Canine Behavior/Expert Profile

Expertise

Questions on dog training and canine behavior relevant to dog handling and dog training.

Experience in the area

Have owned and operated my own dog training and behavior consulting business, Innovative Reality Dog Training, in the NYC and NYC Metro areas since 2002. I have worked with thousands of dog owners and their dogs, and shelter and rescue dogs. I am an active volunteer at several dog shelters and rescues (recues being "no kill" and shelters being municipality-run urban shelters that can and do euthanize dogs). I have been an AllExperts volunteer in "Dogs, Category 701" for five years and answered over 400 questions. I would like to remain in that category, and in addition would like to be added to both the Canine Behavior and Dog Training categories. In "Dogs/701" I feel the questions are too general because of the category being too general.

Organizations

Professional Member of APDT for five years Founding Member of Animal Behavior Associates Behavior Education Network Former Board Member of IAABC, appointed by Founder Former Member of IPDTA in Canada

Publications

Chronicle of the Dog (APDT, peer publication, numerous articles) Popular Dog Series magazine Tonowanda News Morris County News Vermont News Everydayhealth.com on AOL (quoted in an article on chewing behaviornin dogs, April 2011) Boston NOW New York A.M. Polo Trace Newsletter

Education/Credentials

Counseling Psychology at Caldwell College Animal Science Major at Rutgers University Master of Arts Degree Permanent New Jersey State Teaching Certification Numerous workshops, lectures, and seminars on dog training and behavior Ongoing self-motivated study in my area of expertise

Awards and Honors

Best Canine Coach Award, 2006, ITC, from Pia Silvani, Dana Crevling and Sue Sternberg Society of Illustrators Jellybean Photographics

Past/Present Clients

Testimonials from a number of clients appear on my Web site at www.ny-njDogTrainer.com under "Reviews."

What do you like about this subject?

I like studying motivation and helping owners and shelter staff understand dogs better.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Everything currently under study, including neuroscience and neurobiology, as well as how dogs understand speech and canine metacommunication.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Dogs have been scientifically shown to understand more than 1,000 words, as well as being able to parse elementary grammar!

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Most vets suggest to dog owners that they NOT socialize their dogs until the dogs have had all their vaccinations. This can be a death sentence for a dog behaviourally, as dogs' critical socialization period (for humans, other canines and environement) is right within that time frame, from 14 - 16 weeks. Get your pup to experience safe, new things every day!