BUYER BEWARE: There is no such thing as a certified animal behavioralist

Ginger and Opal

BUYER BEWARE: There is no such thing as a certified animal behavioralist!

Author, Cindy Ludwig

There is no such thing as a "Certified Animal Behavioralist." If someone claims to be a
behaviorist (not "behavioralist" - big telltale sign right there in the spelling), ask specifically what degree they have and what specific certification they have as well as the granting organization!

There are board-certified veterinary behaviorists (veterinarians with specialized training and

certification in behavior) and their credential is the DACVB (Diplomate of the American College

of Veterinary Behaviorists), applied animal behaviorists (CAAB) with the Animal Behavior Society (individuals with advanced degrees and professional certification) and now CCPDT

(Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) certified animal behaviorists (CBCC-KA -

certified behavior consultant canine - knowledge assessed) and Veterinary

Technician specialists (VTS) who specialize in and are certified in behavior by the AVBT

(Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians).

There are a few other organizations granting certification in canine behavior such as the

Association of Companion Animal Behavior Consultants (CBC - Certified Canine Behavior Consultant)

to individuals who have an advanced degree, at least 24 credit hours in behavior and additional

required coursework in psychology, counseling and statistics.

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) certifies individuals

as a CABC (Certified Animal Behavior Consultant) with a minimum of a high school diploma

and at least 3 years and 1000 hours in animal behavior consulting plus 400 hours of education and training

The Association for the Study of Animal Behavior (ASAB) in the UK certifies animal behaviorists with advanced education and extensive clinical experience as Clinical Animal Behaviorists.

A real animal behaviorist will, I hope, know what they are - a behaviorist, not a "behavioralist." The
fact that someone purports to be a" behavioralist" suggests to me this person does not even know the correct terminology! Remember, anyone can call him or herself a "behaviorist." Check out the individual's credentials - and remember, not all certifying bodies have the same standards! Beware - there are people out there calling themselves "behaviorists"
who are giving out bad advice!

Cindy Ludwig, M.A., KPA-CTP

(Master of Arts in Education, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner)
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Website: www.dubuquedogtraining.com

Cindy Ludwig is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and owner of Canine Connection
LLC in Dubuque, Iowa (www.dubuquedogtraining.com). She is a member of the Association of Pet

Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Raising Indiana: Ep 4 Intro Into Training

This week's podcast is our very first on training and we're fortunate to have with us Cindy Ludwig, a certified trainer with the Karen Pryor Academy to introduce us to the basics.  She's the owner of Canine Connection in Dubuque Iowa and a specialist in clicker training and a frequent contributor to Finding Fuzzybutt Four.  If you, like me, don't know where to begin this is the perfect podcast for you. 

The Different Theories of Training Explained

Author, Cindy Ludwig

 

 

There are as many ways to train a dog as there are people who train them. There are television shows about dog training and blogs, books and a variety of training equipment for sale in pet stores. How does the average pet owner
who just wants a well behaved dog go about sorting through all this information
to determine which equipment and methods of training are the ones he should
choose for his dog? Do different dogs require different methods of
training?

Training methods exist on a continuum

The way I see it, dog training philosophy and methodology exist on a continuum
between hypothetical endpoints of reward-based training and correction-based
training. In reality, there is no such thing as reward-based training without
punishment (correction) because reward-based (aka “positive”) trainers withhold rewards which is a form of punishment, and there is no such thing as correction-based training without rewards since even correction-based trainers give some positive reinforcement (praise, food treats, etc.). Most trainers then lie somewhere on the continuum between the two endpoints, tending to be either reward-based or correction-based, depending on where they sit on the continuum.

Balanced training

The trainers that occupy the middle ground sometimes refer to themselves as
“balanced” trainers, using a “balance” of correction and rewards. If one imagines the reward-based end of the continuum as positive and the correction-based end of the continuum as negative, balanced training that hovers around the midpoint of zero could be conceived as having little or no effect, with the negative cancelling out the positive. In reality the result is more of a diminutive and unreliable response than an actual zero effect.

