“Dr. Susan Friedman is a psychology professor at Utah State University who has pioneered the application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to captive and companion animals. ABA, with its roots in human learning, offers a scientifically sound teaching technology and ethical standard that can improve the lives of all learners. Students from 22 different countries have participated in Susan's online courses. She has written chapters on learning and behavior for three veterinary, and is a frequent contributor to popular magazines. Her articles appear around the world in eleven languages. She has been nominated for the Media Award given by the International Association of Behavior Analysis for her efforts to disseminate to pet owners, veterinarians, animal trainers and zookeepers the essential tools they need to empower and enrich the lives of the animals in their care.”

Linda completed Susan’s Living and Learning with Animals for Professionals course in 2012 & in 2013, gaining a certificate of excellence.

Read Susan’s articles here.

Take a look at some links to organisations who promote & facilitate modern & effective training

“Karen Pryor is the CEO of Karen Pryor Clicker Training and Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behaviour.

Karen is an active, leading spokesperson and teacher for effective force-free training across the globe. Her work with dolphins in the 1960's revolutionized animal training by pioneering and popularizing force-free training methods based on operant conditioning and the conditioned reinforcer.

Karen’s 40-year career working with and educating scientists, professional trainers, and pet owners has changed the lives of countless animals and their caretakers in zoos, oceanariums, and pet-owning households.

She is the author of six books, including Don’t Shoot the Dog!, the "bible" of training with positive reinforcement. Her most recent book, Reaching the Animal Mind, is about how to bring out the undiscovered creativity, intelligence, and personality of the animals in our lives. Karen lives outside Boston, Massachusetts.”

Linda graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Trainer Program in 2012, achieving a distinction. Karen Pryor Academy has now achieved assessed membership status of the Animal Behaviour & Training council, of which we are immensely proud!

Read Karen’s articles & much more about clicker training here.

TAGteach™ is a new way of teaching, using "tag" (or single focus) points. The tag point is the specific learning goal that the teacher will mark with a tag that highlights success for the learner. The tag pinpoints the exact moment the tag point is executed correctly and gives immediate and clear feedback to the learner or athlete. Clarity and simplicity are key aspects of TAGteach. This teaching approach has very many applications, from business, to high-level sport, to health & safety, to any kind of coaching - like dog training! The use of this teaching modality enables you to be set up for success with your dog. Linda is a level 1 certified TAG teacher.

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers promotes training skills & techniques based on up-to-date, researched, methods that apply the principles of kindness, fairness & effectiveness, & are in keeping with modern learning theory. Membership of the APDT, UK is not automatic - trainers must complete an in-depth written, practical & oral assessment & be approved to join. 

Linda has been assessed & is an approved member of the APDT.

Linda is a member of Animal Behaviour & Training Council, via Karen Pryor Academy. This is a regulatory "umbrella" body that represents animal trainers & behaviour therapists, & which sets & maintains the standards of knowledge & practical skills needed to be an animal trainer or behaviour therapist, aimed at promoting the welfare of animals in their interactions with humans. It is hoped that all vet & pet professionals are consulting the KPA, APDT & ABTC lists before referring their clients for training &/or behaviour management.

 “The Pet Professional's Guild was founded on a commitment to provide educational resources to pet care providers and the public, coupled with an emphasis on building collaboration among force-free pet trainers and professional pet care providers. To be in anyway affiliated with the Pet Professional Guild all members must adhere to a strict code of conduct. Pet Professional Guild Members Understand Force-Free to mean: No Shock, No Pain, No Choke, No Fear, No Physical Force, No physical Moulding, No Compulsion Based Methods are employed to train or care for a pet.”

Linda has been a proud member of the Association of Force-free Pet Professionals for many years.

Read more about force-free training, & why we should all be doing it, here.

"Fear Free provides online and in-person education to veterinary professionals, the pet professional community, and pet owners.  Our courses provide learners and pet lovers with the knowledge and tools to not only look after a pet’s physical well-being, but her emotional well-being as well. We know we must feed the pet’s mind as well as the body so we make sure that in-home enrichment and Fear Free training are front-and-center with pet professionals and pet owners alike.

Founded by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, Fear Free has become one of the single most transformative initiatives in the history of companion animal practice, with over 25,000 veterinary and pet professionals committed to becoming Fear Free certified."

Learn more here.

​“Doggone Safe provides educational programs to teach about dog bite prevention for schools, parents, expectant parents and workers.  

On their website you will find lots of photos of dogs showing different canine body language. Look at these and learn to speak dog and to recognize signs of aggression to help stop dog bites. Teach your kids and help them to prevent dog bites. Get information about how to prepare your dog for a new baby coming and what to do if you are concerned about your child's safety around their friend's dogs.”

Read some of Doggone Safe’s resources here.

 Linda is a Be A Tree presenter.

Supporting Cats, Dogs & Their People Towards Behaviour & Training Success!

CCAB ​Dog Behaviourist, dog trainer CCAB