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 Teresa Moore of Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time of this posting, Teresa is studying Phase 7 of Master Class, and she is doing an awesome job with her studies!
A Word from Teresa
Teresa proudly sitting with her 5 year old student dog, Brudda Boods.
My Favorite Recent Study Topics:
Phase 2 was definitely one of my favorite subjects. Since then I have immersed myself in dog communication at my local shelter where I volunteer, at dog parks, checking out local dog day cares, visiting the vets office and on walks with my student dog. Virtually every moment I have the chance to comprehend their language I take advantage of the opportunity. Dog language is so intriguing you just have to grasp what they are saying. Phase 3, How Dogs Think and Learn has shown me to see how much the environment is constantly affecting the training of the dog. It has opened my eyes to the world they understand and how they interpret me as their teacher. There are so many behaviors that can be taught by influencing the environment to make it a more rewarding association and that in turn leads to a beautiful training experience. Even though I have just started on my Phase 7, I can already tell it is going to be one of my favorite study topics. The difference between Management and Behavior Modification is teaching me a great deal about how to be more creative in order to change a behavior.
My Favorite Recent Hands-On Activity:
The hands-on activities with my mentor have changed my life. My mentor Marie is amazing, her experience is awe-inspiring and to watch her communicate with dogs is remarkable. She has welcomed me with so much aloha to her classes and given me wonderful challenges and opportunities. Her advice and support is always there to boost my confidence and to assist me with any questions I might have.
Teresa enjoying kisses from puppy Shelby at Hawaiian Humane Society, just hours before she got adopted by her new family!
How My Studies Have Changed the Way I See Dogs:
I am so grateful to CATCH for providing me with the opportunity to reconnect with the young child in me that one day dreamed of becoming a dog trainer. Now I have a much deeper understanding of the world, where we as humans relate to dogs. When I look into my student dog’s eyes there is this incredible communication that takes place and if feels amazing. When I am volunteering at the shelter I am better able to read the dogs’ language, which gives me an opportunity to enrich a dog’s life with trust, safety and communication so that they are more comfortable and confident when they go to a new home.
What I’m Most Excited About:
My entire learning experience with CATCH has been incredibly rewarding and my program director Marcela has been my constant cheerleader. She is always available to schedule any phone meetings and her communication by email has kept me on track and focused. All my course materials arrived promptly and their website was very user friendly. The CATCH program is designed in such a way so that your critical thinking skills are challenged in the best possible ways. I have no doubt that CATCH Academy has put me on the path to becoming a compassionate, dedicated and inspired dog trainer.
Way to go, Teresa, we’re so proud of you!
Phone: