My two buns Latte and Mocha enjoying a snack.
After having many different job titles, I decided it was time to follow my dream! I decided to become a dog trainer! After completing an extensive year-long course at Animal Behavior College I am now certified and ready to share my knowledge with dog owners and help them gain a better understanding of their dog's needs.
I am a certified Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer and a NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) certified pet sitter. I am also certified in Pet First Aid by the Red Cross and a member of APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). I have been accepted by the AKC to be a Canine Good Citizen Test Evaluator. I am a member of the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Professional Women. I am a Certified Usui Reiki II Practitioner and perform Reiki on animals to help them relax when I am pet sitting.
I have been a volunteer at North Shore Animal League America, in Port Washington. From this experience I have learned that the public needs to be educated in choosing the proper pet for their lifestyle. I have seen countless animals surrendered to the League for the most ridiculous reasons. Life is so unfair to these helpless creatures, and I have gone home many a time with tears in my eyes. I try to educate my clients on what their dogs need to be happy.
Scrappy, one of my cats, doing what she does best. (Shelter cat from Bide-a-Wee.)
Being a good dog trainer requires a lot of hard work. If you are a serious trainer you know that you never stop learning. I am constantly reading dog behavior books and taking courses to keep up with the latest techniques. I have heard many horror stories from customers about trainers they have used in the past, which is why I stress the point of cruelty-free, family-friendly dog training. Nothing I do causes any harm to your pet. I don't use shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, or any other torture device. My training sessions are fun for you, your family, and your dog! This is how I trained my dogs!
Rocky, my little man, ready to play. (Shelter dog from NSALA.)
Take a look at my little Beagle boy. This is the happiest dog in town! I have never used any harsh corrections on this dog, nor have I even raised my voice at him. I trained him using positive reinforcement methods, which focuses on the good things he does, rather than the bad things. Yes, he still has his moments, but for the most part, he is an angel. And the best thing is that I can go to sleep at night knowing that I didn't hurt or traumatize any animals.
My Beagle's main issue was that he spent the first six months of his life in a cage. He never learned to go to potty anywhere else but a cage in a pet store. Housebreaking is one of the main concerns people have when they get a dog. It really isn't that hard to remedy, it just takes time and patience.
After spending countless hours with him at his potty spot, he is now a pro at potty. The only other issue I have with him is that he snores loudly--typical man!
By now, you are probably thinking I own a zoo, but there are still a few more animals to go. I just want to give you a glimpse into my world so you can see that I am a true animal lover.
This is my Congo African Grey Parrot. I chose to get this type of parrot because of its amazing ability to talk. They are the most proficient talkers of all parrots and are extremely intelligent. Birds can be very affectionate and make wonderful pets. Having him has taught me a lot about avian behavior and care.
I have spent a lot of time making sure my house is in harmony, i.e., training the cats not to go after the bird or fish, making sure the dogs respect the cats and the rabbits, and keeping the bird from swooping down onto the rabbits. Having to fight natural instincts is not an easy task, but I did it. All my pets get along, and it is beautiful!
I have been fortunate to share my home with all of these animals. I have learned so much from them. Any animal will not be happy if its basic needs are not met. What I mean is not just food or water, they need social interaction from people and other animals. And the most important thing your animal needs to be happy and content--EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE!
What I have achieved is not by magic, it is from many hours of working with each and every animal in my home and understanding their body language. They all love each other now, and actually search the house for each other to play. It is absolutely amazing!
Ringo snacking on his favorite food.
This is my other dog, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. (I never heard of it either.) She is from a shelter and has a few issues that I am working on. Her problem is that she is a shy, "soft" dog and needs to come out of her shell. She is extremely friendly and sweet, but shuts down or freaks in social situations. This can be fixed, but it takes time and patience. The best thing is that she absolutely loves children and will go out of her mind to go play with the neighborhood kids. To have a dog that loves children is gold, and should be treasured.
Hunny and her "brother" Rocky loving life. (Shelter dogs from NSALA.)
My love for animals started as a child with my Cocker Spaniel, cats, rabbits, and Koi pond. My dream was to one day have a house filled with all types of animals. Well, now, many years later that dream has somewhat come true. My home is a menagerie!
The best thing in life is to love what you do for a living. If you have this, you are truly blessed. I absolutely love working with animals. They are a big part of my life.
Thank you for letting me share a piece of my life with you, and I hope you will consider me in any decisions you make concerning training and/or pet sitting.
---Suzanne
Alfalfa looking for his dinner.
Sure, you can learn things from reading books and watching television shows (that are heavily edited), but there is nothing like hands-on experience when it comes to animals.
A certified dog trainer knows that there are many other factors involved, other than the obvious, when determining the cause and treatment for many behavior issues. If you are reading this, then you are on the right track for a harmonious future with your canine companion.
Web content copyright 2010 by StarPup Solutions Inc.
Sweety and Silly are sisters.
LEFT: Kylie, a Miniature Australian Labradoodle. She had a myriad of behavior problems, which overwhelmed her former owner. I took her in because I know in time, she will improve with training and socialization. ABOVE: Bandit, my ferret, is enjoying climbing around on some dog toys.
