Woodbridge, CT
Donna's formal work with dogs began in the summer of 2002 as a volunteer at the ASPCA in New York City. In addition to volunteering, she hoped to gain experience to one day be prepared to care for a dog of her own.
At the time, Donna lived alone and commuted to Manhattan where she worked as an education associate at the International Center of Photography. In the autumn, circumstances hadn't changed much, but Donna had met and fallen in love with a three-year-old German Shepherd who'd arrived at the shelter as a humane law enforcement case after legal seizure from a neglectful and physically abusive owner. Donna took the dog home a short time later and named her Sammy.
Donna returned to volunteer at the ASPCA several years later and was deployed to Kentucky with the Field and Investigation Team to work on one of the largest puppy mill raid cases to date. She was also an active volunteer in the dog enrichment program for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown, NY, and worked at Pet Rescue in Harrison, NY, and The Humane Society of Westchester (HSW) in New Rochelle, NY, as a volunteer trainer in their 'train to adopt' program.
In 2013, Donna completed an eighteen-month course of study with the Northeast Regional Dog Trainer’s Academy (NRDTA) run by Bobbie Bhambree, Founder & Director of DogCentric Training & Behavior and HSW’s former head trainer. Currently, she volunteers 4-12 hours a week with CPR (Companion Pet Rescue) in Southbury, CT.
At the Humane Society of Westchester, Donna often taught the 'What Every Shelter Dog Should Know' (AKA Dog training 101) class as well as the monthly Green Dot, Dog Walking classes for junior, adult, and family volunteers. She joined DogCentric Training as an associate from 2015-2017 and now provides private training and puppy socialization and manners classes.
In an ongoing quest to expand her knowledge of training skills and dog behavior, she is a regular attendee of lectures and workshops. She completed Sue Sternberg’s Instructor Training Course (ITC) at the Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption facility in Accord, NY in the summer of 2015 and Suzanne Clothier’s ITC program in 2016.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
