Alyssa has been working professionally with animals for
the past 20 years. Ten 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.
the past 20 years. Ten 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 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 included the following seminars and
persuits:
Sarah Kalnajs
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 included the following seminars and
persuits:
| 'Canine behavior problems: recognition to resolution' with Pat Miller and |
| '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
Ronin
| 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
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Alyssa B. Ward, MS, CPDT
