Ventura, CA
Shannon Riley (Coyner) is a certified professional dog trainer, registered veterinary technician, wellness coach, and Karen Pryor Academy certified training partner. With over 20 years of experience in dog training, Shannon has dedicated her life to observing, caring for, and training animals of various species.
Her professional journey includes working in the Bird Department at Marine World Africa USA and serving as a handler and trainer for an African Serval Cat at Safari West, a private zoo in Santa Rosa, California. Shannon has actively participated in behavior studies, including the observation of bald eagles and addax antelope through the San Francisco Zoo and Safari West.
Her academic background includes a biology degree with a specialization in zoology from Sonoma State. She is a registered veterinary technician, a certified professional dog trainer, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a Karen Pryor Academy certified training partner, and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
In her professional capacity, Shannon has presented at the Annual APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers) conferences, covering topics such as 'Compassion Fatigue' and 'What Is Your Dog's Currency?' Furthermore, in 2021, she spoke at Pet Professional Guild's Geek Week Australia, showcasing her expertise in the field.
Shannon's dog training philosophy revolves around force-free, positive reinforcement, with her ultimate goal being to foster a healthy and happy relationship between pets and their owners. She strongly believes that diet, exercise, environment, and training all play significant roles in achieving this goal.
Shannon's experience also extends to her role as the former head dog trainer for PAWS for Healing, a pet-assisted therapy organization. In this capacity, she conducted temperament testing and assisted in the training of therapy dogs that visited hospitals, veteran groups, special educational facilities, and convalescent homes, contributing to the development of the human-animal bond.
Shannon's commitment to the field is evidenced by her past presidency for the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians, her status as an Allied Industry Member of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association, and her sponsorship of the California Registered Veterinary Technician Association. Additionally, she created The Backyard Pet Talk Podcast, catering to both professionals in the animal field and pet parents.
Shannon is available to provide support with training, weight management, exercise, and behavior modifications for dogs and other pets in the Ventura area, ensuring a positive and enriching experience for both animals and their human companions.
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.
