What training methods do you use?

I strive to keep my training methods in line with currently supported research on how animals learn and how they behave. Based on a foundation of positive reinforcement (+R) techniques employed may vary from redirection, training alternate behaviors, desensitization and counter conditioning, and using choice to empower behavior. It is important to understand the function of the behaviors at play before they can be modified, and this process may involve lengthy Q&A and observation (either in person/skype, owner provided video, etc) time before a training plan can be created. Training plans are subject to change as necessary.  I do not believe using aversives (P+, R-)  is necessary to modify behavior.

What is your background/education?

Blue Hills Mass Audubon Trailside Museum (Volunteer from 1996-2006): Started in Programs/Education moved into Animal Care in 1999. Maintained habitats and prepared diets for in house (program and rehab) wildlife species (avian, mammal, reptile). Undertook behavioral modification project with fearful poorly socialized saw-whet owl who had been a long-term (9 yr) resident. Behaviors observed: would bait from perches and hand, pant in enclosure on approach, pant out of enclosure, attempt escape, attempt escape when approached by gloved hand, fall into shallow water bowl on approach by hand (often while baiting from perch) and flail until removed – unsuccessful at self removal, flail on floor of cage/into walls of cage after baiting, sometimes freeze, had suffered feather loss due to anxiety historically, no recorded vocalizations. Individual handle-able only by highly trained staff/volunteers,  Using DSCC, individual was successfully rehabilitated and able to be handled by regular AC staff 5 months after beginning sessions (1-2x/week, 30 min-1hr for 3 months before senior AC staff took over when I left for college), behaviors observed: waiting on perch, step onto glove, allow light handling, walks around indoor and outdoor public spaces with no baiting, interactions with guests at 3 ft distances with no baiting, unexpected encounter with leashed G. Shepherd on grounds less than 8 ft away with no baiting, began producing infrequent vocalizations for first time on record – vocalizations occurred while calm and relaxed. Strongly reinforced with strokes on top to back of head with a tool (chopstick or pen).
University of Rhode Island (graduated 2006): B.A. Biology, minors in Wildlife Biology & English. Internships with Mystic Aquariums Dolphin Communication project, identifying individuals, tracking behavior on video recordings. Volunteer with Mystic Aquarium Marine Mammal Stranding Team. Assisted graduate student with study of Harrier Hawk nest sites on Block Island.
Beam Reach School for Marine Science and Sustainability (2006): 8 week study program in San Juan Islands developing short term study on killer whale social behavior and acoustic correlations. (U. Washington: 18 CEU’s)
University of San Diego/Hubbs Seaworld Research Institute (graduated 2018): M.S. Marine Science, thesis: Repertoire stability of an adult female killer whale. Also: Review of vocal learning terminology, research on turn-taking during vocal bouts,  social influences on vocal learning. Research involved detailed and objective behavioral observations from records and live, acoustic analysis, repertoire establishment and confirmation,  statistical analysis.
Living and Learning with Animals (2018): online course with Dr. Susan Friedman (full attendee 8-week course)
Dog Trainer at Petco 2011-2018: Consistently one of the best performing Petco trainers in district, many times ranking in top 10 nationally, Dog Training Mentor: trained 68 trainers for Petco/Unleashed by Petco/PetCoach, regularly requested by store leadership throughout district. Chosen to participate in several pilot training programs for Petco, was Senior Dog Trainer at flagship PetCoach location.
Community Training Coordinator for San Diego Humane Society (2018-present): Public representative of the Behavior and Training team. Primary duties: Organizing, teaching, developing content for dog and cat training classes for San Diego Humane Society, responding to behavior inquiries from public, post adoption training consultations.

Why do you do this?

From a young age I started watching and learning from animals of all sorts, and the running joke in my family is that I was trained by my cat, Love. In truth, what I learned from her did lead me down all the various behavioral paths of my life, from wildlife to whales, but at the end of the day, the hands-on behavioral training remains as the most rewarding and enriching work I’ve done. Polly Wanna Solution was created  to address the needs of my community where there was a lack of avian/feline behaviorists, though I am extending this reach to allow some canine clients. I believe good training shouldn’t bankrupt you – and am as fair as I can be with my pricing, which may vary based on the work involved.  My training philosophy is, “Train with love“.

How long does behavior modification typically take?

There is no simple answer to this question, as it depends entirely upon the situation and the people and animals involved. Animals are constantly learning from  and interacting with their environments, so the first step is to determine what in their environment is setting up and reinforcing the behavior. This is followed by systematically making changes to alter the animals responses and behavior. Some cases will move faster than others – this will vary based on the individuals experience, history,  and ability to stay motivated and under threshold (as applicable), it will also vary based on owner and handler understanding/consistency/attention to detail, etc. Fear based behaviors usually require the slowest progression through modification.

What do I need to do as an owner?

* I will ask you to keep a range of treats/rewards of varing value on hand to reinforce appropriate behaviors.
* If possible or applicable, please keep claws/nails trimmed for safety purposes.
* Your animal should be healthy (does not include behavioral health problems, like feather plucking) and up to date on shots.
* You need to be committed to making changes in your environment, routines, and habits as/if necessary. Some people find it handy to keep a notebook or tape recorder on hand – you are welcome to record sessions.