While it is totally possible to get a well behaved dog using this approach, the
trade-off is likely to be a dog that is inhibited and does not offer behaviors
for fear of being punished. Think about it, if you don’t know whether your next
move will be rewarded or punished, how likely are you to experiment and offer
new behaviors? What will your demeanor look like? Will you be very creative?
Have much initiative?

Is correction necessary to train dogs?

Many people who are not familiar with the science behind reward-based (aka “positive reinforcement”) training wonder how an animal can learn if not corrected. I think the question is not, how can you teach a dog without correction, but how can you teach a dog with it, the operative word being teach? We know, for example that stress inhibits learning and we also know that we learn more from our successes than our failures (MIT, 2009). The use of punishment – or correction in training in my opinion is really something that has its origin in outdated cultural norms.

So then, how does an animal learn what he did wrong if not corrected?

Quite simply. The basic premise of positive reinforcement training is that animals repeat what is rewarding and do not repeat what is not rewarding. So rather than correct or punish an animal for an undesired behavior, positive reinforcement trainers simply ignore unwanted behaviors and continually revise their training plan to set an animal up for success while observing for desirable responses on which to build their goal behaviors. Desired behaviors grow
stronger and undesired behaviors extinguish or go away. A motivated animal learns very quickly what works and what doesn’t to get him what he wants! For dog and handler, it’s a win-win situation!

Food

Some wonder if an animal trained with food rewards will always need food to continue to perform a desired behavior and the answer is yes and no – depends how you use it. Once a behavior is learned, the rate
of reinforcement (rewards) is decreased and put on a variable schedule, meaning the animal doesn’t get a reward for every correct behavior but instead receives rewards on a less frequent and irregular basis, which actually serves to keep the learned behaviors strong.

Skilled trainers know how to use food appropriately in training so that an animal is neither distracted by the presence of food or dependent on the food to perform.

Some people would like to train their dogs without food for a variety of reasons,
but food is a necessary part of animal training, at least in the early stages. It is what behaviorists call a primary reinforcer, meaning it is
something that all animals need and do not have to learn to like that serves to
increase the likelihood a behavior will be repeated.

Food can be delivered at the reinforcement rate necessary to facilitate learning and keep an animal engaged in the training process. Later on in the training
process, food will be systematically replaced with secondary reinforcers such as play, petting and praise.

Food is also integral to treating animals with fear and anxiety because food
activates the parasympathetic nervous system, causing an animal to relax and
develop what we call a positive emotional response. In training food is also
useful as a gauge of stress. An animal that cannot eat is too stressed to learn, and something needs to change before asking the animal to continue with a training session.

Where people get into trouble is using food as a bribe
rather than a reward. If we do too much luring with food and food
is always within easy view of the animal, the animal may become dependent on
food and refuse to perform without it. If instead, we keep the food out of sight and make rewards contingent on performance, food is used as a reward.

Clicker training

Clicker trainers are positive reinforcement trainers who minimize luring with food and use a small mechanical device called a clicker to signal to the animal being trained when it has performed a behavior worthy of a reward. The click-click sound of the clicker marks a behavior at a precise moment in time and signals to the animal that a reward is forthcoming for that behavior.

In clicker training there is no “wrong” or “no,” only right or try again! In
clicker training we speak of cues versus commands. In compulsion training, commands are given. In clicker training we teach a behavior
before teaching the animal the name (“cue”) of the behavior, whereas in
compulsion training and some other forms of positive reinforcement training the
command is taught at the same time a behavior is taught. A cue represents an opportunity for reinforcement, whereas a command is an order. If you give a
command and your dog disobeys your only option is to increase the forcefulness of your command, but if you cue your dog to perform a certain behavior and he misses it the first time, you’d better believe he will listen better the next time!

The benefits of clicker training include 1) no harmful effects, even if used
incorrectly, 2) rapid learning, 3) enthusiasm for learning, 4) deepened bond
between owner/trainer and his or her animal, and 4) long term memory for what
has been learned.

