Dog training and behavior consulting is an emerging profession.
As a professional, I believe it is important to stay current on developments in the rapidly changing world of dog training. I avidly pursue opportunities for continuing education through respected national dog training and behavior organizations, online courses and trainer’s lists, and have amassed an extensive personal library.
I have studied with some of the top trainers in the country to hone my skills and expand my knowledge of dog training and behavior and learn how to work with owners to get results. See Other Formal Education.
In 2008 I became a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), having been an associate member since 2005. Animal Behavior Consultants are required to demonstrate competency in five core areas including assessment and intervention strategies, counseling skills, behavioral science, knowledge of animal behavior, and species-specific knowledge in order to obtain certification through the IAABC. Certification is maintained through approved CEUs and professional development activities.
In the past, I was a regular contributing writer to The APDT Chronicle of the Dog. The journal won the award for best magazine about dogs from the Dog Writers Association of America in 2008 when one of my articles appeared on the cover. Two other articles were published by Dogwise in 2008 in a book titled, The Dog Trainer’s Resource
I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Puppy Star Instructor and Evaluator. I taught or assisted with classes at a variety of dog training establishments to get experience prior to devoting myself to one-on-one consultations with dog owners in 2005.
I have gotten obedience and conformation titles on my dogs as well as tracking and therapy dog certifications. We are always having fun learning something new together!
Service Work
I volunteered with Caring Canines (http://www.caringk9.com/) and APDT. Over the years I have donated my time and talents to a variety of community organizations, e.g., Canine Citizens for Independence, my breed club, an obedience club and rescue organizations.
I have served as a foster home for dozens of dogs and worked hard to find great homes for them. My foster dogs inspired me to learn about dog training and behavior and taught me so much.
Other Formal Education
April 2011 Attended 2 1/2 day seminar on fearful, anxious and reactive dogs with Suzanne Clothier in Cincinnati, OH.
September 2010 Attended a 5-day K9 Nose Work Training Camp and an
introductory seminar on becoming a certified instructor in Poyntelle,
PA. To learn more about this new sport, visit http://www.k9noseworks.com/ and www.NACSW.net
April 2009 and October 2009 Attended IAABC conference in Houston, TX and APDT conference in Oakland, CA.
May 2008 Completed three-day Clicker Expo in Lexington, KY. http://www.clickertraining.com/
November 2007 Completed four-day seminar in dog behavior with John Rogerson, Richmond, VA. http://www.johnrogerson.com/
July 2007 Completed two-day seminar with Chris Zink on assessing structure and conditioning the canine athlete, Lynchburg, VA. http://www.caninesports.com/biograph.html
October 2005 Completed two-day seminar with Trish King on adolescent behavior and aggression in Woodbridge, VA. http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/TrishKing.html
September 2005 Completed a one-day advanced clicker training session with Virginia Broitman and Sherri Lippman in Richmond, VA. http://www.takeabowwow.com/about.html
June 2005 Completed three-day seminar with Suzanne Clothier on dog training, including reading body language dogs and modifying behavior, Jonesville, NY.
March 2004 Completed two-day seminar presented by Suzanne Clothier on developing a holistic approach to dog training and understanding the language of dogs, Mebane, NC.
http://flyingdogpress.com/
November 2004 Successfully completed a one week dog training academy, Pat Miller’s Peaceable Paws, Hagerstown, MD. This included behavioral evaluation. http://www.peaceablepaws.com/
October 2004 Completed a two-day seminar presented by Terry Ryan on Coaching People to Train their Dogs, Mebane, NC. http://www.legacycanine.com/
June 2004 Completed a two-day seminar presented by Pat Hastings on Evaluating Structure, Mebane, NC. http://www.dogfolk.com/
October 2002 Attended the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference, Orlando, FL.
August 2002 Completed a two-day seminar presented by Patricia McConnell on Positive Training Methods for Teaching Basic Obedience (Both Ends of the Leash) and Modifying Dog-Dog Aggressive Behavior, Carlisle, PA. http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/
