the animal academic

My Approach to Dog Training

As a positive dog trainer, I teach through rewards and repetition – a method that sets you and your dog up with good training habits after our sessions are over. We can work on any big feelings that may be getting in the way of your dog’s learning, such as anxiety, stress, excitement, or impulsivity. We’ll also work on meeting their needs and wants, and making sure your environment is set up for success.

In agreement with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the American Veterinary Medical Association, I do not recommend the use of aversive training tools or methods such as prong collars, shock collars, or physical corrections. I believe that the stress caused by these methods can interfere with learning and retention, and yield less predictable results than a positive-reinforcement approach.

Professional & Volunteer Experience

I was sold on the positive training approach when I went to Thailand in 2016, and witnessed it in action while volunteering at Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary in Chiang Mai. The elephants had been trained using a cooperative care method, which encourages animals to participate in veterinary procedures through food rewards, rather than by physical restraint, force, or punishment. Our sessions working with the elephants went smoothly, and they had even been trained to raise a leg while the team cleaned and maintained their feet, making our job much easier. I thought, if a positive training method could work with these giants, why would we think we need to use a heavy-handed approach with dogs?

It’s always been a priority for me to get as much exposure to animal work as I can, through education and hands-on experience. I’ve been involved in animal rescue for many years, including volunteering, fostering, and fundraising. I’ve worked and volunteered in veterinary clinics, including a mobile spay/neuter clinic on wheels, serving low-income areas of Los Angeles. I’ve mucked barns at farm sanctuaries, and currently help with therapeutic equine lessons for children and adults with disabilities. I’ve also had opportunities to work with some of our local Southern California wildlife, including marine mammals and wild birds. These have all been valuable experiences for me, and I’m grateful for all the people and animals who taught me along the way!

Education & Certifications