In Consuelo’s course of study, Karen Pryor’s name was mentioned often. Coincidentally and concurrently, Consuelo began to work for an animal-protection organization that specialized in cases of illegal wildlife trade. “After cooperating with the government to rescue a lion from a circus, I was lucky enough to be part of the delegation that took him to a lion sanctuary in South Africa. I spent a year there working in rescue centers for lions.” Consuelo realized that she wanted to pursue a career in animal behavior and training, but she did not know where to start. Animal behavior and training was just emerging as a subject of study and interest in Consuelo’s home country of Chile. “While I was living in Johannesburg, I attended several workshops about animal training. It was a tremendous surprise when I found out that the Karen Pryor referenced in my diploma program was alive—and that she had founded an academy for professional trainers in the United States.”

Consuelo began the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program’s World course in 2011. In 2012, she traveled to Sequim, Washington, USA, to complete the hands-on part of the program. “I worked with the best coach/mentor that anyone could have: Terry Ryan.” Consuelo’s trip covered several intense and full weeks. She also attended Terry Ryan’s famous Chicken Camp!

The most enriching part of the DTP program for Consuelo was the emphasis placed on training skills for working successfully with human students. “I had always noticed that there are many animal training programs, but very few that focus on applying the concepts of positive reinforcement with clients.” Consuelo found TAGteach to be very powerful. “It gave me an in-depth perspective of how trainers should interact with clients. Just as we would do with an animal of any species, we need to identify what the student is good at, train one criterion at a time, divide the task into small steps, and raise the standard in such a way that the student continues to be successful and can be reinforced.”

Consuelo believes that the KPA style of learning influenced her significantly because of instruction she had experienced in the past. “I had instructors who, despite being excellent animal trainers, were completely oblivious to how aversive their teaching methods were.” Her memories helped Consuelo “understand firsthand how punishment can impact behavior in a devastating manner—and actually stop you from learning.” Recalling her workshop assessment with Terry Ryan, Consuelo says, “When I had to do the five-behavior chain, I was anxious and scared because I was carrying previous experiences on my back. But Terry took me away from the group, identified what I was doing well, however small that was, reinforced me, and helped me regain my confidence. With that confidence came the motivation to finish my exam.” That assessment with Terry was “one of the most significant learning experiences I have had. Every time I have a human student and his or her dog partner in front of me, I remember that moment and try to replicate it.”

Consuelo believes that KPA’s “internationally recognized seal of excellence” has had the biggest impact on her professional work. “I do not know of any other dog training program with such a level of scientific rigor or more qualified and experienced faculty members and highly prepared graduate students,” she says. Consuelo has found that KPA “opens doors wherever you go.” Although she emphasizes that she still has so much to learn, Consuelo says, “I am confident that I have an educational foundation that I could not have earned anywhere else. I am proud to be part of the KPA community and I am fortunate to have had opportunity to study with and learn from the best in the field.”