06/29/2023
About Me, Liz (she/her), your friendly neighborhood animal behaviorist!
Let’s get right down to it: what have I learned and accomplished in my life that warrants your trust when it comes to some of the most important members of your family? There are plenty of dog trainers and so-called behaviorists out there who can attest to a love and passion for animals, who have spent years of their lives honing their craft, who have fancy websites and certifications, and pretty pictures and cute videos on social media (hey, we all gotta play the game to some extent, right?)…so why me?
Crazy varied experience. I have worked with a variety of species (dogs, cats, horses, Rhesus macaques, squirrel monkeys, cheetahs, hyenas, lions, spiders) across most environments, from the wilds of Kenya (hyenas are way cooler than lions, not gonna lie) to the riding arenas of Chicago to the homes and public spaces of Cincinnati, in scientific, veterinary/husbandry, and companion animal contexts. I also have decades of experience teaching and speaking publicly, from being an IL High School State Speech Champion (Impromptu Speaking and Theater in the Round…BOOM!), to an Adjunct Professor of Biology at UC and NKU, to my stint most recently as Petsmart Area Pet Trainer. I’ve worked with kids of all ages, those with special needs, the neurodivergent, dogs with special needs, service dogs…I am comfortable and experienced with disseminating training information in a digestible, even fun, format to any audience!
More and continuing education. While working on my BA in Biological Sciences at Smith College, in MA, I not only received a stellar Seven Sisters education, I seized the opportunity to work with top horse trainers and cutting-edge dog trainers as a part of my involvement with both the Equestrian Team and as a STRIDE Scholar. After a break in formal education to focus on more work with horses in northern IL and monkeys at Northwestern University in Chicago, I returned to academia to pursue an MS in Behavioral Ecology at the University of Cincinnati, using spiders (I was petrified at first! But, they’re kinda cute! And SO cool!) as a model species to test how the way animals perceive information from the environment can affect their decision to respond to that information. Now, I am working towards my CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA certifications, in addition to keeping abreast of the latest in dog training, behavior modification, and applied animal behavior.
Fun and flexible! As a working mom, I understand how crazy-hectic life can get, so my services reflect my commitment to life-work balance for both you, my clients and students, and myself (cranky trainers aren’t effective trainers!). I offer Private Lessons in your home and in other appropriate, dog-friendly public environments, depending on your companion’s needs and your goals for them, at a variety of times and days (not just 9-5, M-F or weekends only!). In addition, sometimes we don’t always have the time that we would like or our companions need us to dedicate to working with them, so my Private Tutoring can fill in those gaps—I will work with your baby while you’re at work or at home, while you shop and get your errands done, or take some time for yourself—whatever it may be, you can do it while your companion gets some specialized attention and practice with a trusted guardian. Already well-versed in training and just need some pointers, or can’t make an in-person lesson but still want or need that support? We can do phone consults and even virtual training! Finally, sometimes we just need a quick clarification or reminder when we’re practicing at home, so all of my clients are encouraged to reach out to me between lessons with any questions or concerns, and especially with something to celebrate. Sometimes just a little extra support can make all the difference, so I try to be there for my clients as much as possible.
Inclusive and accessible. I am privileged in that I realize just how lucky I have been throughout my life, in that I either was able to grasp at opportunities that came my way or that others were there to step in and give me the support I needed when I stumbled. In contrast, I have been privileged to also live the rougher side of life as well, both here in America and abroad (living in a tent in the Kenyan wilderness will do that), so I feel I truly understand the difference even a small act of kindness can make in a person’s or pet’s life. Therefore, most of my services are offered on a sliding scale, so that those who can afford to pay more can help defray the cost for those who can’t, and you get to determine where you fall (I am not the IRS, after all!). Additionally, I celebrate the diversity of life (being a biologist I think it’s kind of required), so leave your fear of judgement, for any reason, in the basement where it belongs (maybe burn it?). Help for a family member should NEVER be out of reach, so I am committed to providing the best advice and support to as many as I can.
ALL ARE WELCOME HERE
