Because she wanted to continue pursuing an acting career, Chrisi discovered she could combine her love of animals with her passion to act.  “ABC has been a terrific experience.  I love helping dog owners bridge the communication gap between (themselves and) canines”.  Besides her classes at Animal Behavior College, Chrisi works in a group setting at Petco, helping owners ‘bridge the communication gap’. Chrisi would additionally like to continue her studies at ABC to become a private trainer as well.  What’s more, as an individual interested in all kinds of pet care, she is planning on setting up her own ‘pet sitting/dog walking” business called “What About Fluffy”, to serve her local community.

What’s more, Chrisi volunteers at her area SPCA chapter where she encourages others to adopt a pet from their local chapters.   “Just as becoming a trainer has made me see dog behavior in a clearer light, working for the SPCA has blown all of my preconceived notions about animals in rescues out,” she says.  “The majority are there because owners just gave up on them,” according to Chrisi.  She concludes that “with the right amount of attention and training, every dog can be a wonderful companion”.

Animal Behavior College prepares people for animal jobs in the most meaningful ways.  Chrisi Talen is testimony to the possibilities of combining love of dogs, to a pursuit in acting, as well as creating a personal business that will serve her for years to come.

Sandra continues with an all-important observation: “I had been a pet sitter for five years.  During this time, I saw many of my clients enroll their dogs in obedience classes, go through the sessions and end up with dogs that were still completely untrained”.   Because this concerned her, Sandra concluded that there had to be a better way.  It seemed wasteful and incomplete that some of the dogs she cared for still had behavior problems.

So, she decided to do something about it for herself.  Sandra enrolled in the Professional Dog Training course at Animal Behavior College to remedy the situation and become a certified trainer.  Sandra knew the simplicity of teaching a dog to sit or lie down was easy.  That was never her problem.  Her goal was to know more.

Reading a dog’s body language and becoming aware of what a dog might be thinking was a skill Sandra wanted to develop; she knew it was lacking in her dog sitting toolbox.  “ABC provided me with the knowledge and it has proven to be invaluable to me,” she contends.  “It has allowed me to better help my clients understand their dogs and correct behavior problems,” Sandra adds.

Since graduating from Animal Behavior College’s program, Sandra has been offering both private as well as group training classes for dogs.  “Without ABC instruction, I would not be able to do this,” she says, continuing with “I just love the challenge and enjoy helping a dog become a welcome member of the family”.  Sandra values her additional animal career as dog trainer; one that completes her role as an effective pet sitter.

As a manager in the business world, Stacey found her work life unrewarding so she decided to turn to something she had a passion for: Dogs.  “I volunteered in shelters while growing up and all throughout college,” she says, adding, “one of my goals is to make shelter dogs more popular and attractive to prospective owners so they can get adopted”.  After her training at ABC Stacey shares that she has a stronger “understanding of dogs and can communicate better with them through the tone of my voice”.This trait can be very beneficial with shelter dogs, but also as a vet hospital staffer Stacey understands the advantage of “understanding the intricacies of canine aggression and factors relating to fearful behavior.  I have bragged about Animal Behavior College to a lot of people,” she says.  “The manual was very user friendly and presented the material in a way that was easy to understand.”

Stacey also raves about the joys of having a program manager that was responsive to her questions.  Learning about particular canine behaviors through the veterinary assistant college program helped Stacey.  It allowed her to use what she learned at ABC; to transfer information to her current animal care position at a vet hospital.  It also helps her more clearly identify how to use that knowledge for future career goals, working with dogs.

Vicki has been a professional school teacher and a dog lover so it came natural for her to consider changing courses.  Becoming a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College was a logical step to combine both passions.  Her dog training prior to ABC’s curriculum was growing up in a household with no less than two dogs at a time.  Her foundation had been set.Vicki says that “being a school teacher, I take pleasure in working with people.  Also, I have always enjoyed working with dogs.  Now I can combine the two”.  As an animal lover, it is the perfect blend for her.

