Shel Graves
, CTC, UW-AAB, has seven years of shelter and rescue experience working with traumatized animals and working to strengthen the human-animal bond. She is a trainer, behaviorist, and animal chaplain.
Training Philosophy
Shel Graves Animal Consulting uses positive reinforcement training to help animals (dogs, cat, humans, and all) be relaxed, confident, playful, and safe together. We provide day training and coaching services to help families resolve troublesome behaviors. We have a heart for shelter and rescue animals as well as senior dogs and cats. When animals have experienced the worst humans can be, we show them the best — and watch them blossom! We are there for difficult transitions and conversations including end of life and grief counseling.
Services
Shel Graves Animal Consulting offers a variety of services, including:
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Training for Happiness:
This service is designed to help dogs and cats live their best lives. It includes a customized happiness assessment, enrichment recommendations, treat ladder evaluation, and a management plan.
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Behavior Consulting:
This service helps owners manage and resolve troubling behaviors in their dogs and cats. It includes an initial consultation, a customized training plan, email support, and access to office hours.
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Animal Chaplaincy:
This service provides compassionate listening and practical advice to help owners cope with animal loss and end-of-life care. It includes an initial consultation, follow-up sessions, and a customized list of activities and suggested practices.
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Dog Day Training:
This service provides in-home day training for dogs. It includes a consultation, a customized training plan, twelve sessions with an expert trainer, and three private coaching lessons.
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Shelter and Rescue Consults:
This service provides behavioral support for shelters and rescues. It includes assistance with behavior plans, staff and volunteer training, and policies.
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New Adoption/Rescue Support:
This service helps owners select a dog or cat that is right for their family and get them started on the right paw. It includes an initial consultation, a list of resources or training plan, and a follow-up session.
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Difficult Decisions Support:
This service provides support for owners who are facing difficult decisions about their pet’s behavior, such as behavioral euthanasia or rehoming. It includes an initial consultation, a list of resources or training plan, and a follow-up session.
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Trainer-to-trainer Support:
This service provides behavior consults for trainers who are working with complex cases. It includes a 60-minute consultation with a credentialed expert.
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Guest Speaker or Trainer:
This service provides presentations on dog or cat behavior to groups. It includes a 60-minute presentation and may include travel or customized presentation fees.
Certifications
CTC, UW-AAB
Specializations
Dog training, Cat consulting, Multi-species care, Animal chaplaincy, Behavior consulting, Shelter and rescue consults, New adoption/rescue support, Difficult decisions support, Trainer-to-trainer support, Guest speaker or trainer
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement training, Fear free techniques


