After having many different occupations, I decided it was time to follow my passion! After completing a course at Animal Behavior College, I became a certified dog trainer. I am now ready to share my knowledge with other dog owners to help them gain a better understanding of how a dog thinks and what their needs are.
I was a "Silver" volunteer at North Shore Animal League America, in Port Washington. From this experience I learned that the public needs to be educated in choosing the proper pet for their lifestyle. I have seen countless animals surrendered for the most ridiculous reasons. Life is so unfair to these helpless creatures, and I have gone home many times with tears in my eyes. I try to educate my clients on what their dogs need to be happy.
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 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!
My Beagle is the happiest dog in town! 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.
His 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. He is from a shelter.
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 also have a Quaker Parrot and Cockatiels.
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's 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!
This is my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. She is from a shelter and had a few issues. She was a shy, "soft" dog and needed to come out of her shell. She was extremely friendly and sweet, but shut down in social situations. Resolving this issue takes time and patience. She is fine now. 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.
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
Sure, you might learn a few 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.
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