WWW.DOGTRAININGANDBEHAVIOR.COM
SHEILA HEIL FERGUSON AHT, DipABT, CPDT-KA
DOG TRAINING, OBEDIENCE INSTRUCTION, AND BEHAVIOR CONSULTING
When choosing a training or behavior expert look for ongoing Continuing Education. Continuing Education is critically important to this ever progressing field of Animal Learning and Behavior. It truly can mean the difference between someone just calling themselves a "Behavior Expert" and someone knowing the scientific principles of learning and behavior who is able to implement them in each individual case. Anyone is free to call themselves a "trainer" or "behaviorist" or "behavior expert" or any label they want. This is why the field is working toward standardized practices and ethics. Experience also certainly plays a role in knowledge but the combination of broad experience with up to date Continuing Education through reputable sources is the best combination for a successful outcome. CCPDT is now developing new intensified exams for trainers and behaviorists to becoming certified. CCPDT is certainly a reputable source since these exams are edited by the leading professionals in the field.
Sept, 2008: "The Fundamentals of Behavior"- Understanding, Predicting and Changing Behavior ; Certificate of Excellence , S.G. Friedman Ph.D.
July, 2009: "Effective Painless Punishment"; Certificate of Attendance, Dr. Ian Dunbar
September, 2009 "Principles of Behavior 104"; Completed (A+) toward Diploma in Animal Behavior Technology through Companion Animal Sciences Institute, James O'Heare CABC, CDBC, PABC
January 2010: "A critical discussion of CAT (construction aggression training) and BAT (behavior adjustment treatment) techniques." Daniel Q. Estep, Ph.D., CAAB & Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB, Grisha Stewart M.A.,CPDT, CTP; Kathy Sdao M.A., ACAAB
January 2010: "Do this and not That" a discussion on aggression management techniques (RAT)." Nancy Williams,M.A., ACAAB, RVT, Daniel Q. Estep, Ph.D., CAAB & Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB
January 2010; "Use and Misuse of Crates and Confinement for Behavior Management." Daniel Q. Estep, Ph.D., CAAB & Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB
February, 2010 "Functional Assessment ,108"; Completed (A+) toward Diploma in Animal Behavior Technology through Companion Animal Sciences Institute, James O'Heare, CABC, CDBC, PABC
June, 2010; "The Case for Dog Bite Hierarchies"; assessing true risk through the severity of dog bites to people and other dogs. Cara Shannon, JD, CPDT-KA, CAP1 through Raising Canine telecourse with PDF notes
July, 2010; "Positive Reinforcement Beyond Food" presenter Kathy Sdao, MA, ACAAB, facilitated by Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB and Dan Estep, Ph.D., CAAB
July, 2010; "The Big Bang; Understanding and Treating Noise Anxiety in Dogs." Webinar given through DVM360 by Debra Horwitz, DVM, DACVB and sponsored by CEVA Animal Health
November, 2010: "Living and Learning with Animals", Susan G. Friedman,Ph.d. - A professional course teaching the foundation for a comprehensive and coherent understanding of behavior analysis as it relates to facilitating the lives of captive and companion animals. The principles and procedures discussed throughout the class apply to all species. (behaviorworks.org). Diploma of Excellence
January, 2011; Webinar, "Myths and Misconceptions about Motivation and Drive in Dogs", Behavior Education Network, Suzanne Hetts PhD, CAAB and Dan Estep PhD, CAAB 3CEU's for CCPDT recertification
February, 2011; Graduated from Companion Animal Sciences Institute (CASI) with a "pass with distinction"; earning a Diploma in ANIMAL BEHAVIOR TECHNOLOGY.