NY K9 Clever Inc.

[MeSheLL]

http://www.nycleverk9.com/

MISSION & CLIENT GAINS

The potential relationship we can achieve with our dogs is one that consists of companionship and connection; constant support, affection and satisfaction; harmony, peace and a devotion and bond unique to dogs that cannot be found elsewhere. Our lives become immeasurably enriched, broadened and deepened.

The key to achieving this relationship is the ability to understand and communicate with our dogs.

When we cannot communicate desirable behavior and undesirable behavior to our dogs miscommunications occur. These miscommunications can often result in heartache, with behavior problems developed and unresolved, a worsening in quality of life due to undesirable behaviors and the inability to co-exist peacefully. Frustration, stress and deep disappointment are often experienced as the special relationship hoped and yearned for is sadly missed.

The tragedy of these misguided relationships is that often they could have been transformed into the harmonious and enriching relationship that was originally sought.

My mission is to help prevent these tragedies from occurring and to help create that special bond between people and their dogs. Along with a natural intuition and ability, I have devoted myself to the study, techniques and experiences most effective in attaining true communication with our dogs.

In addition to training as well as preventing and resolving behavior problems in your dog I also help you to attain the ability of understanding and communicating with your dog. All clients are active participants in the training process and are taught how to effectively communicate with their dogs and are very much involved in the training of their dog. With the knowledge of effective communication gained the foundation is laid for the path to attaining that truly deep and special bond between you and your dog. Through training, we can unlock your dog's true potential.

CREDENTIALS

* Christina Shusterich, BA, CBC is a fully certified Animal Trainer, Canine Behavior Counselor and Behavior Specialist who along with a natural intuition and ability has devoted herself to the study, techniques and experiences most effective in understanding, training and resolving behavior problems in animals and to helping people to effectively communicate with their animals.
* She received her BA in Psychology from Queens College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. Her degree reflects a mastery and understanding of the scientific, psychological techniques employed in behavior modification and classical and operant conditioning, techniques essential to humane animal training and to the understanding and treatment of behavior problems in animals.
* She received her certification as an Animal Trainer, Canine Behavior Counselor and Behavior Specialist through the Animal Behavior Center of New York. She is a Member of the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Association of Pet Dog Trainers Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors
* Ms. Shusterich is an American Kennel Club registered evaluator and administrator of their Canine Good Citizen Test. She is also a devoted shelter volunteer and continues to work with shelter groups to help alleviate the behavior problems that can occur in the shelter setting.
* Years of experience as a trainer, as an American Kennel Club evaluator and as a devoted shelter volunteer have given her an expertise with virtually every breed.
* Christina appeared on the TV show "Inside Edition" as a Dog Behavior Expert for their story on "The Secret Lives of Pets" which aired 11/18/04 and again in August, 2005.
* Christina and NY Clever K9 featured as a top story in the newsweekly The Queens Chronicle Central Queens Edition on August 25, 2005. To view article, go to: Queens Chronicle 2005
* NY Clever K9/"Dog Whisperer" Christina Shusterich named in Best of Queens 2006 Queens Tribune. To view, go to: http://www.queenstribune.com/guides/2006_BestOfQueens/people/index.htm.
* Christina named "Trainer Extraordinaire" in Best of Queens 2007 Queens Tribune. To view go to: http://www.queenstribune.com/guides/2007_BestOfQueens/people/index.htm
* Christina's letter to the editor against Breed Specific Legislation and a proposed Pit Bull ban published by the
NY Daily News on 1/8/07 and the Queens Chronicle on 1/11/07, to view go to: Against Pit Bull Ban
* Christina's article/case history on the treatment of Stranger Phobia in a Beagle published by the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors.
* Ms. Shusterich's article "8 Ways to Soothe Separation Anxiety" was published nationally by Animal Wellness Magazine in their August/September 2007 issue

METHODS

The techniques employed are those of the proven and humane psychological methods of behavior modification, operant conditioning and classical conditioning. Training is off lead, positive and reward based, reinforcers are used to encourage desirable behavior and the methods of extinction and reinforcement of incompatible behaviors and are used to eliminate undesirable behavior. Training is an active learning process on the part of the dog as well as the client. Physical prompting and punishers are NEVER used.

