Taking the Pet Out of Petrified and Pet Care
I won’t pretend to understand what a dog or cat feels when it goes to the veterinarian or groomer but for some pets visions of space aliens conducting medical experiments and water boarding might be close. As pet care givers we try to coo our furry charges into believing that it is for their own good and to be brave. But if you have ever broken out in a sweat at the thought of going to the dentist for a root canal, you know that all the cajoling in the world just doesn’t cut it.
Debbie Martin, a Licensed Veterinary Technician is today’s guest. She is one of only 14 veterinary technicians to earn her specialty status in behavior. We will discuss how you can insure that your pet will receive the best care by learning how to recognize and reduce fear, stress and anxiety.
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.