“ABC gave me a great understanding of dog behavior and also helped me understand how to teach owners to relate to their dogs,” she declares.  “It is really more a matter of teaching the owners about their dogs so that they can work in conjunction with each other”.  It is clear Vicky has found the perfect connection between two-legged students and four-legged students.

“I eventually want to have my own business such as a doggie day-care,” she goes on to say.  “With the knowledge I gained from attending Animal Behavior College, I can make that a reality now.”  Vicky believes the training was exceptional and, in particular, she benefitted from the practice training.  “I thought the ‘hands-on’ training was the best part of ABC”.  Because Vicky describes herself as a visual/kinesthetic learner, it was particularly effective; more so than the written material, although both are important.

Whether your goal is to attend a veterinary assistant program, open your own doggie day-care business, or become a dog trainer, Animal Behavior College can provide some of the best educational programs to make your dreams a reality.

 “I always wanted to become a dog trainer because I love animals,” Lana begins.  “But before going through Animal Behavior College, I didn’t have too much knowledge on how to teach others basic obedience except what I had seen on TV and read in books”.  ABC’s training program was about to change all that.

Lana continues with “ABC taught me more in-depth ways of dealing with problem behaviors and also how to teach others how to work properly with their animals.  I loved seeing the owners’ faces when they saw their dogs beginning to learn,” she adds. 

More than a dog trainer, although that has become invaluable for Lana, as a vet student she has come to know the tremendous advantage she will have in opening her own practice by having this additional understanding in dog obedience.  “I will be able to help my clients solve their dog’s behavior problems due to the knowledge I gained from ABC”.

“Also, I figure that being a dog trainer will help when I open my own doggie day care because I will be able to offer my clients obedience courses.”  Lana is just one of the many student examples of creative partnering between obedience training and animal health services from a reputable dog training school such as Animal Behavior College.

“I know I will be successful because I love to work with dogs and their owners,” Lana quips, adding “I now know how to teach owners the basic obedience cues that will make their dogs better companions,” she finishes.  An added dimension to any quality veterinarian’s practice indeed.

Early on, Tony had an interest in doing something with his life beyond the corporate world.  After an obedience class from the local Humane Society in 1994, he discovered he wanted more.  He loved the idea of teaching others the benefits of training their pets.

In 2003 Tony had an epiphany; one that involved leaving corporate life and working with dogs.   He discovered Animal Behavior College online and began to make a change, enrolling in dog training classes.   By January of 2004 the change was evident.  “I quit my job with the law firm to finish my studies through ABC and open my own dog training business.” 

Remarkably, Tony goes on to say that “when I left my desk job I had two goals for when I completed the ABC program; one was to open a dog training business” (which quickly became a reality) and the other was to “be certified as a Search & Rescue team with my pup, Penny”.

How did all this happen?  Tony attributes so much to the dog training school of Animal Behavior College which prepared him for his new career.  “I am happy to have found Animal Behavior College to help me get a step in the right direction as a dog trainer.  I feel ABC has a great program to offer people who are looking to get certification.  If you are looking for a well-written program and a very rewarding ‘hands-on’ training’ this is the place to go, says Tony.”

Tony changed his life through the flexible online program that ABC offers, along with the personal training that occurs.  Dog training school prepared him to not only have a new animal job as a dog trainer, but it also inspired him to set up his own business, Tail Waggin, which he operates and finds very rewarding to this day.

Her sentiment to make a difference in those dogs’ lives by getting professional training became a life-altering event threefold—for the dogs to be placed, the potential new pet owners, and for Christy herself.

Animal Behavior College stood out as she began researching dog training schools.  “I chose ABC because it offered a comprehensive learning phase that included basic canine behavior theory, as well as the hands-on portion of the program where I could apply the theory. 

Christy continues, saying that the “most rewarding portion of the program…was being able to do my training at a shelter and see the remarkable improvement each week as the dogs that I worked with became obedient-trained”.  Since all animal schools are not equal, Christy noted the advanced value Animal Behavior College offered in such a challenging environment as a shelter.

“I figured this was a great opportunity to expand my horizon….by training dogs in basic obedience, as well as educating dog owners about their dog and various behaviors.”  Christy goes on: “I’m happy to say, many of those dogs were adopted.  My personal goal is to work with dogs in shelters, educate people about dog obedience, and help find shelter dogs loving homes”. 

