MEET THE TRAINERS

Your instructor, Leslie and her assistant, Samson

Growing up, I had the good fortune of being surrounded by many animals (cows, chickens, peacock, cats, ducks, geese, quail and of course, dogs) and I played an active role in raising and caring for them. After entering the workforce, I held a job as a guard dog handler for several years, but somehow missed my calling and went on to pursue a legal career. Ultimately, I lost interest in legal and my passion for animals won out. I literally "went to the dogs."

Nothing impacted my personal, professional and spiritual development more than the act of volunteering and serving homeless animals at local animal shelters. I looked forward to each weekend when I could spend time exercising, socializing and training dogs. As my involvement in day-to-day shelter operations increased, the need for a structured program for dog handling and training became apparent. From that point on, I devoted all of my efforts toward establishing a formal canine training program at one of the shelters. My work with the shelter dogs, staff, volunteers and adopters ignited my desire to teach!  I became interested in the “positive training movement” and discovered that reward-based training methods and clicker training were the safest and most humane methods of teaching obedience and addressing behavioral problems.

My family dog training experience includes hundreds of hours of teaching in a retail environment....a virtual melting pot of dog training challenges.  Today, in an effort to shape the next generation of dog training professionals, I mentor students of Animal Behavior College at local shelters during the externship stage of their programs.  Together, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of homeless dogs and to increase their adoption potential.  Today, my greatest sense of accomplishment is achieved when the outcome of training prevents relinquishment and keeps a family pet in its “forever” home.

My education in the field of dog training has been shaped and strongly influenced by the writings and teachings of some of the most respected professionals in the industry and education continues to play an essential role in my professional development.  In 2005, I earned my title as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, an international testing and certification program for professional pet dog trainers.  In order to maintain the CPDT designation, I am required to attend seminars and workshops on a regular basis to stay current on developments within the fields of training and behavior modification.  I am currently working toward certification through The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.  

LAURIE SUE BAKAY, Assistant Trainer