Jim is the Behaviour Consultant to the Irish Kennel Club and was the first person in Ireland to receive a Master of Science degree in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling from Southhampton University, having undertaken research in canine-human relationships and the law in 1999.

Jim is a specialist in dog and cat behaviour problems; particularly children and dogs. Drawing on his previous experience as a Primary School teacher, Jim understands the scientific basis of dog training and has helped many people who have since gone on to become established dog trainers.

Taking veterinary referrals, Jim was the first behaviourist to be recognised by Allianz Pet Insurance for insurance claims. He has provided expert witness services to the District and High Courts for injury cases, neighbour disputes and employment cases involving companion animals.

Jim speaks regularly to dog breed clubs on behaviour and has provided talks and webinars on continued professional development for the veterinary industry and was a speaker at the Irish Veterinary Nurses Association first annual congress and the Irish Dog Groomers Association annual events.

Columnist and media commentator on animal matters, Jim is a regular contributor on behavioural concerns to dog magazine “Our Dogs Ireland”. He has made appearances on Irish National TV (RTE’s The Late Late Show, The Pat Kenny show, Nationwide, TV3 Morning show) and radio shows (RTE Pat Kenny, NewsTalk, Classic Hits Morning show). Jim has also provided free consultations and advice at the annual Pet Expo exhibition in Dublin.

Jim is author of IKC submission 2019 to the Irish government on the review of dog laws, including breed specific and muzzling legislation. He is Co-Author of the IKC/DSPCA joint submission on the review of the Dog Breeding Establishment Act on the control, licensing and welfare of commercial dog breeding.

Chair of the Irish Kennel Club Health and Welfare Committee, his current work includes: brachycephalic health testing, procedures for dual sire matings, introduction of breed/group specific temperament testing and harmonisation of different tests. Jim also provides guidance on the introduction of a Breeders Quality scheme to differentiate those IKC registered breeders that follow best practices.