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.
