Featured Student
Our students are the future of dog training and the heart of our school.
That’s why we regularly take a moment to recognize one of our top aspiring trainers here.
Our Featured Student this month is Claudia Rida, a passionate graduate who is committed to increasing their dog training knowledge.
A Word from Claudia:
My Favorite Recent Study Topics:
I truly loved every single part of the Master Class program, but if I had to choose, I would say the following three were my favorite topics/phases: How Dogs Think & Learn, Behavior Problem Solving, and Understanding Behavior, Body Language, and Vocalizations.
My Favorite Recent Hands-On Activity:
I LOVED doing the class observations with my mentor trainer and preparing for and doing the evaluations with her. Watching a top professional work with dogs and their guardians, being able to ask her questions, and receiving her feedback on my evaluations was a priceless experience and opportunity!
How My Studies Have Changed the Way I See Dogs:
I am much more aware and observant of body language, and I feel I have become a better “listener”; rather than just thinking about what I want/need from my dogs, I care a lot more about what my dogs (and those I encounter in daily life) are trying to “tell” me, how they are feeling, and/or what their needs are in any given situation.
What I Like About CATCH:
My program director, Megan, was an amazing resource to me; I felt supported throughout the program, and her kind and encouraging words were a constant motivator.
How CATCH has prepared me for a career in dog training:
As much knowledge and skill as I gained through the Master Class, I feel like what it taught me more than anything is how much more there is that I don’t know, and just how much more there is to learn and explore. I have done an incredible amount of additional reading since I graduated and I listen to dog training and behavior-related podcasts (e.g., “Worry Less, Wag More” by Behavior Vets, “The Bitey End of the Dog” by Michael Shikashio), because becoming certified through CATCH has triggered a huge appetite for learning more.
Way to go, Claudia, we’re thrilled to have you in the CATCH community!
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