NEW YORK – February 10, 2007 – Kellyann Conway and Traci Theis were selected as co-winners of the 2006 Outstanding Trainer of the Year Award, sponsored by Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.®, at the Dogs In Review’s 52nd Annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards – in New York during Westminster Dog Show festivities.
The 2006 Outstanding Trainer of the Year Award, presented by Comfort Zone with D.A.P., recognizes a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers who exemplifies the APDT spirit through training of dogs as demonstrated by meeting a variety of requirements set forth by the Awards Committee.
This year’s co-winners were chosen both for their work to advance the education of pet parents on behavior and training techniques and for their work with PetsIncredible, a company that produces training DVDs for shelters to provide to their pet adopters.
Kellyann Conway began training in 1986 and teaches using reward based training methods to attain a strong desire for achievement from both the pet and pet parent. She believes that educating pet parents through the use of reward based techniques has really improved people’s attitudes and enthusiasm for training their pets. Kellyann currently sits on the Board of Directors and is the Treasurer for the APDT and she also advises the APDT’s sponsorship program. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Cynology College. Kellyann is a clinical member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and has achieved the designation of Certified Animal Behavior Consultant. She was among the first trainers in the country to pass the Council for Certified Pet Dog Trainers test that was first offered in 2001. Kellyann is the Director of Animal Training and Behavior for PetsIncredible and shares her home with three very cool dogs; Kuma, Gazoo and Nemo.
Traci Theis has more than 13 years experience training shelter animals, pet adopters, shelter staff and volunteers at the Humane Society of Pinellas in Clearwater, Fla. Over the years she has served as an advisor on behavior and training to the executive director, shelter manager and veterinarian and has developed many of the shelter’s adoption and behavior procedures and programs. Traci has counseled many pet parents in the community through problem-solving workshops and the shelter’s Behavior Helpline. Recently, she founded the Animal Behavior Council which will help the shelter develop a comprehensive plan of care to ensure behavioral and physical needs of all the animals are being met. As a member of the APDT, she strives to continue her education by attending professional conferences and workshops. Traci is the Director of Shelter Relations and a trainer for PetsIncredible and shares her home with four dogs.
Comfort Zone with D.A.P. is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the natural appeasing pheromone released by the lactating female to reassure her puppies. The pheromone therapy helps to reduce symptoms of fear that include: barking, house soiling, whining, whimpering and destructive behaviors. It also helps comfort dogs that are newly adopted, moving to new homes, adjusting to new pets, visitors and environments, or those frightened of thunderstorms and fireworks.
For information about Comfort Zone with D.A.P. for dogs or Comfort Zone® with Feliway® for cats visit www.petcomfortzone.com or in the U.S., call toll free at (800) 234-2269, direct at (602) 285-1660.
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D.A.P.® is a registered trademark of CEVA Santé Animale
Feliway® is a registered trademark of CEVA Santé Animale
Photo Caption: Pictured left to right, Traci Theis, Kim Nguyen and Kellyann Conwa
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