Karen L. Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, Diplomate ACVB, ABS Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Psychiatry Department, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104

As a specialist in veterinary behavioral medicine my focus has primarily been dogs with anxiety disorders. My research focuses on using naturally occurring anxiety disorders in dogs as models for the comparable conditions in human psychiatric medicine, hence my current position in a medical, rather than a veterinary school. In both practice and research I have concentrated on understanding all forms of canine signaling and communication, and on cognition and factors affecting it. Within the past few years these interests have led me to focus closely on links between olfaction and cognition, and the underlying genetics of specific suites of behaviors. I frequently consult with and provide lectures on canine behavior and signaling to various police, enforcement, service dogs, and governmental organizations, and serve on the boards of the CNCA and IWDBA. Within my specialty field I have emphasized the importance of clear terminology, and the need to have repeatable, verifiable assessments of actual behaviors. Those are foci that will be central to the goals of SWGDOG.