The Babysitter
My experience with dogs is all hands on working within the County Animal shelter system and with private clients.. Through 3 years of volunteering I was able to shadow a certified animal behaviorist/ dog trainer. I was then hired by the shelter to work as a kennel attendant where I had the opportunity to work with a certified behaviorist/dog trainer. I assisted with dogs that had behavioral issues that were not optimal for adoptability. I learned to create behavior plans to assist dogs to eliminate their unwanted behaviors and replace them with more desirable ones. On my own I read extensively on working with dogs in a positive manner to assist them learning alternate behaviors. After 3 years as a kennel attendant, I became an animal control officer and worked with animals in our community on an entirely different level. However my passion was working with behaviorally challenged dogs, so I left my position with the county to pursue that passion. I have returned to the county shelter to continue as a sub contractor through outside animal agencies creating enrichment and behavior plans as I further my knowledge in working with these amazing companions we call dogs.