The training approach Jacqueline uses for training dogs is the same approach she uses for training wild animals, positive reinforcement. She has trained many species of animals including large, medium, and small cats, as well as bears, hyenas, wolves, monkeys, coati’s, horses, dogs, birds of prey, parrots. She even trained rats to run a maze. The common thread in training all types of animals, including dogs, is that they respond very well to positive reinforcement training. She will be happy to tell you that “You cannot put a pincher collar on a bear.” “Try Alpha Rolling the Tiger; what do you think the outcome would be?” All animal training requires understanding their motivation. By using positive reinforcement, the animal will be motivated to do any behavior you ask, and it will stay with them into the future.

Jacqueline spent 5 years studying both Animal and Human Behavior receiving degrees in both at Moorpark College, California. The EATM Program (Exotic Animal Training and Management) is a working zoo and college for the care and training of exotic and domesticated animals. Her mother asked, “So, you are going back to college to work at the zoo?”

While studying she was privileged to work with numerous species at school and other animal parks and facilities. Having completed externships at various facilities she has used her knowledge of training wild animals to train the easier species, the dog. Jacqueline still volunteers a few days a month at the Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest. This allows her to keep in touch with the wilder species and benefit from deepening her experience in Animal Behavior and Management.

Externships:

• San Diego Safari Park (formerly the San Diego Wild Animal Park),
• Los Angeles Zoo
• Santa Barbara Zoo.

Jacqueline volunteers at the East Valley Animal Shelter in Van Nuys, CA. She provides free adoption counseling to keep adopted animals from being returned to the shelter. Both at the shelter and the Mobile Pet Adoptions she is a resource for help, providing information, and better choices than returning the animals. Working with dogs that need a little extra attention requires someone with a deep understanding of animal behavior and motivation. With her degrees in animal behavior and training, and CGC Evaluator credential (AKC – Canine Good Citizen), Jacqueline knows what it takes for a dog to be a “Good Citizen” in the home and out in public.

Jacqueline also volunteers a few days a month at the Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest. This allows her to keep in touch with the wilder species & benefit from deepening her experience in Animal Behavior and Management.
Jacqueline distributes Behavioral and Environmental Enrichment (treats) to the zoo animals that live there. Enrichment is something that keepers do to keep their animals stimulated both mentally and sometimes physically when having to stay in an enclosure. Food and other items are given to the animals in various ways for this purpose. Jacqueline has also trained some of the animals for stimulation and husbandry behaviors. Previous to becoming a professional animal trainer, Jacqueline did Outreach Programs for schools and other organizations educating people about animals and conservation.

Additional community services Jacqueline provides are being a Los Angeles Fire Department, CERT (Community Emergency Responder Team) member, a Red Cross DAT (Disaster Action Team) member, and has taken various animal first aid and emergency care classes.  Jacqueline co-teaches Pet Emergency Preparedness with another Red Cross and CERT Distaster Team member twice a year.