Success Stories 5
Take a look at these amazing accomplishments – we are so proud to be a part of making our students’ and graduates’ dreams come true!
Jennifer and her therapy pet partner, Chewbacca.
Jennifer Harelson, LPC, CHAIS, CCDT, SDC
Owner, Little Wing Counseling, Durham, NC
Cooperative Paws Service Dog Coach:
I am so excited to offer regular and specialized dog training services, as I incorporate my love of dogs with helping support people, and bettering the human-animal bond. The specialized services involve Skilled Companion Training, Emotional Support Animal Training or Therapy Dog preparation. As a Service Dog Coach, I am able to offer dog training that specializes in helping people gain Skilled Companions to assist them as at-home-only service animals. My extensive training and work with canines combined with my knowledge and experience working as a therapist has made me passionate about helping people teach their own pets to help support them, as Skilled Companions, Emotional Support Animals or even Therapy Dogs.
Lainie and her clients are always all smiles!
Lainie Johnston, CCDT
Owner, Pawsitive Pup Training, Wilmington, NC
A “Pawsitive” Relationship:
At the end of the day when you think about it, pets are no different than people. We’re just talking about treating our pets the same way we would like to be treated if the roles were reversed. You can be scolded and forced into doing something, but it’s a much better overall relationship to be treated with respect and love while being rewarded during the learning and training process. The result is a much better bond with your pet and a much more “Pawsitive” overall experience.
Training opportunities can happen anywhere!
Rachael Beuchler, CCDT, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA,
Owner, Grateful Path, Moretown, VT
Making a Difference:
My experience with animal welfare organizations drew me to the field and science of dog behavior. Many dogs are brought to animal welfare and rescue groups due to behavioral issues and my desire is to work with families and dogs to keep them in their homes. Often all it takes is a little understanding and simple training tools to see the relationship blossom! I’ve been volunteering at local humane organizations for over 20 years and am currently volunteering at ROAR – Ridgefield Animal Shelter as a trainer. I am also a trainer for the Pets for Vets program.
Dale has also studied aggression, fear, and noise phobias in dogs.
Dale Buchanan, CDTK
Owner, Top Gun Dog Training, Southern FL
Getting Started:
In 2008, while living in Alabama, I rescued this amazing 3 month old Lab Husky Mix named Spaulding. After working with many top dog trainers in the area and using the tools learned to train Spaulding, I finally created my own dog training company. I specialize in training puppies starting at 10 weeks old. Over the past 12 years, I have been able to improve and hone my dog training skills to help friends train their own dogs. It was with this feedback and encouragement that I then decided it was time to make my services available to the public.
Robin is very involved in training rescue dogs at Pets Alive.
Robin Markovits, CCDT
Trainer, Pets Alive, Middletown, NY
Training at Pets Alive:
The core teaching of this program is simple: We’ll get the behavior that we reinforce. For our dogs that translates into a series of rewards and ALWAYS humane positive reinforcement for the behavior we want. Members of this special group of volunteers learn and use the basic principles of behavior modification to help shape the responses of the dogs that are the most difficult to adopt. As in any relationship, there are at least three components: the dog, the environment and a human! The people in this very special group come to understand that they are an important part in a dog’s life and future.
Clients Achieve Consistent Excellence at A.C.E. K9 Academy
Courtney Gluchacki, CDTK
Owner, A.C.E. K9 Academy, Warwick, RI
Extensive Experience:
Courtney entered the pet care industry the day she turned 16 years old. She knew from the time that she was 6 years old that this was the life-long career path for her and she has been growing and learning every day for the past decade. This career has its ups and its downs, but Courtney used these experiences to strengthen her desire to help owners and their canine companions through fun, positive and educational training! Courtney has worked as a Pet Care Specialist, Pet Nutritionist, Dog Groomer, Veterinary Assistant/Technician, Kennel Technician, Aquatics Specialist, Dog Handler and Dog Trainer throughout many of Rhode Island and Massachusetts pet care establishments.
Abbie (depicted beside Eli) is “committed to teaching without force, fear or intimidation.”
Abbie Duchon, CPDT, CDBC
Owner, Abbie Duchon Professional Dog Training, Saugerties, NY
Abbie’s Dedication to LIMA:
Although I’ve lived with dogs my entire life, like many professionals, I became obsessed with animal learning and training when Eli, my high energy sidekick, joined our family almost 9 years ago. Wanting to solve our adolescent challenges and strengthen our relationship, I began attending expert training conferences and found a professional mentor.
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