Bethany Gardner, B.A. Anthrozoology, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA

It all started with a Facebook video of a famous dog trainer getting bit.

Over the course of the video, the creator would pause and highlight bits of body language the dog was using to communicate her ever increasing discomfort. At the end, the trainer laughed the bite off saying “ I didn’t see that coming” but I did, anyone who watched that video could. This realization changed everything.

Dogs could talk.

Dogs could *&#$@ TALK.

I had to know more.

This rabbit hole of curiosity led to a degree in Anthrozoology - The study of relationships and interactions between humans and animals. There, I learned about the history, biology, and interactions of many of the species humans share lives with all over the world. I learned scientific foundations for assessing behavior, how various forms of reinforcement or punishment could be applied to influence behavior, and why humane and effective training go hand in hand to build strong relationships and lasting change. I learned all of this and so much more.

After getting my degree I began training dogs professionally and continued building my credentials. Currently, I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), and a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA). Next on my journey is certifying as a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). All of these certifications require continued education and upholding the standard for ethical training. Meaning my love of learning is ever encouraged and you get the most up to date science-backed tools for success.

Having such a wealth of knowledge and the lived experience of sharing a life with a “problem dog” has equipped me to help families in ways guided by kindness and science while being realistic about what the world throws at us. Living with a reactive dog can be frustrating, isolating, heartbreaking, and beautiful.

My dog, Sully, is not perfect (and neither am I), but he has come SO far. He has gone from screaming and throwing himself at dogs across the street while ignoring my chicken, to snuggling up with his doggy sister Cocoa on the couch every night. Seeing his world open up, seeing him feel safer and more confident, it brings me a sense of joy and pride that is hard to put into words. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but its been a helluva life.

When I’m not surrounded by treats and dog hair I enjoy painting with watercolor, hiking, camping, and playing board games with friends.