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Heidi Palmer McNeil, CTC, CPDT, and her husband, Bart, live with their Poodle Colby, and cat Cumby, in Saunderstown. Their 12 year old Beagle, Buster, passed away in March '09 -- it's awfully quiet without all of his "ooofing" all the time! Heidi and Colby are certified Delta Society Pet Partners and can visit hospitals and nursing homes! Academics and Certification Heidi went to the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers and studied under leading thinkers in positive reinforcement training methods including Jean Donaldson, author of Culture Clash. Heidi received her Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC). In 2004, Heidi was the first in Rhode Island to be nationally certified as a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT). She is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, an organization of dog trainers committed to the use of positive and humane dog training methods. Heidi is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Heidi is a certified Delta Society Pet Partner Team Evaluator. Heidi is a graduate of Barrington High School and Providence College.
Non-Profit Work Heidi is currently President of the South Kingstown Dog Park Association (SKDPA). SKDPA is raising money to continue the development of the new dog park in South Kingstown, off of Broad Rock Rd. Please visit the resources page here to learn how you can help! Heidi has also worked with the Providence Animal Rescue League and Defenders of Animals to evaluate the behavior of rescue dogs and to increase their adoptability. Previous Career Prior to becoming a dog trainer, Heidi spent 20 years in high-tech marketing and public relations. (Which just goes to prove that you CAN leave the corporate rat-race and do what you love!) |
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