“Clicker training” is a highly precise and versatile method of training that can be used to teach almost any animal anything the animal is physically able to do. It is used in a variety of settings these days from zoos to wildlife preserves to veterinary offices to guide dog training centers such as Guide Dogs for the Blind on the west coast. Clicker training can be used to teach scent
detection dogs, to teach canine musical freestyle, and to teach agility to
cats, horses, rabbits and sheep! It has even been used to teach rats to sniff
out land mines! Now it is available for dog owners to use with their pets!

Clicker training encourages creativity and teaches an animal how to learn. Clicker trained animals are easy to spot –they’re enthusiastic learners with happy faces and bright eyes! When not working, they’re calm and content,
but ready to start their next training session when the opportunity arises.

Lure-reward training

Lure-reward trainers are generally positive reinforcement trainers who use food as a lure moreso than clicker trainers and may or may not use a clicker or other marker signal in training. Lure-reward trainers vary greatly in their methodology and may employ some degree of correction.

Correction-based training

In stark contrast to positive reinforcement training is correction-based training,
aka compulsion, or force-based training. Correction-based trainers believe they must correct or punish undesired behaviors in order for an animal to learn.

Correction-based trainers use such training aids as prong (“pinch”) collars, choke chain collars and shock collars, aka “remote trainers” or “e-collars.” All of these devices work by applying what is known in behavior science as positive
punishment and negative reinforcement. Quite simply, an aversive stimulus is applied for an undesired behavior and it is discontinued when the animal complies with a desired behavior.

Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement – what do all these terms mean?

Don’t get confused about the term, “positive punishment.” “Positive” in behavioral terms simply means to add something.
Negative” means to take something away. “Positive reinforcement” means to add something that is reinforcing, and “reinforcement” is something which increases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated. “Positive punishment” means to add punishment, aka correction. “Punishment,” in behavioral terms means something which decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

“Negative reinforcement” is a little trickier – it means to remove something which will cause an animal to repeat a desired behavior. i.e., comply. Stopping electrical shock when an animal lies down or comes when called would be an example of negative reinforcement. Using a “force retrieve” by pinching a dog’s
ear or his toe until he takes a dumbbell in his mouth is another example of
negative reinforcement. The pain stops when the animal complies. Negative
reinforcement is a very powerful method of training, but it raises ethical
questions in the minds of positive reinforcement trainers who contend that we
have just as effective if not more effective means of training without the
unwanted effects of punishment, aka correction.

“Negative punishment” is yet another option for getting a dog to respond the way that we would like by manipulating consequences. In negative punishment, we are “punishing” the dog by removing something the dog desires, for example, our attention, in order to decrease the likelihood a behavior will be repeated. A good example of this is turning your back to your dog when he jumps on you for attention. If you turn your back consistently your dog will learn that jumping up doesn’t get him what he wants and this behavior will extinguish, or disappear. Positive trainers also teach the dog what to do instead of jumping, so they will reward the dog with attention when he sits or at least isn’t jumping. This is positive reinforcement.

So in summary, “positive reinforcement” trainers rely on positive reinforcement and negative punishment to train dogs and modify behavior. Correction-based (aka compulsion) and “balanced” trainers employ positive punishment and negative reinforcement whereas positive reinforcement trainers, particularly clicker trainers do not.

The vastly different paradigms of reward-based trainers and correction-based
trainers

The overarching difference between positive reinforcement (aka reward-based) trainers and correction or force-based trainers is where they place the locus of
control. Positive reinforcement trainers, especially clicker trainers work hard
to positively motivate and empower their animals to give them ample opportunity for success while correction-based trainers work to control their animals through external devices and the threat of punishment.

