Alyssa has been working professionally with animals for
the past 1
9 years.  Eight years ago her varied experiences
led her to a career in dog training and applied animal
behavior.  She started her own business so that she could
create flexible training plans to meet the diverse needs of
her clients and their pets. She is a
Certified Pet Dog
Trainer (CPDT) and holds a Bachelors degree in animal
behavior and pre-veterinary medicine
and a Master's
degree in behavioral neuroendocrinology.
Some of her favorite experiences have included:
Conducting research on hormones in dogs at Smith College
Studying evolutionary behavior with Ray Coppinger at Hampshire College
Wildlife rehabilitation and reintroduction in Hingham, MA
Designing children's education programs at the Sacramento Zoo, CA
Sheep herding and sustainable farming in Amherst, MA
Horse farm management and riding lessons in Waterville, VT
Adoption counselor at the MSPCA Animal Shelter in Springfield, MA
Alyssa lives in Northampton, MA with her husband, Pete and her two furry
companions, Ronin and Butter.  Her other pursuits have included competing
nationally as a professional rock climber, running marathons, anything athletic
outdoors, traveling the countryside and the world, and spending time with family and
friends.

Alyssa volunteers her time teaching dog safety to children in grades K-3 in local
area schools.  She remains current in the world of dog training and animal behavior
by regularly attending seminars and conferences taught by the leading experts from
around the world.  Her schedule for 2008/9 includes the following seminars and
persuits:
'Canine behavior problems: recognition to resolution' with Pat Miller and  
                Sarah Kalnajs
'Housetraining: from the sublime to the absurd' with Jean Donaldson
'Separation anxiety' with Ken McCort
'Temperament testing for private behavior consultations' with Sue Sternberg
'Feline medical disorders that can affect behavior'
Master's thesis research at Smith College
Mentoring pet behavior and dog training apprentices
Butter
Pete and Ronin Chilin'
Ronin
Alyssa B. Ward, MS, CPDT
For questions or to schedule an appointment:
(413)587-9986    alyssa@friendlypettraining.com
Serving the greater Northampton, MA area
Tristan, the first dog I ever trained
Hiking and Bouldering
Can you guess which one is Alyssa?
Climbing on the professional circuit