How To Prevent or Address Dog Bites
Ever get bitten by a dog and now can't stand being near them? Ever had your dog bite someone and had to consider taking it to the pound? Today's show is about educating the public on dog bite prevention and how this can contribute to less dogs being taken to the pound. Our guests that will shed some light on this topic are: Teresa Lewin, an animal behavior specialist of over 20 years and co-founder of Doggone Safe and recording artist & song writer Kaylin Roberson, also spokesperson for DogGone Safe.
BIO:
Teresa Lewin
Teresa Lewin has had a lifelong interest in animal behavior. While other kids were riding their bikes and playing hopscotch Teresa was training dogs and horses. She has over 20 years experience in the field of animal behavior and training. Teresa has attended many lectures, seminars and university courses and was mentored through her education by Dr Ed Bailey, noted Canadian animal behaviorist. She has trained puppies, pet dogs, tracking dogs, protection dogs and service dogs. In her consulting practice Teresa specializes in rehabilitating problem dogs, particularly those with aggression and anxiety issues. Her approach with these cases is to identify the root cause of the problem and then to apply a behavior modification plan that addresses the emotional state of the dog. Positive reinforcement is used in these cases and in all Teresa’s training. Dogs learn to be less fearful, anxious and/or aggressive and become happier, safer family members. Teresa’s interest and understanding of dog behavior and her work with aggressive dogs led her to begin volunteer dog bite prevention seminars for children. These were designed to empower children to make safer choices in their interactions with dogs by giving them insight into the signals that dogs send using body language. Teresa has been a guest lecturer at several colleges and at the University of Guelph and her articles have appeared in the CAPPDT and ADPT newsletters.
Teresa is co-inventor, along with scientist Joan Orr, of the bite prevention board game Doggone Crazy! This game provides a fun and interactive way for children to learn about dog communication and how to act safely around dogs that will hopefully take the bite prevention message to many children and families.
Teresa is a pioneer in the field of rabbit clicker training and uses positive reinforcement techniques to modify bunny behaviour so that rescued bunnies can be more adoptable. She has co-authored a feature article for the 2005 issue of Rabbits USA on the topic of Rabbit clicker training and is co-author of a book on the same subject to be released in the spring of 2005 - Getting Started: Clicker Training Your Small Pet.
Kaylin Roberson
At the age of 15, Kaylin is well on her way to fulfilling her dreams of stardom. Dreams that were almost taken away when at only 9 years old, she was viciously attacked by a dog, resulting in reconstructive facial surgery. Kaylin has somehow turned tragedy into triumph and wants dog bite victims and other victims of life tragedies to know that they are not alone and that they can come back strong.
From the beginning of her career, Kaylin has been a force to be reckoned with, singing a Miley Cyrus song, at only 9 years old she placed 20th in a contest with thousands of entries. Proving herself more than capable in front of the camera, Kaylin surpassed the third round of the XFactor and the 2nd and 3rd rounds of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and The Winner Is, respectively. A talented performer, Kaylin also writes her own songs. She has written a song called "Life Must Go On" that gives hope and inspiration to other dog bite victims.
Kaylin currently attends a charter school for the arts where she is seeking an endorsement in musical theatre. A true triple threat, Kaylin’s talent is matched only by her hard work and ambition.