The problem with punishment

Positive reinforcement trainers recognize that the fallout from punishment can be harmful to their animal’s mental health, their relationship and the training
process. They know that for punishment to be effective it must meet a number of criteria:

·      It must be applied at the right intensity the first time and every time; otherwise the animal may get used to (“habituate” to) the pain and increasing levels are required to be effective
·      It must be applied consistently; otherwise it can actually have the unintended effect of strengthening the undesired behavior
·      It must be applied at the precise moment an undesired behavior occurs for the animal to make the intended association between the punishment and the undesired behavior

Punishment can result in:

·      Suppressed fearful or aggressive behavior and worsening of the animal’s underlying emotional state
·      An unintended association between the punishment and the punisher, another animal, object or situation
·      Physical harm due to electrical burns, trauma to the trachea, damage to the nerves of the eyes or life-threatening pulmonary edema (AVSAB, 2007)

In a recent study, investigators found that dogs whose owners managed aggression with confrontational techniques such as yelling, growling at the dog, hitting, kicking, grabbing the dog and shaking, physically forcing the dog down onto its side, physically forcing a dog to release something from its mouth, alpha rolls (physically rolling the dog onto its back and holding it there), or staring developed increased aggression. The researchers concluded that these maneuvers were “fear-eliciting and may lead to owner aggression.” (Univ. of PA, 2009)

Do we really need to show our dogs who’s boss?

It is a misconception derived from outdated information about wolf packs that we need to dominate our dogs and be their “pack leader.” We now know, based on the work of Dr. Ray Coppinger that dogs, although close relatives of the wolf, aren’t pack animals as we previously thought, but rather scavengers
that form loose associations with one another around food resources.

Of course all that has changed somewhat with selective breeding and integration into the human family unit. But one thing remains certain – dogs are dogs and humans are humans and we humans don’t do a very good job of imitating canines. Don’t think for a minute that your dog thinks you are his canine pack leader –
he recognizes you as a species apart from his own and tries very hard to
understand you as a human. We form a social unit with our pet dogs, but it is probably not best described as a “pack.”

Conclusion

If we give up the idea that we need to be the pack leader and dominate our canine companions, we should also be able to give up outdated training methods aimed at subduing them in favor of tools and techniques such as clicker training which bridge the communication gap and deepen our relationship.

While impeccable technique is no guarantee that correction-based training will have no untoward effects on our canine partners, the worst that can happen with amateur clicker trainers is that the dog gets a few ill-timed clicks and treats
and the bond between owner and dog is strenghtened.  Dog and human handler alike will still learn – and have fun doing it!

It is debatable whether correction-based or reward-based training works
faster. If punishment is applied absolutely correctly, it will stop undesired behavior without having to be repeated. But since punishment also inhibits learning, new behaviors may be acquired much more slowly, requiring far more repetition than with positive reinforcement training.

Positive reinforcement (reward-based) training is not only humane, but highly effective without side effects. It is founded on well established principles of behavior science. We know that this type of training is valid
and reliable because it works on virtually any animal and the same consistent
results can be replicated time and time again.

The choice of which training method to use really comes down to one simple
question. Do you want to make your dog obey using external control or do you want to motivate your dog through positive reinforcement of desired behaviors? If you want a partnership with your dog, a deeper relationship, if you want to develop an animal that thinks and is emotionally healthy, that is joyful and loves learning the choice is clear.

Training that rewards and builds on what a dog does right
rather than what he does wrong is not only a training philosophy, it is a way of life. Clicker trainers for example, use the same positive reinforcement methods with their human students as they do with their canine students. If you can relinquish control to gain it you will discover the wonderful world of positive reinforcement dog training and when you do, you will find that what you can accomplish with your dog is only limited by your imagination and what your dog is physically able to do!

Cindy Ludwig is a
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and owner of Canine Connection
LLC in Dubuque, Iowa
www.dubuquedogtraining.com).  She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the International
Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

References:

American
Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior – Behavior Professionals Statement

http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/behavior%20professionals.pdf

American
Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. (2008).

Position Statement on the Use of
Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals. http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/dominance%20statement.pdf

American
Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. (2007) Position Statement: The Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification of
Animals. http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/Combined_Punishment_Statements.pdf

Coppinger, R., & Coppinger,
L. (2002). Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior,and Evolution.
New York:
Scribner.

