost 20 years of experience in learning and behaviour, scientific research, education, and animal care and training, Lavinia’s unique range and depth of expertise allows her to translate complex science into practical, ethical and sustainable strategies that create meaningful, lasting change. 

Lavinia founded Adaptive Behaviour to support families in private training and group classes as they work through challenges like reactivity, fear, aggression alongside everyday needs with life skills, socialisation and cooperative care. Her approach centers on improving the relationships and lives of dogs and their caregivers by empowering them with the knowledge and the skills to navigate life successfully together.

Lavinia is passionate about raising standards in canine welfare and advancing evidence-based practice within the behaviour and training community. A core principle guides her work: when teaching is grounded in sound science and delivered with genuine care, empathy and respect, both dogs and their people thrive.

For information about private consulting services or to book Dr. Lavinia Tan for speaking engagements, please contact her directly through Adaptive Behaviour.