Name: Megan E. Maxwell, Ph.D. 
Employer: Pet Behavior Change, LLC
Job Title: Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Years with current employer: 12 years
Educational Background: Dr. Maxwell received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Temple University and her Master’s and Ph.D. in the Behavior Analysis program from West Virginia University’s Department of Psychology.
Job Description: Dr. Maxwell works with dogs and cats with behavior problems and develops programs to meet their individualized training needs. More specifically, she works with their owners, training them on how best to work with their specific pets. She describes to owners what pet behavior should look like, and guides them on how to change their own behavior so that their pet’s behavior will change in turn.
Favorite Component of Her Job: Dr. Megan Maxwell states, “I love science and the application of systematic behavioral principles to pets and their families. Behavior analyses allow me to move away from reliance on training trends or best guesses, and instead focus on training and behavior modification methods that have been tested experimentally and to be effective.”
Least Favorite Component of Her Job: Dr. Maxwell admits, “Working with a variety of owner personalities can occasionally present a challenge. I definitely rely on my behavioral psychology background in working with more difficult owners, who may need additional coaching and lots of positive reinforcement to change their behavior as well!”
Dr. Maxwell’s Recommendations to Those Interested in a Career Similar to Her Own: “Perform well as an undergraduate, earning high grades and research experience to increase your chances of getting into graduate school. Discover your love of science and the experimental method as it applies to changing human and animal behavior!”
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