Pamela Semanik has lived with
companion dogs all her life. The best piece of dog training advice she ever
received was from her father, who summed up his entire training theory in three
words: "Praise, praise, praise!" She has worked with her own dogs in
obedience, conformation, sheepherding, and agility.
photo by Ed Slaby, 2007
Pam worked as the Dog Behavior
Coordinator at Geauga Humane Society's Rescue
Village from 2005 - 2008. In 2006, she was awarded 'Shelter Staff of
the Year' by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Pam's role at the shelter was to assess the behavior of each incoming dog,
devise and implement training plans, provide counseling to adopters, teach
volunteers and staff about dog handling and behavior, and provide behavioral
assistance.
Pam not only loves to train dogs, but people, too. She has trained volunteers to become dog trainers in GHS's Homeward Bound program, and has coached many of them through their certification with the CPDT. She has given talks to volunteers and to future vet techs on dog body language, and always welcomes the opportunity to 'talk dogs' with people as a way to promote harmony between the species.