How Keep Your Pet Started
I have always loved watching animals and their behaviors. In 2011, I decided that I had a great interest in animal behavior and wanted to learn more. I could have picked up a book and called it good. I could have shadowed a local trainer. Those aren't bad things but I wanted more. I really wanted to understand current, scientifically proven methods and not just accept traditional, 'that's the way we always did it' methods. I applied for and was accepted in to grad school. Over 5 years there were many, many sacrifices. The financial sacrifice, I could not have gotten through without Neal's never ending support and encouragement. The time sacrifices were lessened by Neal's help with household stuff and my Mom's help with making meals for us to share. Vacations were taken with my school work coming along and having to stop early at hotels so I could have 3-4 hours to work on assignments. On one vacation I had to create and execute a study regarding human behavior! The coursework and assignments were intense and non-stop. I learned so much and met wonderful peers and friends along the way. It is great fun watching as my classmates evolve into the wonderful professionals that I knew they would be. The entire time, Kylie, the little dog who really pushed me to learn more, slept next to me studying for hours on end, pushed me with her nose to get up and take a walk when I needed to get up, and tolerated all of my experiments on her.
The field of animal behavior is evolving. I keep up with current methodologies by attending conferences and reading newly published literature. I am committed to providing clients with customized behavior plans which use scientifically-proven methods of behavior with low stress handling of the animals. To learn and keep up with current methods:
-
I have completed my Master of Science degree in Companion Animal Behavior Analysis and Counseling with the American College of Applied Science.
-
I have completed American Red Cross certification for Dog & Cat First Aid & CPR
-
I have completed Low Stress Handling Dogs & Cats Certified Silver certification while interning with Dr. Sophia Yin
-
I am a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
-
I am a member of The International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE)
-
I am proudly approved as a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) which is committed to results based, science based force-free training and pet care
When not helping clients enjoy easier lives with their companion animals, I spend time with my husband, Neal, my Mom and her rescue, Miss Ruthie!
We will never forget Kylie and what she taught us
February 1, 2004-November 25, 2017
