The Brain of the Cat: Are We Ruining Them Because We Don't Understand Them?
When do kittens learn who they are? Is a cat's disposition more from his mom or his dad? Are there strategies we can use to help cats grow up happy? Why do behavior issues come up and what can we do to help or prevent them? Let's explore how cats think with Debbie Martin, licensed veterinary technician and specialist in behavior and see what we can do to help our cats be happy.
BIO:
Debbie Martin CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, LVT, VTS (Behavior)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Faculty Emeritus, Licensed Veterinary Technician, and Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior.
Debbie received a Bachelor of Science degree in human ecology from The Ohio State University and an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology from Columbus State Community College. She has been a fulltime registered/licensed veterinary technician since 1996 and worked in private practice for over 14 years. Since 2005 Debbie has been the animal behavior technician for Veterinary Behavior Consultations, LLC. She assists Kenneth Martin, DVM, DACVB during in-home behavior consultations.
Debbie is the co-owner of TEAM Education in Animal Behavior, LLC, a business focused on providing education on humane training and behavior modification and fostering collaboration between various animal behavior professions.
She is a contributing author and co-editor of the textbook, Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses by Wiley-Blackwell. In 2009, Debbie and Dr. Martin wrote a book on normal development and training in dogs; Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog. In August of 2012 through Karen Pryor Academy, Debbie and Ken Martin launched the Puppy Start Right Instructors Course. The course provides not only the thorough knowledge necessary to provide puppy socialization classes, but also a complete curriculum with supplemental materials.
Her combined experience in general practice and behavior specialty has fueled her passion for preventive behavior medicine and the Fear Free? initiative. Debbie is honored to be representing veterinary technicians on the Fear Free executive council.