Meet our new dog behaviorist at Holly Ridge Manor

How many of you can say "sit" no more than twice and have your dog comply without a food reward? Can you give food to your dog without it being rough, or aggressive? Can you take food away when you need to without your dog showing signs of aggression? When your dog greets you, do they sit to show you respect?

If any of those answers are no, then please allow us to formally introduce to you our behaviorist Kelli Smith! We have welcomed her with open arms and we hope you do as well. She is here to help guide us and you as well if you request her services. Please take a moment to read Kelli's Bio to learn more about Kelli and what she has to offer.

Kelly's Bio

I am originally from Springfield, Il. I moved to Va. Beach 5 years ago. I have always had a love for all animals. Especially dogs; and I seem to have a gift with them as well.

I remember when I was 10, my grandparents taking me with them to some friend's house. They had 2 chows in a 3 ft. fenced in yard. We were all told that those dogs were vicious with anyone other than the people that lived there and to just leave them alone. Of course I didn't listen. While the adults were talking I wandered over to the fence. The dogs didn't even bark at me. I moved in closer and let the dogs smell my hands through the fence and soon began petting the dogs. About that time the owner turned around and couldn't believe his eyes. He said," Those dogs have never welcomed a stranger before and especially don't like children"! Still not intimidated, I asked if I could go into the yard with them and he agreed. I went in and petted them some more and soon they were my buddies! Everyone watching was amazed!

Since then, I have owned and trained several dogs over the years. About four years ago I decided to finally live out my passion: Dog Behavior.

I began attending school at the Animal Behavioral College working towards my obedience trainer certification. During that time I worked at a doggie Daycare facility/Vet. so I could get a hands on approach with the things I was learning at school. Within 8 months I was promoted to supervisor yet I continued to work 90% of my time in daycare learning from the dogs. I soon realized that an obedience trainer certification wasn't enough. I still had a lot of unanswered questions that weren't answered through that program. Although you can teach a dog obedience cues they still weren't balanced dogs. Some dogs had fears and some had aggressions. This is when I discovered the difference between a trainer and a behaviorist.

As a trainer I could teach cues like down, sit, stay and come. I could even resolve some behavior problems like jumping, nipping, excessive barking, etc. But as a behaviorist, I am able to understand the root of the problem not just the symptom (jumping, barking, nipping etc.) As a behaviorist I am now able to help dogs regain balance.

During the time I was working there I was fortunate enough to meet the founders of "Forever Home Animal Sanctuary". The sanctuary is an organization dedicated not only preserving life of dogs but their mental wellbeing also. They assist in several local rescue groups taking in dogs that are deemed unadoptable because of behavior issues. They then rehabilitate them and re-home them. I worked with them for over a year before moving on. While working there I learned that my education will never be complete. My thirst for knowledge will never be quenched. I am dedicated not in trying to make dogs understand humans, but to understand their language and how they communicate to us.

I look forward to working as a Behaviorist for Holly Ridge Manor. I believe we can all look forward to a world with our pack being more balanced and happy.

Thank you for your continuing support.
For more information please contact the
Daycare office at 757-721-7829 or email us at
yourpetsactivitycenter@verizon.net

Best of Virginia Beach Reader's Choice Award 2011

Meet our new dog behaviorist at Holly Ridge Manor

Kelly's Bio

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