FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taken university courses in Psychology and Behavior Psychology to deepen my understanding and application of operant and respondent conditioning. I believe that every animal trainer should, at minimum, take a university level psychology course and understand the science behind what they do. As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed I am required to complete a minimum of 36 hours of continuing education in animal behavior every 3 years to maintain my certification. I attend seminars and webinars on the advancement of animal behavior multiple times a year so that I may offer the highest standard in animal training to my clients.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
My interest in animal training began around the same time I became a Pet Partners (Delta Society at that time) therapy animal handler. I have three retired Pet Partner therapy dogs and one retired Pet Partners therapy rat, all trained myself. Pet Partners provide Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Activities at local hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. My dogs and rat are also recognized R.E.A.D. Reading Education Assistance Dogs (yes, even the rat!) and participated in reading motivation programs in libraries and schools. I am also experienced in positive reinforcement horse training and trained, rode, and competed on a 100% blind mare for 11 years.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with many different breeds and species of animals. Dogs I've worked with include German Shepherds, American Pit Bull Terriers, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Chow Chows, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Akitas, Border Collies, Great Danes, Bullmastiffs, Cane Corsos, Rat Terriers, Poodles, Pekingese, Chihuahuas, and mixes of all shapes and sizes. I've worked with housecats of different breeds, from rescued domestic shorthairs to hybrids such as Bengals. I am experienced with training deaf and blind animals. I have worked with deaf and blind cats and dogs and I even own a blind horse myself. I have trained many exotic and unusual pets, including mini pigs, domestic rats, goats, guinea pigs, bearded dragons, parrots and parakeets, degu, horses, donkeys, and even a hamster.