Christy’s contribution to dog’s lives, new pet owners seeking well-trained dogs, and ABC’s future trainers is testament to the rewards of becoming a professional dog trainer from a leader in the animal school industry.

Meet Lisa: “I’ve had about five dogs throughout my life,” she explains, “all rescues”. She goes on to note that she has always related well to dogs and was a natural at training. But, she wanted more experience in dog training. That’s where Animal Behavior College came in.

“Since I really care about dogs and like working with people, I decided to join Animal Behavior College and become an ABC Certified Dog Trainer.” Lisa was looking to broaden her skills on training challenges in more difficult dogs. She learned that through ABC’s animal school. “Now I have knowledge on how to handle difficult situations with dogs,” she says. Sometimes different dog personalities require unique training methods. “I really like the hands-on classes.” Lisa goes on to say, “ABC gave me the experience and knowledge I need to pursue a dog training career and start my own business”.

“I have owned dogs my whole life since I was a child. I have also owned raccoons and have experience in horseback riding,” states Cheryl, our second successful graduate from ABC’s dog training program. Cheryl clearly has a passion for animals. “Animal Behavior College gave me a new knowledge of what a dog’s reaction means, how to treat and train the dogs I have, as well as other dogs,” she continues.

Cheryl wants to begin her career in dog training slowly, doing it part-time,and working up to full-time, furthering her education as she goes. “My love for dogs makes me determined to become the best trainer I can be,” she adds. Cheryl goes on to identify some of the reasons Animal Behavior College was so important for her dog training. “I loved the group observation and participation,” additionally describing her highly qualified instructor being a great experience for her.

All in all, anyone serious about becoming a professional dog trainer will be well served by learning from a leader in the dog training school field. Both Lisa and Cheryl are testament to Animal Behavior College as leading that pack!

Picture: Lynne Petermann

Shortly after getting into this business I decided I also wanted to help other up & coming trainers get into this business. In my neighborhood there is a trainer on every corner. I consider no one competition. We all work together in the community. It is so rewarding to see a new trainer go off & become successful. Currently I continue to mentor other student trainers, I hold group classes as well as private lessons. I have a dog walking club, hold doggie birthday parties, help dogs walk down the aisle nicely in the owners Weddings, Ice Cream Socials, Therapy Dogs Certification. Agility and other unique services that are keeping me very busy! Currently I have a 2000 sq foot training facility located next to a Doggie Daycare/Boarding center located in West Paterson NJ. As I continue to grow I hope to eventually open my own Boarding Facility. I own a cocker spaniel & a boxer. My favorite breed is the cocker spaniel as well as most Hunting Breeds. I continue to learn from my colleagues, through apprenticeships, & I spend countless hours volunteering my time at various rescues as well as my main focus: The NJ SPCA.

Lynne M. Petermann, ABC Mentor Trainer
The Pooky Professor
www.thepookyprofessor.com

Words from some of my students:

“I received tremendous benefits working with Lynne Petermann (The Pooky Professor) as my mentor trainer. Not only did I obtain solid instruction but through Lynne’s mentoring style I also realized how rewarding dog training can be. My experience has already seen a rich reward since I trained one of my dogs to be a therapy dog because of the confidence instilled in me by Lynne. I have recently authored a book about my Therapy Dog “Shelby’s Grace” which was just published in September 2010″
-Joe Dwyer

“My experience with Lynne Petermann, aka “The Pooky Professor” was incredibly inspirational. It’s one thing to read about training theories and quite another to see those theories transformed brilliantly into practical application. That is exactly what Lynne did. She demonstrated her obvious passion for animals, showing patience, kindness and a wealth of information about her favorite subject. I know I will be a better trainer for having had her as my mentor and my puppy, my “Boston Terriorist” will be a better dog, as well. I plan on continuing “Lucy”‘s education with the High School course. I also want her to take the “Canine Good Citizen” test as first step to her becoming a Therapy Dog, which I’m convinced is what she was born to do. I am very grateful that ABC found me such an excellent teacher!”
-Joanie Hammond

