The reach of clicker training and Karen Pryor continues to stretch globally, thanks to Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) Lynn Martin. Back in April, we received an inquiry from Ingo Schnabel, the director of the Himalaya Rescue Dog Squad Nepal (HRDSN). His organization provides search and rescue teams in the wake of natural disasters, or when people are missing. Ingo and his team had just read Don't Shoot the Dog, and were eager to introduce clicker training to their Nepalese Junior Search and Rescue Workers.
HRDSN offered to provide lodging and food for a CTP in exchange for clicker training instruction. The company's training headquarters is at the foothills of the Himalayas. We all agreed this sounded like an amazing opportunity to visit the Himalayas—a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
We shared the invitation with our KPA Dog Trainer Program alumni and there was an immediate flurry of interest. Lynn Martin, a graduate from Lebanon, Oregon, started talking to Ingo, and worked out plans to go to Nepal in October to offer seminars on clicker training. And, in a weak moment, she also agreed to bring dogs!
Lynn is very excited about her trip. Her inspiration comes from her love of travel and the opportunity to teach clicker training in a country that has traditionally used correction-based dog training techniques. I hope you'll read about Lynn's adventure on her blog: http://clickersfornepal.blogspot.com/.
Tia Guest is Program Director of Karen Pryor Academy, as well as a professional animal trainer.
