Laura D. Bourhenne
Laura Bourhenne founded Animal Attraction Unlimited in 1989 after earning her degree in Exotic Animal Training from Moorpark College, specializing in Operant & Classical Conditioning, Animal Husbandry, Handling, and Management. Since then, Laura has remained committed to continuing her education by staying current with advancements in pet training and attending numerous seminars and conferences each year.
Her first job after graduating from Moorpark was at the Universal Studios Animal Show. Shortly after, she began training a potbellied pig for a local family, which sparked her passion for working with a variety of animals. These experiences have deepened her understanding of animal learning and highlighted the importance of effectively working with both animals and their owners.
Throughout her career, Laura has trained many different species of animals, including primates, birds of prey, ponies, rats, miniature potbelly pigs, and many others (ever heard of a kinkajou?). Due to the potential danger posed by many of these species, she mastered the art of training from outside the cage using rewards and clicker training to mark desired behaviors. Although her focus is now primarily on dogs and pigs, she continues to use these techniques with great success.
For more than 35 years, Laura has helped thousands of pets and their families learn to live in harmony. Many owners have sought her expertise as a last resort, fearing they may have to re-home their pet due to behavior problems. With Laura’s guidance, these families have found ways to live together happily. Nothing gives Laura greater joy than solving these issues and keeping families together.
Training Philosophy
At Animal Attraction Unlimited, the training methods are reward-based. Laura utilizes toys, praise, petting, food, and anything else your dog or pig desires to reinforce positive behaviors. However, this doesn’t mean they are allowed to run wild or that we neglect the importance of teaching self-control. Laura’s approach is to educate rather than punish, fostering a deeper understanding between you and your pet.
The goal at Animal Attraction Unlimited is to help you build the relationship you’ve always wanted with your dog or pig. Laura guides you in understanding your pet and teaching them the behaviors you want. By understanding how your pet learns and what motivates them, you can get them to do practically anything you want… and have fun doing it!
Services
Laura offers in-home training and behavior consulting for dogs and puppies, as well as in-home and web-based training for pigs. She provides in-home dog training in parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Additionally, she provides mini-pig training both in person and around the world via web-based virtual training.
Dog Training Services:
- Common Puppy Behaviors (biting, jumping, chewing, etc.)
- Basic Puppy Skills and Obedience
- Basic Obedience for Adult Dogs
- Loose Leash Walking
- Door Dashing
- Coming When Called
- Housetraining for Adult Dogs and Puppies
- On-Leash Reactivity to Humans or Other Dogs
- Jumping on Visitors
- Object/Food Guarding
- Preparing Dogs and Puppies for Group Classes
- Selecting the perfect dog or puppy for your home
- Pre-puppy consults
Pig Training Services:
- Harness Training
- Leash Walking
- Basic Obedience
- Handling Issues
- Aggression
- Destruction
- Fearful Behavior
- House Training/letterbox training
Certifications
Laura is a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and a Certified Training Partner through the Karen Pryor Academy.
Specializations
Laura specializes in dog and pig training, with a particular focus on behavior modification. She has extensive experience working with a variety of animals, including primates, birds of prey, ponies, rats, and miniature potbelly pigs.
Training Methods
Laura uses positive, evidence-based, humane techniques, including clicker training and reward-based methods. She emphasizes understanding the animal’s needs and motivations to build a strong bond and achieve positive results.
Customer Reviews
“Laura is not so much a dog trainer as a miracle worker. In record time, our three “hopeless” dogs were putty in her hands. From curbing excessive barking to teaching our nervous and jittery rescue dog how to use the stairs, no job was too big or too small. I don’t so much recommend her as wonder how anyone could get along without her.”
— Dana Gould, writer, “The Simpsons”
“We were very lucky to have found Laura! We needed more help and guidance to deal with our dog’s aggression and she showed us simple and effective ways to do this. We were amazed at how fast some of the techniques worked!! Laura not only helped us turn our pet into a more enjoyable dog, she reduced our frustration and anxiety, both of which mean a lot to us!!!”
— Barbara M. & Mark V.
“I train animals in the entertainment industry and am often asked about private training. I always refer them to Laura because she is knowledgeable, experienced, and talented. I truly believe in her method and approach.”
— Mathilde Decagny, “Frasier”
“I’ve been working with Laura for a few years now and she’s been a godsend. My pig, Fidget, is a handful, but Laura has helped me understand him better and taught me how to train him in a way that works for both of us. I highly recommend her to anyone who has a pig or is thinking about getting one.”
— John S.
