Animal behaviorist. Works with captive wild animals, rescue and shelter companion animals. Special interest in deaf/blind dogs.

 

Certifications: CDBC, IAABC-ADT

 

Job Title: Owner

 

Training Equipment: I use a variety of methods, including treats, toys, contingent access to play activities, and time-out. I use clicker training, sign training for deaf dogs, and touch-sign training for blind dogs.

 

Training Philosophy: I am a neobehavorist. That is, I generally follow the behaviorist approach, but realize the importance of understanding and adapting for biological boundaries that may impact or drive behavior.

 

Locations Served: Greater Central Illinois Area

 

I typically use a positives only approach, with rewards including treats, access to toys or activities, and realize the importance of the owner as a powerful reinforcer. I teach behavior analysis and animal behavior at the college level for graduates and undergraduates. My work at the university includes conducting an operant conditioning course with rescue dogs, research on the cognitive abilities of deaf/blind dogs, and developing links between the university and the community to better the treatment of all dogs. I firmly believe that universities need to be directly involved in community efforts to better the treatment of all dogs, but particularly shelter and rescue animals. Universities have animal behaviorists, animal ethologists, and other individuals with specialized knowledge of companion animals. Through programs that link the university and community, more animals may receive training, reducing the likelihood of relinquishment or return to the shelter or rescue organization.