Halber,
D. (2009). Why we learn more from our successes than our failures, MIT News

Retrieved
from http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/successes-0729.html

Herron, M.E. Shofer, F.S., & Reisner I.R. (2009).
Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational
training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors. Applied Animal
Behaviour Science 117, 47–54 http://vet.osu.edu/assets/pdf/hospital/behavior/trainingArticle.pdf

Hiby, E.F., Rooney,
N.J., & Bradshaw, J.W.S. Dog
training methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and
welfare. Animal Welfare, 13
(1), 63-69(7). http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ufaw/aw/2004/00000013/00000001/art00010

Mech, L.D. (2008). What
ever happened to the term alpha wolf? International Wolf, 18 (4), 4-9.

http://www.wolf.org/wolves/news/pdf/winter2008.pdf

Open Letter
From Dr. Karen Overall regarding the use of shock collars. (2005). http://www.joelwalton.com/shockcollars.html

Overall,
K.L.(2007). Why electric shock is not behavior modification. J. Vet. Behav.: Clin. Appl. Res. 2 (1),
1-4. http://www.k9behavioralgenetics.net/resources/Articles/Why%20electric%20shock%20is%20not%20behavior%20modification.pdf

Polsky, R. (2000), Can aggression in dogs be
elicited through use of electronic pet containment systems? Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science,
3(4), 345-357

Pryor, K. (2002).The poisoned cue. http://www.clickertraining.com/node/164

Schilder,
M.B.H., van der Borg, J.A.M. (2004). Training dogs with the help of the shock
collar: Short and long term behavioural effects. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 85, 319-334

http://eldri.ust.is/media/ljosmyndir/dyralif/Trainingdogswithshockcollar.pdf

Resources:

American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. How to select a trainer – for owners. http://www.dacvb.org/resources/for-the-public/

APOPO:
Detection Rats Technology http://www.apopo.org/home.php

Association
of Pet Dog Trainers: Trainer Certifications: What Do All Those Letters After
Everyone's Names Mean? http://www.apdt.com/petowners/choose/certifications.aspx

Association of Pet Dog Trainers – Trainer Search. http://www.apdt.com/petowners/ts/default.aspx

Association of Pet Dog Trainers: Understanding
Training Equipment Options – Collars, Leashes and Crates. http://www.apdt.com/petowners/choose/equipment.aspx

Karen Pryor Academy – find a great trainer. https://www.karenpryoracademy.com/find-a-trainer

Luck,
Laurie. (2010). A Surprising Look at Balanced Training. http://smartdog.typepad.com/smart_dog/2010/04/a-surprising-look-at-balanced-training.html

Ludwig, Cindy. (2011). Clicker Training. What Is It?
http://animalinfo.com.au/fact_sheets/view/2/25/175/Clicker_Training_What_is_it

Ludwig,
Cindy. (2011). Positive Reinforcement Training. What Is It? http://animalinfo.com.au/fact_sheets/view/2/25/177/What_is_Positive_Reinforcement_Training

San Francisco Academy for Dog Trainers: Academy-Certified Trainers. https://www.academyfordogtrainers.com/sc/Academy_Graduate_Referral_List.pdf

The Humane Society of the United States: Dog Collars: Which
Type is Best For Your Dog? (2010). http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/collars.html

Truly
Dog-friendly Trainers. http://www.trulydogfriendly.com/blog/?page_id=4

VanArendonk Baugh, L. (2010).Should You Use No Reward Markers? Examining the Debate.

http://www.clickertraining.com/node/2848

How to Teach Puppy to Walk on a Leash

Now that Indy has his harness ready, he'd better take Miss Cindy's advice on leash-walking.

Walk with me: how to teach your puppy or dog to be a great walking companion

By Cindy Ludwig

Dogs aren’t born knowing how to walk on a leash.  In fact, leash walking is a foreign experience to them, but it is something required of our four-footed friends to live in our world with us.  Most dogs, if taught properly, learn to look forward to a walk and thoroughly enjoy accompanying their two-footed friends on a stroll.

For dogs, the stroll is about seeing new sights and hearing new sounds, but mostly about checking what I call “pee mail.”  For us, the stroll is about getting some fresh air, a little exercise and just being with our four-footed friends.

For two and four-footed friends alike a comfortable stroll down the sidewalk or road requires a little cooperative learning. We humans need to learn how to handle the leash and steer the dog, and our dogs need to learn what we expect from them in order to get what they want out of the walk – usually just to go forward.  This takes a little practice – and patience!

