Have you been wondering about the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program? Here, KPA faculty member Laurie Luck shares more details about the program, as well as some of her personal background with clicker training. Laurie will be leading the KPA Dog Trainer Professional course in the Philadelphia/Exton area beginning in April, with the first hands-on workshop planned for June 7, 2015. (Click here for more information or to enroll in this course with Laurie Luck. Application deadline is April 11, 2015.)
Q: How did you get started with clicker training?
A: Growing up, I never had a “trained dog.” In my twenties I adopted a sweet, shy dog from the shelter and decided that this dog would be trained. I found a trainer in my area, and signed up not knowing what we were getting into. Thankfully, the trainer was a clicker trainer and my newly adopted dog made me look brilliant. I took as many classes with that trainer as I could and happily volunteered as her assistant when she asked. The trainer suggested I attend the APDT conference with her, and the rest is history! That was in 1998.
At about the same time, I adopted another shelter dog—another Aussie—that was the opposite of my other dog. My first dog was super-soft, and this dog wasn't. His biting eventually led us to behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall who saw to it that my switch to positive training was swift and complete.
Q: Tell us a little about the work you do with service dogs, and how you use clicker training to help with service-dog training.
A: We use clicker training with the service-pup-in-training from the minute we bring him (or her) home. There is a daunting list of behaviors to teach the first few months, and I don't think it would be possible to check them all off without clicker training. The dogs-in-training live with at least three people during their journey toward becoming a professional working dog. Clicker training offers those dogs, and the trainers, seamless transitions and less stress as the dogs’ education moves forward. The clicker is the common language that accelerates learning and allows the dog to enjoy the entire training process. The ultimate recipient of the service dog is also educated in clicker training and is expected to continue to use positive clicker principles throughout the dog's career.
Q: What organization(s) are you working with right now? What is your role in that/those organization(s)?
A: I have worked with Service Dogs of Virginia as a puppy raiser since 2001; my family has raised 14 puppies for them! My Labrador retriever, Tango, and I are a registered Pet Partners therapy team. We volunteer at an elementary school and participate in the R.E.A.D. program. Tango loves his weekly visits with the special education classes. I am part of the Education Advisory Group for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) . Our group provides guidance and input on the APDT educational plan, which encompasses all areas of APDT educational activities.
Q: How did you get involved with KPA?
A: I was on the Board of Directors of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) with [KPA faculty member] Steve Benjamin. He told me about the program and it sounded intriguing. When he led the first program in my area, I signed up immediately. I was planning to leave my job with the Federal government, and thought KPA would be a valuable educational experience—and it was! I enjoyed the experience so much that I joined the faculty!
Q. What has been the most rewarding part of your involvement with KPA?
A: Some of my students from the Dog Trainer Professional program have gone on to their dream jobs as a result of their education and experience in KPA. Former students are competitive obedience competitors, have established prison -dog programs, are lead trainers in humane societies and shelters, are working with universities in canine research, and are training service dogs.
Q: What are some key components of the DTP that you think all clicker trainers can benefit from?
A: Among other lessons, I would have to say:
- Splitting behavior into the tiniest of pieces
- Dog-observation skills
- Importance of record-keeping
- Making friends from the course that become trusted colleagues, sounding boards, and good friends
If taking strides in your professional dog trainer career appeals to you, enroll in the KPA DTP program offered by Laurie Luck beginning this spring. With your KPA education, it will only be a matter of time until you, too, are one of Laurie’s successful former students! Register here for the DTP in Philadelphia/Exton. Hurry—registration closes April 11, 2015.
