Dr Katherine Macmillan

BVSc (Hons), MANZCVSc (Behaviour), CMAVA

Following graduation from the University of Melbourne, Dr. Katherine Macmillan spent nearly 10 years working in mixed practice, first in a dairy region in northern Victoria and then at a clinic with an equine focus, on the outskirts of Melbourne.

Having always had an interest in animal behaviour, Katherine has completed postgraduate distance education in veterinary behavioural medicine and has successfully completed examinations to gain membership of the Veterinary Behaviour chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.

Katherine is passionate about helping owners understand the reasons behind why their pets behave the way they do, and offering practical and humane scientifically-based solutions to assist those suffering from behavioural problems. As the owner of a dog with aggression problems herself, she has an understanding of the stress involved with caring for a pet with behavioural issues.

In her spare time Katherine enjoys training both her dogs and her horse. She regularly competes in dog agility, and has represented Victoria several times in this sport. In addition, she has qualified to participate in the elite annual Top Dog competition for the past six years running.

With a particular interest in horse behaviour, Katherine writes:

“Traditionally people have responded to behavioural problems in horses with the use of whips, spurs and severe bits. While this may stop the unwanted behaviour temporarily it does not resolve the underlying emotional cause of the problem and is likely to further damage the relationship between horse and rider. The use of physical force and pain also has the potential to escalate the problem and create a dangerous horse.

As veterinary behaviourists we can offer an alternative solution to problems you may be experiencing with your horse. We try to identify the underlying cause of the problem and attempt to modify the emotions behind the unwanted behaviour through a range of scientifically based strategies.

Examples of the problems that we can assist with are aggression, nervousness (anxiety), phobias, sensitivity, float-loading difficulties and problems standing for the farrier.

If you are having issues with your horse and are seeking a more humane solution than is being offered by traditional channels then a consultation with a veterinary behaviourist could be what you are looking for. We will be able to help you communicate more effectively with your horse and improve behavioural problems by working to resolve the underlying causes.”