Audra Houghton, Behavior Specialist
Did you know...
There is no agency that
certifies or governs dog
trainers in the US? There
are a lot of clubs and
groups that do so,
however they are formed
and operated by
individuals or small
groups of people with
similar training ideals.
There are several 'pet
training' associations
around that offer
certifications to trainers-
but beware- If someone
claims to be certified
through one of these
organizations, all it means
is that they took a test and
did case studies to prove
that they follow that
association's particular
method. Anytime you are
looking at hiring a trainer
that claims to be certified,
you should check with the
certifying organization, but
also read up on their
theories. Make sure
they're going to offer what
you're looking for, as many
of today's 'pet training'
associations do not offer
behavior modification and
use methods that are
based on a treat-reward
system, which typically are
not going to be effective in
solving behavior
problems.
There is no agency that
certifies or governs dog
trainers in the US? There
are a lot of clubs and
groups that do so,
however they are formed
and operated by
individuals or small
groups of people with
similar training ideals.
There are several 'pet
training' associations
around that offer
certifications to trainers-
but beware- If someone
claims to be certified
through one of these
organizations, all it means
is that they took a test and
did case studies to prove
that they follow that
association's particular
method. Anytime you are
looking at hiring a trainer
that claims to be certified,
you should check with the
certifying organization, but
also read up on their
theories. Make sure
they're going to offer what
you're looking for, as many
of today's 'pet training'
associations do not offer
behavior modification and
use methods that are
based on a treat-reward
system, which typically are
not going to be effective in
solving behavior
problems.
A Trainer With Experience...
| I pride in having well trained dogs! This is me with Tyson, my 8 year old boxer, who's earned an AKC CD and CGC, worked in therapy, and has trained in agility and flyball. |
Welcome to CanineBehaviorScience.com. My name's Audra,
and I'm the owner and trainer. I have been training dogs for
over 14 years now, and have developed a unique method
based on all of my experiences.
It all started when I was just 13 years old when I attended my
first dog show as a helper. Our primary breed at that time
was Doberman Pinschers, but we occasionally had others as
well. My job was to help groom the dogs and stand ringside
with the ones that were due to go in for judging. I also helped
to whelp and raise pups, and care for the dogs in the
breeder's kennel. Before long, I began to actually handle
dogs in the ring, and found that I really enjoyed it. My mentor
noticed my affinity for working the dogs and decided to enroll
me in competition obedience classes with one of her dogs. I
very quickly picked up obedience, and earned my first
obedience title with a Doberman named Captain when I was
just 16 years old in a three day sweep of the Astro Hall World
Series of Dog Shows in Houston, TX.
I then went on to work at a vet's office as a technician, gaining
very valuable experience in recognizing illnesses and injuries
and also learned emergency first aid. This has really been an
asset as there are times when a dog may be displaying odd
behavior as a result of a medical condition. After two years
as a vet tech and receptionist, I began teaching obedience
lessons to the public at a local pet store after completing a
120 hour course on classical/operant conditioning and
canine behavior. I followed that with working for a large scale
board and train operation that housed over 100 dogs. I was
typically responsible for helping care for the entire kennel and
for working with approximately 15 dogs that were enrolled in
our board and train program each day. I was at the same
kennel for 2 years, which allowed me to work with a wide
variety of breeds and temperaments, and helped me discover
my knack for teaching one on one lessons.
From there, I became a K9 handler for a private security
agency, searching schools for drugs and contraband. I
handled several dogs during my time as a handler, and
gained membership and earned certifications through the
National Narcotics Detector Dog Association I also earned
several certificates of accomplishment through the company I
worked for, Interquest detection K9. I served as an AKC
Canine Good Citizen evaluator for approximately 2 years and
continue to show and train for AKC events. I regularly attend
workshops and seminars geared towards professional
trainers.
My first business venture as a dog trainer started in 2004 in
Dallas, TX with just a few fliers and a free website, and as
word spread I rapidly became busier than I ever expected.
The response was amazing, and I have really been able to
develop my behavior modification techniques over these last
few years. I hope to be able to bring all of this experience to
San Antonio as I open up shop here in December of 2007. I
am looking forward to new challenges and making lots of
new friends- both dog and human!
Thanks for visiting,
Audra Houghton
and I'm the owner and trainer. I have been training dogs for
over 14 years now, and have developed a unique method
based on all of my experiences.
It all started when I was just 13 years old when I attended my
first dog show as a helper. Our primary breed at that time
was Doberman Pinschers, but we occasionally had others as
well. My job was to help groom the dogs and stand ringside
with the ones that were due to go in for judging. I also helped
to whelp and raise pups, and care for the dogs in the
breeder's kennel. Before long, I began to actually handle
dogs in the ring, and found that I really enjoyed it. My mentor
noticed my affinity for working the dogs and decided to enroll
me in competition obedience classes with one of her dogs. I
very quickly picked up obedience, and earned my first
obedience title with a Doberman named Captain when I was
just 16 years old in a three day sweep of the Astro Hall World
Series of Dog Shows in Houston, TX.
I then went on to work at a vet's office as a technician, gaining
very valuable experience in recognizing illnesses and injuries
and also learned emergency first aid. This has really been an
asset as there are times when a dog may be displaying odd
behavior as a result of a medical condition. After two years
as a vet tech and receptionist, I began teaching obedience
lessons to the public at a local pet store after completing a
120 hour course on classical/operant conditioning and
canine behavior. I followed that with working for a large scale
board and train operation that housed over 100 dogs. I was
typically responsible for helping care for the entire kennel and
for working with approximately 15 dogs that were enrolled in
our board and train program each day. I was at the same
kennel for 2 years, which allowed me to work with a wide
variety of breeds and temperaments, and helped me discover
my knack for teaching one on one lessons.
From there, I became a K9 handler for a private security
agency, searching schools for drugs and contraband. I
handled several dogs during my time as a handler, and
gained membership and earned certifications through the
National Narcotics Detector Dog Association I also earned
several certificates of accomplishment through the company I
worked for, Interquest detection K9. I served as an AKC
Canine Good Citizen evaluator for approximately 2 years and
continue to show and train for AKC events. I regularly attend
workshops and seminars geared towards professional
trainers.
My first business venture as a dog trainer started in 2004 in
Dallas, TX with just a few fliers and a free website, and as
word spread I rapidly became busier than I ever expected.
The response was amazing, and I have really been able to
develop my behavior modification techniques over these last
few years. I hope to be able to bring all of this experience to
San Antonio as I open up shop here in December of 2007. I
am looking forward to new challenges and making lots of
new friends- both dog and human!
Thanks for visiting,
Audra Houghton
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