Evelia Rivera’s journey into animal training began at the University of Bridgeport, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. From 2006 to 2016, she honed her skills at the Maritime Aquarium, evolving into a seasoned marine mammal trainer with hands-on experience working with sea turtles, seals, meerkats, and more.
Evelia’s commitment to learning and benefiting others is evident in her diverse background. Her skills have been cultivated through volunteering at Horse of Connecticut, serving as a past co-secretary of the Beardsley Zoo chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers, and engaging in therapy dog training since 2012. As a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator since 2015, she plays a crucial role in promoting well-behaved and socially responsible dogs.
From 2016-2021, Evelia served as the Behavior Coordinator at a local shelter, demonstrating her passion for improving the lives of shelter animals. Her dedication extends to professional memberships, including the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Evelia brings a wealth of expertise to her training programs.
Evelia’s knowledge and commitment to animal welfare have also led her to share her insights at the International Marine Animal Trainer Association (IMATA) conferences, where she presented on sea turtle training and lionfish handling and conditioning.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Evelia, a native of Bridgeport, CT, developed her love and respect for animals during family trips to the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo. Her childhood dream of working with marine life or horses has blossomed into a fulfilling career. When she’s not immersed in her work, Evelia is a busy mother of three, Ariel, Caleb, and Khalani. For leisure, she finds joy in clicker training cats, showcasing her passion for positive and effective training methods.
Training Philosophy
Evelia believes in creating and reinforcing bonds that last a lifetime. Our experienced trainers are dedicated to using positive reinforcement techniques, making the learning process enjoyable for both you and your canine companion.
Services
Pawsitive Approach offers a variety of dog training services, including:
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Group Classes:
- Beginners Group Classes
- Puppy Kindergarten
- Intermedate Group Classes
- Family Manners 1
- Family Manners 2
- Tricks for Fun and a Challange Level 1
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Private Lessons:
- Consultation
- Private Lessons
- Walk and Train
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Packages:
- Shelter Love Training Package
- Well Mannered Pup
- Bulk Sessions
Certifications
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Specializations
Puppy training, obedience training, Family Manners, Tricks for Fun and a Challange Level 1, leash training, shelter dog training
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement techniques
