Local trainer earns certification to ease pets’ fear, anxiety during sessions

San Pedro, California – Finding a good dog trainer is more difficult than you might think. Dog training is an unregulated field with no educational requirements and no required credentialing. Outdated, force-based methodology can cause more problems than it claims to help. 

But pet parents need not fear if they train with The Animal Academic in San Pedro. That’s because she is part of an impactful initiative known as Fear Free^®, which is designed to ease the fear, anxiety, and stress so many pets experience in new situations.

Fear Free’s trainer certification program allows dog trainers to work in partnership with veterinary teams to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress and improve an animal’s emotional wellbeing during veterinary care and home care.

“Although I had many years of hands-on experience, gaining my Fear Free Pet Sitter certification in 2021 was one of the first steps toward my formal animal behavior education,” said Goetz. “Now that I am a trainer, it felt like a full circle moment to add the Fear Free Animal Trainer certification as well.”

Founded by Dr. Marty Becker and developed by hundreds of experts in behavior, medicine, and handling, Fear Free^® offers online and in-person education to veterinary professionals, the pet professional community, animal shelter staff and volunteers, and pet owners. Fear Free provides both professionals and pet lovers alike with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

“Providing pet professionals with the tools they need to ease this burden of fear and anxiety for pets is the pinnacle of my decades-long veterinary career,” said Dr. Becker. “Pet professionals are hungry for this information. Animals and their humans need and deserve it.”

To become certified, dog trainers are required to complete a comprehensive educational course and exam. They also have to take continuing education to remain certified.

“One of my favorite things about Fear Free programs is the emphasis on giving dogs a sense of agency in their own decision-making,” said Goetz. “Through clear communication and positive reinforcement, those decisions can be more compatible with what their humans want–whether it’s smoother veterinary visits, better manners at home, or more relaxed walks. It’s amazing to see a dog’s intelligence and confidence bloom with proper support.”

Pet owners who would like their pets to experience the Fear Free difference can schedule an appointment by visiting http://www.TheAnimalAcademic.com.

About The Animal Academic

Lisa Goetz is a multi-certified positive dog trainer with over 17 years of experience in the animal field. She holds a degree in Behavioral Science from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and specializes in compassionate, evidence-based training for dogs and their humans.

About Fear Free

Founded by Dr. Marty Becker and developed by hundreds of experts in behavior, medicine, and handling, Fear Free^® offers online and in-person education to veterinary professionals, the pet professional community, animal shelter staff and volunteers, and pet owners. Fear Free provides both professionals and pet lovers alike with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

Veterinary or pet professionals can learn more about becoming Fear Free Certified^® by visiting fearfreepets.com. Pet owners can visit fearfreehappyhomes.com to access free videos, articles, and more that will help improve the physical and emotional health of their pets right at home. Shelter, rescue, and animal welfare employees and volunteers can visit fearfreeshelters.com to enroll in the complimentary program.