Education and Credentials
My Commitment to Learning
Dog training is unregulated. It’s important to know the credentials, certifications and education your trainer has. Here is a list of my credentials, education, certifications and continuing education. I’m happy to explain or clarify any of these and why they’re important.
My Credentials
- Bachelor of Science –The University of the State of New York at Stony Brook/Regents College
- Certificate in Training and Counseling, CTC with Honors – The Academy for Dog Trainers (under the mentorship of Jean Donaldson)
- CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed) – Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT) (only one of 400 worldwide)
- PCBC-A (Professional Canine Behavior Consultant) – Pet Professional Accreditation Board (only one of less than 25 worldwide)
- CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer)
- Fear Free Elite Certified Professional
- Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator – CGC, Star Puppy, Community Canine and Urban CGC
- Family Paws Parent Educator
- The Family Dog Private Trainer (including all educational and bite prevention programs for schools)
Transparency in Dog Training
Dog training is an unregulated industry, so in the US, there are no legal or educational requirements to be a trainer. There is no consumer protection and no recourse if someone hurts or makes your dog’s problem worse. That’s why it is so important that while you’re searching for a trainer that you know who you will be entrusting your furry family member to. Ask questions and demand transparency. I vow to be completely transparent with my answers and methods, as I have nothing to hide.
Affiliations
- Pet Professional Guild (PPG) – full member
- Bright and Beautiful Certified Therapy Dog team with my rescue dog, BooBoo
- Referral Trainer for Delhi The Street Dog Foundation
- Referral Trainer for Westchester SPCA
- Referral Trainer for Gotham Veterinary Center
- Member of Pet Professional Guild Shelter and Rescue Committee
- Certified Pet First Aid and CPR – American Safety and Health Institute
- Red Rover Emergency Responder
- Previous Staff Trainer for Animal Haven
- Previous Trainer for NJ Chapter of Pets for Vets
Continuing Education
The Emotional World of Dogs: New Insights into Behavior and Training with Dr. Daniel Mills
Fearful Dogs (Debbie Jacobs) seminar
Living and Learning with Animals with Dr. Susan Friedman, PhD.
AcademyFest seminar with Jean Donaldson at Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF)
Diploma in Personal Nutrition with Distinction – The Shaw Academy
How Mothers Matter: The Influence of Early Maternal Interaction on Offspring Behavior and Development
Update on the Science Behind CBD (Cannabidiol) Use for Pets
Dog Bite Prevention Week Webinar Summit
Fear Free Elite Certification Program
Fear Free Shelters Certification Graduate
Understanding Medical Conditions and Pain
Presenter at The Virtual Dog Conference 2021: The Need for Transparency in Animal Sheltering and Rescue
Presenter at The Pet Professional Guild: Working With Jumpy, Mouthy Shelter Dogs: Implementing A Training Plan and Reviewing Mechanics
The Biology of Aggression (Dr. Tim Lewis)
Feline Destructive Scratching Solutions
Human Directed Feline Aggression
Infectious Diseases: What Trainers Need To Know
Presenter at World Dog Expo 2018: Socialization and Counterconditioning in a Shelter environment
Presenter at Animal Haven: Bringing Home Baby: Preparing Your Dog For Your Human Arrival
iCatCare: Getting to know your cat – An Introduction To Feline Behavior
Nailed It: Canine Nail Course
How To Muzzle Train Your Dog
Leave It For Leash Reactivity
Enrichment Framework for Behavior Modification Masterclass
Presenter at The Pawsitive Post: Conquering The Urban Jungle: A Case Study On Fear Of The Big City
Presenter at Family Paws Parent Educators: All About Resource Guarding
Game Changer Meds: Trazodone, Gabapentin, Clonidine, & Benzodiazepines with Behavior Vets NYC
A New Framework for Diagnosing and Treating Separation-Related Disorders (Dr. Ariel Fagen DVM DACVB)
Press/Guest Posts
- AP News: Virtual Training Can Be Good for trainers, owners and dogs
- Rent.com: Adopting A Rescue Pup? Here’s How 15 Dog Experts Recommend Introducing A New Dog To Your Home
- Fox28: Finding The Right Veterinarian For Your Pet
- Fox28: Thunder, Fireworks – What Works Well For Your Dog’s Sound Phobias
- Fox28: Keeping Pets Cool In Warm Weather
- Companion Animal Psychology: Dog Training And Behavior Advice From The Experts
- Fear Free Pets: Pandemic Pups Learn About Visitors
- HelloBark: Ways To Prepare Your Dog For Baby (Expert Tips)
- The Academy for Dog Trainers: Enrichment for Dogs on Restricted Diets
- NYMetroParents How To Save Money On Pets
- Dogster Ways Young Children Can Help Care For Your Dog
- Fear Free Pets: Taking Your Training Business Online
- Fear Free Pets: How Dogs React To Masks
- The Academy for Dog Trainers: Graduate Case Study
- PureWow: Can Dogs Sense Pregnancy?
- Fear Free Happy Homes: Dogs In Yards: Are They Happy?
- Rover Crate Series: Best Wooden Crates, Dog Crate End Tables and Best Collapsible Dog Crates
- Kristi Benson: Good Alternatives to E-Fencing – The Experts Weigh In
- Eileen and Dogs: Guest Blog Post: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever? But We Live In NJ!
- Eileen and Dogs: Guest Blog Post: Spray With Caution!