ABOUT ME
My background is in training zoo animals, primarily at the Houston Zoo. My main focus was on wolves and large carnivores. However, I have a wide variety of experience ranging from goats, lions, rhinos, antelope, birds, and even rats. Most of my experience is training in protected contact which means there is a barrier between myself and the animal. With the use of this type of training, it is impossible to force an animal to participate. This has shaped my style of training.
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My method of teaching animals new behaviors is relationship based. I use only positive reinforcement for fear free training. I reward good behavior and ignore misbehavior. Positive reinforcement training works; it is used with some of the most dangerous animals in the world. Today, almost all zoos use positive reinforcement training to teach their animals incredibly complex behaviors. This type of training is also used at Sea World and in Free Flight Birds shows.
My goal is to create a positive learning experience for your pet in a fun, relaxed environment. I don’t believe in training that uses choke collars, spike collars or electric collars. With the use of these methods the animal’s primary motivation is to avoid correction. I want to use cues, not commands, to ask for certain behaviors. I want your pet to yearn to be with their person and to be excited to train and learn new behaviors. I want your pet to be happy and fear free.
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Positive reinforcement training takes patience, consistency, and kindness. It is my goal to teach animals and their humans the power of a positive relationship while also leaving a legacy of kindness toward all animals.
If this sounds like a road you and your pet would like to travel, please join me at:
A Better Way!