My ABC Mentor was, Lynne Petermann. She was very helpful threw my externship, very pleasant and professional. No questions, wasn’t too hard to ask, and when I asked her that after I had completed the course, would it be alright for me to come back to sit and watch her train. She said, “ABSOLUTELY”. Even though I have completed my dog training course, I still consider her to be my Mentor. I see myself not just learning dog training or behavior problems from her but, gaining great confidence just by watching her train. Two paws up for Lynne!!
-Carmen Sanchez

-Lynne and Terry Sangenito, ABC Student

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Kate chose to work with me through 3 of my 5 week class sessions. She was always on time, always prepared and always on top of each lesson. Of course, she comes from a school teaching background and her valuable skills and her love of the dogs just made her a natural. I predict a very promising future for this ABC graduate!

I think my favorite part of the mentoring experience was observing the emergence of genuine confidence in the student! Kate also offered some very valuable suggestions, particularly in improving my existing roll taking procedure and the paperwork! It was a delight working with someone who possessed great skills both with the dogs and with the people.

I train in Gun Barrel City, Texas at a local Doggie Day Care, The Pets Palace. I also do private house calls at either my home location or at the Client’s home. Kate made it a point to make extra trips in order to be able to observe and participate in my work with private clients.

I have recently participated in the Extreme Mutt Makeover competition and deciding to keep my competition dog, I am currently meeting with area Shelters in order to stimulate their interest in working with a private trainer to improve their volunteer staff’s training skills. Also to increase my availability to the Shelters in order improve public education relative to the Shelter dogs. At 75 years of age, and residing in a sparsely populated area of East Texas, I have slowed down a bit. However, my Mutt Makeover experience, rejuvenated my interest in increasing public education and I have a truly wonderful Shelter rescue to work with to this end. Actually, when not training (a few classes for beginning dog owners, CGC & Therapy dog prep and privates, and lots of behavior work), I write! I’m a charter member of the APDT #46, and contribute on a fairly regular basis to the APDT Chronicle of the Dog. I also occasionally write columns for the local weekly paper and contribute to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America Newsletter.

Dogs I have Loved! I started in German Shepherds at 19 years of age. I Raised trained and showed the breed in Conformation and Obedience for 18 years.I Purchased our first Corgi in 1970 and have been passionate about the breed ever since. Although breeding on a small scale, I have finished several members of the breed since 1989, titling AKC, UKC & International KC. I also dabbled in some Obedience and always work to title my CH in performance. I even put some Herding titles on one of my Champions. However, teaching has always taken precedence over my show ring activities! I’ve actually been training professionally since 1958! Full time since 1985.

My present household includes 5 Corgis, 1 3-legged long haired Chihuahua Rescue (my second member of the breed) and now, my 65 # Mutt Makeover dog, Pogo, a Great Pyrenees mix! I also board some dogs for my training clients. They would rather have them here, with me, getting personalized care around the clock, rather than going to a vet or kennel where no one is there 24/7! While I have preferences regarding the breeds I live with, I must admit that I adore all dogs and want to see them in the hands of people who will do right by these wonderful creatures. Guess that is what keeps me actively training!

I can honestly say I make a difference in my community as I have been the only trainer available in the area up until just recently. I never advertise, other than announcements regarding new classes. It is mostly referral business. I Believe in giving back to the community and do free educational programs at our area library and often present school programs. Currently I’m working with the Humane Society in Athens, TX to increase the presentation of school programs. I believe we can make positive changes in attitudes about the value of pets in our lives if we can reach the children! They have a greater impact on their families than we adults do!

Why did I become an ABC Mentor Trainer? Because I was invited to! Here in East Texas we are a long way from the big Cities. It is wonderful to be able to work with talented young trainers and watch them grow! As a former school teacher and social worker, it is wonderful to be able to help shape the futures of a bright new generation of trainers!

Joan B. Guertin
Common Sense Dog Training & Behavior Solutions
Gun Barrel City/Mabank, TX
Member: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Association of Pet Dog Trainers (charter member #46)

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