Ayella Grossman. BSc.
Ayella has a degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto with an interest in learning theory and behaviour. This background allows her to understand both how to train dogs, but also how to communicate the dog's needs to their people. Ayella has worked with aggressive and anxiety cases, but has a special love for working with young puppies and showing puppy parents how to avoid trouble before it starts. Ayella has a strong believe in positive training, but knows there is a time and a place for firm action. She specializing in management techniques that involve proofing your home and life to avoid problems before they start. Ayella has a love for a naughty puppy and believes that within every puppy is a joy and unbridled enthusiasm to please, you just have to find what motivates that particular puppy.
Ayella believes that good training can take you anywhere. Years ago, Ayella decided to try Conformation Dog Shows. She trained for months with her puppy and went to their first show when her puppy was seven months old - only to leave with a Best in Show! Hard work and solid training always pays off! Whether you are after a Best in Show or the award for best dog in the neighbourhood!
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Teresa Lewin
Teresa has had a lifelong interest in animal behavior. While other kids were riding their bikes and playing hopscotch Teresa was training dogs and horses. She has over 20 years experience in the field of animal behavior and training. Teresa has attended many lectures, seminars and university courses and was mentored through her education by Dr Ed Bailey, noted Canadian animal behaviorist. Teresa has lectured on the topic of animal behaviour at the Universty of Guelph and Seneca College. She has trained puppies, pet dogs, tracking dogs, protection dogs and service dogs. In her consulting practice Teresa specializes in rehabilitating problem dogs, particularly those with aggression and anxiety issues. Her approach with these cases is to identify the root cause of the problem and then to apply a behavior modification plan that addresses the emotional state of the dog. Positive reinforcement is used in these cases and in all Teresa’s training. Dogs learn to be less fearful, anxious and/or aggressive and become happier, safer family members. Teresa’s interest and understanding of dog behavior and her work with aggressive dogs led her to begin volunteer dog bite prevention seminars for children. These were designed to empower children to make safer choices in their interactions with dogs by giving them insight into the signals that dogs send using body language. Teresa is co-inventor, along with scientist Joan Orr, of the bite prevention board game Doggone Crazy! This game provides a fun and interactive way for children to learn about dog communication and how to act safely around dogs that will hopefully take the bite prevention message to many children and families.
Teresa is a pioneer in the field of rabbit clicker training and uses positive reinforcement techniques to modify bunny behaviour so that rescued bunnies can be more adoptable. Teresa has co-authored an article about clicker training rabbits to be published in Rabbits USA and is in process of writing a book with co-author Joan Orr about clicker training small pets.