Dr. John C. Wright received his B.A. from Wittenberg University (1970), and his Masters (1972) and Doctorate (1976) in Experimental Psychology from Miami University. Since publishing his Doctoral dissertation on the development of social relationships and reactions to novelty among German Shepherd puppies, his research has involved identifying the factors associated with dog and cat behavioral problems, with a special focus on aggression toward people. He has recently become involved in designing behavioral assessment programs for community animal shelters. Dr. Wright's prior educational experience includes serving as an assistant professor in the Psychology Departments at Berea College (KY), and Clemson University (SC). In 1983, he joined the faculty of Mercer University (Macon, GA) where he presently holds the position Professor of Psychology. Dr. Wright is also on the adjunct faculty at The University of Georgia's School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Wright is frequently a guest speaker on topics of feline and canine behavior, the assessment of behavior, and solutions to behavioral problems. He has presented seminars and workshops internationally and locally for organizations such as the National Dog Warden's Association (UK), the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Control Association, and the Humane Society of the United States.

As a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, he has a successful house-calls practice in Atlanta where he helps owners resolve serious behavioral problems in their companion dogs and cats. He has also served as a dog behavior expert on cases involving severe and fatal dog attacks to people. Dr. Wright has authored several scholarly works on canine and feline behavior, including "Which dogs bite? A case-control study of risk factors" (in Pediatrics,); "Canine aggression toward people: Bite scenarios and prevention," a chapter published in the series Veterinary Clinics of North America, Small Animal Practice, and "Dog Behavior" a chapter in the newly revised National Animal Control Association's Training Manual.

Dr. Wright has also co-authored three "popular" books on applied dog and cat behavior: "Is Your Cat Crazy? Solutions From the Casebook of a Cat Therapist, Hungry Minds, 1996 (awarded the Cat Writer's Association's "Best Instructional Nonfiction Book;" "The Dog Who Would Be King: Tales and Surprising Lessons From a Pet Psychologist, Rodale Press, 1999" (nominated by the Dog Writer's Association as the Best Non-Fiction Book for 1999); and "Ain't Misbehavin': The Groundbreaking Program for Happy, Well-Behaved Pets and Their People" (Rodale Press, September, 2001). Dr. Wright is on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, and has served as Chairman of the Animal Behavior Society's Board of Professional Certification of Applied Animal Behaviorists. He and his wife Angie live in Macon, Georgia with their dogs Peanut, Roo-Roo, Charlie, and Lucy. www.mercer.edu/psychology/wright_jc.htm