Biography

Dr. Tammy McClain has been a faculty member at West Liberty University since Fall 2006, bringing over 30 years of experience as a clinical psychologist to her teaching and mentorship. In addition to her clinical background, she has expanded her professional work into the field of dog training, becoming a professional trainer in 2023. Dr. McClain teaches a range of courses, including Personality, Canine Cognition and Behavior, and advanced seminar courses such as Junior Seminar, Senior Seminar, and Advanced Professional Psychology. She is the author of Personality (2nd edition) and is the editor of Canine Cognition and Behavior (1st edition), reflecting her commitment to both psychological science and applied animal behavior. Dr. McClain earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Charleston and her Psy.D. from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

Education

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio

Professional Experiences

Licensed clinical psychologist WV#854

Most Recent Publications and Presentations

Upcoming Publications:
Personality (2nd ed), expected publication by University of Arizona Global Campus in 2026

Canine Cognition (1st ed), expected publication by Wiley Publishers in 2026

Most Recent Publications/Presentations

McClain, T. (2024) Overcoming reactivity: The ultimate guide to stopping uncontrollable barking, lunging and growling (In 7 Days!) https://stg.k9ti.org/k9ti-reactivity-course/

McClain, T. (2024). How dogs learn: An introduction to learning theory. Webinar for APDT. https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/courses/87510

Botanov, Y., Bertagnolli, A., Cooper, L.D., McClain, T., and Washburn, J.J. (2024). Scientific competence and health service psychology master’s training: An outline for an applied methodology course. Teaching and Education in Professional Psychology, 18(1), 21-30.

Spaulding, K.(Host). (2023) Research Bite Podcast #13: Tammy McClain, PsyD Navigating challenging client conversations . https://researchbites.buzzsprout.com/1892109/13236632-13-dr-tammy-mcclain-psyd-navigating-challenging-client-conversations?t=0

McClain, T. (2023). Personality psychology: Case analysis workbook, 2nd edition. Ronkonkoma, NY: Linus Learning.

McClain, T. (2023, August). Applied learning theory: Helping canine companions. Poster session accepted at the American Psychological Association, Annual Conference, Washinton, DC.