Staff Profile

Shaina

Dog Trainer

Certified Professional Dog Training-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)

Fear Free Certified Professional

I have been working with dogs since 2009. Prior to working for Tucker Pup's, I was a behavioral modification trainer specializing in urban anxiety cases in Los Angeles, Denver, and Manhattan. I was also the intake and rescue coordinator at a shelter in Irvine, CA, where I used my medical and behavioral knowledge to help rescue over 1,000 dogs and cats each year. I have also been an Animal Cruelty Investigator in Los Angeles and then began working in different shelters all over California. In addition, I have been a veterinary assistant, including for a veterinary behaviorist.

I have two cats: Giles, a 6-year-old Exotic Shorthair, and Cornelius, a 5-year-old Persian.

I have attended various conferences and classes with Karen Pryor Academy and IAABC.

Pitties and bully mixes hold a special place in my heart, since most animal shelters are overcrowded with these breeds. I also enjoy training tiny Chihuahuas and terrier mixes.

My favorite activities are doing yoga, going to the beach, painting, and watching horror movies.

I hope to combine my knowledge of forensic science and dog training to become more of an expert in bite cases and aggressive behavior.

I enjoy reading biographies of rock and roll legends.

I attended Georgetown University in Washington DC to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Health Science, and then went on to George Washington University to earn a Master's Degree in Forensic Science.

In college, I had an internship training monkeys for an organization called Helping Hands. They provided capuchin companions for paraplegic or quadriplegic individuals that needed monkey helpers to assist with activities of daily living such as washing their face, bringing them food, or pushing buttons on their wheelchairs.