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 Nicole DuFresne of Beverly, Massachusetts. At the time of this posting, Nicole is on Phase 8 of the Master Class!
A Word from Nicole
Depicted here: Nicole generalizing cues at Cranes Beach in Ipswich with her dog, Angelou!
My Favorite Recent Study Topics:
(1) Weighing the importance of the critical socialization period vs the health concerns, (2) Body language basics – the difference between observing and interpreting (3) Behavior problem solving – specifically the most common types of dog-dog aggression
My Favorite Recent Hands-On Activity:
My favorite Hands-On Activity is “Seeing the Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Signs in Greetings”.
How My Studies Have Changed the Way I See Dogs:
My confidence has grown immeasurably in observing and interpreting dog body language, especially during operant/classical conditioning games, dog-to-people, and dog-to-dog interactions. Before this course, I didn’t realize how often and clearly dogs communicated. Now I can “hear” the whispers their bodies make and can change my body position in order to decrease a dog’s discomfort if needed. That is empowering.
Nicole has also been a yoga teacher for the past 12 years, where her dogs (Angelou, Poppy, Hailey, and Benny) have been known to join her on the mat at home! This has become a great exercise in teaching her dogs to ‘settle’.
What I’m Most Excited About:
Having Kelly as a [Program Director] elevates my book knowledge. The weekly phone calls to discuss any aspect of dog care bring the experience full circle. Collaboration with an educated and experienced trainer, who is invested in cultivating a relationship that offers clarification and support, is invaluable.
A Word from Nicole’s Mentor:
Nicole did a fantastic job. She comes well prepared and is an amazing teacher. Well done.
Way to go, Nicole, we’re so proud of you!
Phone: