About Emily
Emily graduated from Lawrence University with a degree in Psychology. While she had every intention of focusing on human psychology, her professional path led her to consider animal psychology and learning theory instead! Her senior capstone examined the impact of animal-assisted therapy on teaching children with Down Syndrome to read. Ever since, she knew animals would play a role in her life.
Emily has over ten years experience in animal care, six of which include animal welfare in shelter settings. She wore many hats through shelter work. Just a few of her duties over the years included arranging transports, conducting behavior assessments, providing basic care, medicating, training volunteers to socialize animals, providing emergency wildlife aide, and more.
Her time working with humane societies was instrumental in shaping her as an animal advocate, trainer, and behavior consultant. She has interacted with thousands of cats, dogs, and small animals of all breeds, ages, sizes, and temperaments.
Emily finds interest in all species, though she specializes in socializing fractious cats and mill dogs. Her experience includes basic animal care and exercise, dog-dog reactivity, dog-human reactivity, multicat issues, litter box issues, aggression, and more. Her ultimate goal is to promote the human-animal bond by helping people and their pets coexist peacefully.
Values
Over the years, it became apparent that one of the most important aspects of finding each pet a lifelong home and lower pressure on shelters is to provide support. Early intervention is key.
Emily uses science-based positive reinforcement techniques. She focuses on maintaining a good relationship between you and your pet and encouraging good behaviors. This is not to say that undesirable behaviors continue unaddressed. Quite the opposite! The more one focuses on instilling good behaviors, the more likely undesirable behaviors are to dissipate.
Due to the nature of this training style, Emily does not use aversive methods such as choke/prong/shock collars or squirt bottles.
Services
Emily offers a variety of services, including dog walking, pet sitting, training, and behavior consultations. Prior to any of her services, she discusses goals with the pet guardian and reports activities and progress afterwards.
Your pet’s physical and mental wellness is Emily’s #1 priority, and your happiness and relationship with your pet plays a crucial part in that. Whether your pet needs a physical outlet or you need help understanding your pet’s problem behavior, Emily’s goal is to create a place of harmony in your household and to increase the human-animal bond.
COVID-19
Safety is my #1 priority. I am fully vaccinated against COVID, though I am happy to wear a mask during sessions upon request. I also offer dog behavior consultations and training outdoors as well as virtual services for cats and dogs. I am happy to discuss details for your individual case.