Hi, I’m Andrea!
Several years ago, I made two decisions that changed my life; I adopted a rescue dog named Cato and I began Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It didn’t take me long to learn that the science behind the strategies used in my own therapy that benefited my mental health were similar to those used in modern dog training.
I became hooked on behavioural science.
Before this chapter of my life, I had believed what I was told; that dogs are “pack animals”, that they need to know “who's boss”, and that some breeds need a “heavy hand”. It wasn’t until I committed to learning about the science of behaviour and how dogs learn, that I found out that these are all harmful myths. Modern research shows that no animal needs to experience intimidation, coercion fear, pain, or stress to learn.
Continuing my education in dog behaviour is crucial to my work because my passion lies in elevating the emotional welfare of dogs and people.
As a Fear Free Professional Trainer and per my knowledge and experience gained through the Karen Pryor Academy, my role is to use evidence-based positive reinforcement training and behaviour modification techniques that make working with your dog safe, enjoyable, productive, and absolutely life-changing.
Education and Certifications
Control Unleashed Certification Program, current
Karen Pryor Academy, Puppy Start Right for instructors, 2022.
Tromplo, Control is an Illusion: Rethinking How We Teach for “Impulse Control”, Sarah Owings, 2021
Fear Free Professional Trainer Certification, 2021.
Karen Pryor Academy, Dog Trainer Comprehensive, 2020.
Professional Conferences
Aggression in Dogs Conference, Multiple Speakers 2022
Clicker Expo, Multiple Speakers, Karen Pryor Academy 2021.
Conference Unleashed Conference, Multiple Speakers 2020.
Webinars
Arousal and Aggression, Sarah Kalnajs CPDT, CDBC, Aggressive Dog, 2023
Fear Memory Generalization: When the Protective Mechanism Goes Wrong, Dr. Kathy Murphy and Bobbie Bhambree CDBC, CPDT-KA, Behavior Vets, 2022
Big Feelings: Supporting our Clients Living with Dog Reactivity, Marissa Martino, CDBC, CTC, Grisha Stewart Academy of Behaviour, 2022
Hold your horses! Teaching duration behaviors!, Agnieszka Janarek, Tromplo, 2021.
Fostering the Bond, Educanine, 2020.