I graduated from the University of Rochester in NY in 2003 with a B.A. in cultural
anthropology and an independent concentration in animal behavior. For my undergraduate thesis, I defined the deadly human-elephant conflict throughout Africa, India, and Sri Lanka in terms of my research on elephant behavior, cultural anthropology, and fieldwork consisting of following elephant commodity chains.
In school, I worked with The Seneca Park Zoo and learned sea lion training, zookeeping, and behavioral enrichment. During my time there, I identified and proposed ways to resolve orangutan gender identity issues that were taking place.
After moving to Minnesota in 2004, I continued my training as a Vet Tech. I may have likely performed your pet's last dental cleaning! I fell in love with companion animals and realized I could combine my love of social science with animal behavior in pet training.
I completed Petsmart's dog training accreditation program in 2007 and worked as a Dog Training Instructor at Petsmart. I also worked for Fresh Air Training, specializing in fear-aggression and intraspecific aggression in dogs. I became ill with Lyme disease and took a medical leave before getting better and deciding to start my own training company, after being persuaded by loyal clients.
I performed behavioral consultations for Banfield Pet Hospital for cats and dogs with various behavioral problems from 2007 until 2012, only stopping to give my full attention and time to It's Training Cats and Dogs.
I have a special interest in:
intraspecific aggression
fear-aggression
introducing resident pets to new pets or a new baby
cats with anxiety and inappropriate elimination problems
separation anxiety
shy dog training
phobias
I have a mixed-breed dog named Lyra (a rescue), and SIX CATS. Cats are an occupational hazard at animal hospitals, one always leading to another!
I live in Richfield, MN with my husband, Scott, and our new baby, Arrow.