Recently, when working with a new client and her daughter my client remarked that their puppy does not “respect” her daughter. This simple statement gave me a lot of insight into what might be causing the leash walking problem between little Bosco and my client’s daughter, Renee.  I stopped the lesson to explain to my client and Renee that the problem was not about “respect,” but about relationship.  I was quick to add, being sensitive to the fact that Renee is a teenager and could easily have her feelings hurt that this doesn’t mean Bosco doesn’t like her.  They were just not communicating effectively, and I assured her we would get to the root of the problem.

You see, apparently little Bosco, an adorable 10 week-old bulldog pulls on the leash and stops and sits, refusing to go any further.  Renee said she is getting “frustrated” as she looked at me with an unmistakable frown.  I knew right then I needed to shuffle my priorities and we had to talk about loose leash walking at our very next lesson in order to preserve the bond between Renee and the family’s new puppy.

I told Renee and her mother they would need to get a regular 6 foot leash prior to our next lesson since the retractable leash they were using would only teach Bosco to pull by keeping constant tension in the leash.  I explained how  retractable leashes are not only difficult to handle when teaching loose leash walking, but they do not easily permit the handler to maintain a constant leash length necessary for the dog to learn just how far away he can walk and keep the leash loose. 

It’s a good thing my clients have a fenced in yard.  Next week what I will do is have Renee run around the yard with Bosco chasing after her.  I will take my special clicker so I can click (similar to saying “Yes!”) whenever Renee is smiling!  I’ll think of some reward to give her for her earned clicks.  Then I will work with Bosco and teach him that walking at my left side is the most rewarding place in the world for him to be when on a walk with a human.  I’ll simply click when he is in place and follow with a treat! 

We’ll start with one step at a time and Bosco will think earning clicks and treats is not only easy, but a fun game.  Then we’ll go to two steps and more before I click to tell him that ‘Yep, that’s right where I want ‘ya,’ and reinforce his proximity with a treat. 

Then back to Renee and a little fun training on how to hold the leash so that she maintains a constant leash length between herself and Bosco.  We want to prevent what I call the yo-yo effect of a constantly changing leash length.  This results from inconsistent handling of the leash.  An outstretched arm adds length to the leash while a flexed arm decreases the length.  This makes it difficult for Bosco to learn just how far away from Renee he can walk before the leash becomes tight and Renee stops walking.  We want Bosco to learn that a tight leash causes forward movement to cease and a loose leash results in continuation of the walk.

I’ll let Renee practice on me.  That should get her to smile!  I will pull ahead, at which time I want her to simply stop and make happy, high pitched vocalizations and “kissy noises” while running backwards to get me to come back into position at her left side.  Once I’m back in position, I want her to start walking forward again.  I’ll stop to sniff at which point I want her to allow me to sniff for a few moments and raise my leg if I feel the urge to mark, and then say, “Let’s go!” in a happy voice as she resumes walking forward.  I want her to praise me when I’m in position, and talk to me in a happy voice as we walk.

I will sit down and when I do, I want her to allow me to sit for a moment while she assesses whether I am tired or hot or not happy about something.  She can entice me to get back up, not by pulling on the leash but by squeaking a toy, getting me to chase a toy attached to a stick or rope or luring me with some tasty food treats. 

After Renee has had a chance to practice with me, I will attach the leash to Bosco and give Renee several options for attaching the other end of the leash to herself – either via a carabineer clipped to a belt around her hips or held in her hands with her hands planted securely at her waist. 

I told Renee this week that she will gain control when she relinquishes control.  I hope to make those words come to life for her next week.  And hopefully my silliness will leave a lasting impression on this teenager’s brain, not only of the steps involved in teaching a puppy or dog to walk on a leash, but that training can, and should be fun and rewarding, and that the best way to get a dog to do what you want is not through dominance and force, but through positive motivation and cooperation!

 Posted by Blog Admin, Sheila

Cindy Ludwig is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training
Partner and owner of Canine Connection LLC in Dubuque, Iowa
(www.dubuquedogtraining.com).
She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the International
Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.