About Lindsay
I have wanted to work with animals for as long as I
can remember and I can't think of time when I even considered any other career. My family always had a variety of
animals that I helped to care for. When I was 8 years old, we went to Sea World and from that day on I knew I wanted
to be an animal trainer!
I graduated
from the UMASS Amherst with a B.S. in Animal Science in 2002. During my senior year I was accepted
to a Dolphin Training Internship at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. It was there where I first
learned and observed positive training theory in action. I also volunteered at Mystic Aquarium
for 6 years and was lucky enough to train two of the whales my own new behaviors, something that not every volunteer is allowed
to do. The trainers and animals at these aquariums taught me all about training with positive reinforcement and really
sparked my passion for becoming a professional trainer.
After
college I enrolled in a Professional Trainer Course at CT K-9 Education Center in Newington, CT. This
was a 350 hour course that covered every aspect of canine development, behavior, and training. I received a Certificate
in Dog Training at the end of this course. At that time CT K-9 used compulsion (punishment) as their primary training
method. I was never very comfortable with compulsion training, especially with my experience in marine mammal training,
but the course taught me a lot about dogs and gave me tons of hands-on experience. During the course I had the opportunity
to teach a basic obedience class, participate in behavioral consultations, evaluate shelter dogs, and I was able to work with
a large variety of dog breeds and temperaments.
While at CT K-9 I adopted
"Haley" from their Sav-A-Pup program. "Haley" is a lab mix who has had some dog
aggression issues throughout her life. After lots of hard work, "Haley" received her Canine Good Citizen certification
(CGC) in 2005 and she even had a brief stint competing in Rally Obedience! An aggressive dog is the best teacher that
a trainer could ever have!! In
2003 I got a job as a Veterinary Technician at Beckett and Associates Veterinary Services. Working at a vet office gave me experience in animal health care which is very beneficial in any animal field.
I was a Vet Tech for 3 years and assisted the veterinarians with every aspect of animal care from puppy appointments to horse
surgery. In 2006 I started teaching a Puppy Preschool class at the vet office to help our clients raise well-behaved puppies and I also started doing some private lessons. In January 2007 I left the vet office to pursue my dream
job at Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation in Bloomfield, CT. Currently I work at Fidelco training guide dogs for the blind and I have also started placing these
dogs with the visually impaired people who need them. This job allows me to work with and learn from dogs all day.
Every situation is different and I have to problem solve and figure out what works for each individual dog and handler in
each specific situation.
I started Pleasant Paws to use my knowledge and experience to help pet owners just like
you. I can teach you the information and techniques that you need to know to have a well behaved dog that you will be
proud to call part of your family!
In March 2010, I qualified for and took the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers test.
I passed with a score of 242 out of 250!! This gives me the title of Certified Pet Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).
The CCPDT is the first independent, nationally recognized certification for pet dog trainers. They are not affiliated
with any specific school and the tests are monitored and standardized by the Professional Testing Corporation of New York.
To remain a CPDT-KA, I must obtain a certain amount of Continuing Education Credits to remain certified and must adhere to
a strict Code of Ethics in my dog training practice. For more information, please visit the CCPDT website.
Memberships:
Association of Pet Dog Trainers- Full Member
International Association of Canine Professionals- Professional
Member
Certifications:
Certified
Pet Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT- KA)
AKC Canine Good Citizen (and S.T.A.R Puppy) Evaluator
CT K-9 Education Center- Certified Dog Trainer
American Red Cross- Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
Seminars/Continuing Education:
"Behavior and Behavior Modification"
Nicholas Dodman, BVMS
"Learning and Behavior Modification" Andrew Luescher, DVM
"Behavior Services in Veterinary Medicine" Andrew Luescher, DVM
"Development and Problem Prevention" Andrew Luescher, DVM
"Whats Kindergarten Got to Do with It?" Dr. Ian Dunbar
"Preventing
Predictable Puppy Problems" Dr. Ian Dunbar
"Handling and Gentling" Dr. Ian Dunbar
"Safe Options for Socialization"
Dr. Ian Dunbar
"Preventing Predictable Puberty Problems" Dr. Ian Dunbar
"Dog Friendly Pet Training"
Dr. Ian Dunbar
"Transforming Your Training
the Police K-9 Way" Steve White
CLICKER
EXPO 2009 (way too many seminars to list!)
I am very dedicated to continuing my education about dogs and the science
behind dog behavior. A trainer can never have too much knowledge or experience and I am committed to learning about
the newest and best training techniques.