Ms. Shusterich has found that her understanding and knowledge of human psychology and treatment for human psychological disorders very valuable in her treatment of behavior problems in dogs as many of the behavior disturbances of dogs are framed and understood in human psychological terms, as well as treated by the same psychological methods. For example, obsessive-compulsive disorder is diagnosed in dogs as well as humans; the treatment for separation anxiety disorder in dogs is systematic desensitization, the same technique used for treating humans with severe phobias.

SERVICES
All Breeds, Ages, Disabilities/Challenges in Dog or Owner

* Private, In and Out Home Training
* Basic & Advanced Obedience Training Tailored to Each Dog
* Evaluations/Behavioral Assessments
* Treatment of Problem and Abnormal Behaviors
* Specializing in Resolving Difficulties in Apartment/Tenant Living
* Pre-Purchase/Pre-Adoption Counseling
* New Baby to Home Counseling
* Quality Of Life Counseling
* American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test

Private, In and Out Home Training
Dogs learn and act differently in different contexts. Training takes place within the home where the behaviors are to be learned or eliminated rather than an artificial setting that the dog does not inhabit. The proper set up of your home is also included. Training also takes place outside of the home as part of your daily life (e.g. walking, eliminating, playing etc.) again where it is natural and needed.
Obedience Training Tailored to Each Dog
All obedience training is off lead, consists of every essential command and is tailored to each individual dog. Housetraining, the proper set up of your home, handouts, ways to prevent behavior problems from developing and guidelines for the total well being of your dog are also included.
Basic Obedience Training
In addition to the above, the Basic Tier consists of 15 commands and includes: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Controlled Walking with Auto sits, Off, Quiet, Leave it, Give, Take it. Basic Obedience consists of five 1-hour sessions with you and your dog. Includes housetraining and treatment of problem behaviors such as jumping, excessive mouthing and destructiveness as well as the proper set up of your home and ways to prevent behavior problems from developing.
Advanced Obedience Training
Follows the Basic Obedience course. The Advanced Obedience Tier of commands includes: Review of Basic Obedience with distractions, Go to Place, Inside/Outside, Stand, Back up, Heel, Bring the toy/remote/anything else; Tricks include Bow, Circle, Handshake, High Five and Rollover. This Tier can be geared with a focus towards further learning in the Obedience or Agility show ring. Advanced Obedience consists of five 1-hour sessions with you and your dog.
Evaluations/Behavioral Assessments
A compassionate and diagnostic evaluation of your dog's behavior problems and treatment options.
Treatment of Problem and Abnormal Behaviors
An assessment, diagnosis and treatment program for all problem and abnormal behaviors including treatment of all types of dog aggression, all fears and anxieties including separation anxiety and all phobias. Number of sessions can vary based on the severity of the problem. Clients are given a through understanding of the problem behavior, its causes and actively participate in the treatment program.
Specializing in Resolving Difficulties in Apartment/Tenant Living
Including those due to aggression, excessive barking, separation anxiety
Counseling Services
Pre-Purchase/Pre-Adoption Counseling
Includes: Selecting the right dog for you and your lifestyle including assessing the breed, exercise requirements and temperament of your potential dog; Deciding whether to purchase or adopt and where to do so; What age should puppy or dog be when acquiring; The critical questions to ask when purchasing or adopting; How to assess a puppy or dog and the environment you view it in. Also includes: Preparing your home and family for your new puppy or dog including housetraining and crate training, easing the transition and how to help prevent behavior problems from developing.
New Baby to Home Counseling
How to prepare your dog and home for baby's arrival; How to introduce baby to dog; Maintaining a smooth adjustment for all.
Quality of Life Counseling
A compassionate behavioral evaluation of your dog's functioning, discussion of options and provision of resources available.
American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test
Inexpensive and open to all breeds. A test of your dog's good manners and training. Upon passing, receive official certification of your dog as a Canine Good Citizen from the American Kennel Club.