Dog Training/Expert Profile

Expertise

My specialty is clicker training. I'm a Karen Pryor Academy graduate and Certified Training Partner. Karen Pryor was a marine mammal trainer and one of the early proponents of force-free animal training and clicker training. I also do behavior modification with dogs that have fear, anxiety and aggression. I work with service dogs and was a certified therapy dog evaluator with Therapy Dogs International and an approved evaluator with K9to5 before starting my own therapy dog program, the first of its kind requiring all dog candidates to be trained with force-free methods and all evaluators to demonstrate a commitment to force-free methods. I have been doing weekly therapy dog visits to a local nursing center with my own therapy dog for the past three years. I have an undergraduate degree in science and am a registered nurse with a previous specialty and certification in critical care, so I can answer questions pertaining to biology, behavior and pharmacology but because I am not a licensed veterinarian I cannot legally or ethically answer questions requesting a diagnosis. I have done graduate work in animal learning and wolf ethology, and have also completed coursework in dog biology, behavior and pet nutrition at regionally accredited U.S. universities.

Experience in the area

Prior to becoming a full time professional dog trainer in May 2009 and opening my business, Canine Connection LLC I worked part time as a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant and also volunteered at humane societies in several states. I have completed various continuing education programs including but not limited to the Purdue University Veterinary School Principles and Techniques of Behavior Modification course; Clicker Expo; undergraduate courses in dog biology, behavior, and pet nutrition; and graduate coursework in wolf ethology. I am a Field Representative for Paws with a Cause and work with service dogs. My Golden Retriever that accompanies me in my work as a Field Representative is a "career changed" dog from the Paws breeding program that I have clicker trained as a demonstration dog. I am also a therapy dog evaluator and have been providing weekly pet therapy visits to a local nursing center for the past three years with my trained therapy dog. I continue my education by participating in seminars and class offerings provided by such notable experts as Dr. Sophia Yin, Dr. Ray Coppinger, Michele Pouliot and others. My current services include in-home private training and behavior modification, group classes and pet sitting.

Organizations

Association of Pet Dog Trainers; 2010 Member, Education Committee Pet Professional Guild Truly Dog-Friendly Coalition International Association of Assistance Dog Partners Dog Scouts of America American Kennel Club K9to5 National Therapy Dog Registry

Publications

Top Tips from Top Trainers: 1001 Practical Tips & Techniques for Successful Dog Care and Training (March 2010) WQAD.com Animal info Publications HubPages Finding Fuzzybutt Four Blog Petopia Newsletter, Galena, Illinois Suite 101 Livestrong.com eHow.com Dubuque 365 Ink Magazine Dubuque Telegraph Herald Columbia Business Times Columbia Senior Times Columbia Missourian Columbia Daily Tribune Graphic Education Corporation Belson-Hanwright Critical Care Nurse Journal of Emergency Nursing Home Healthcare Nurse Nursing Journal of Emergency Medical Services Shape Houston Community College Egalitarian Findlay College Obelisk

Education/Credentials

B.S., Science M.A., Higher & Adult Education with graduate work in animal learning, canine biology and behavior, physiological psychology, etc. Graduate, Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior; Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner Diploma, professional nursing; licensed registered nurse (R.N.) Paramedic completion program; previously licensed paramedic

What do you like about this subject?

I have always loved animals and have been fascinated by animal behavior. I have also loved teaching, even since I was a child! Besides interacting with dogs, I enjoy helping people learn how to better communicate with their dogs and improve their relationship through effective training and a better understanding of their dog's behavior.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Clicker training is the most precise and effective method of animal training available today. It is being used in a variety of settings and can be used to train virtually any animal to do anything it is physically able to do. Even an octopus can be clicker trained!