Earlier this week a client asked me how I got into this profession. So here is a brief explanation of my journey.
I started training in 1992 with 4H dog obedience competitions. From there I studied to work in zoos. I volunteered at the Henry Doorly Zoo in high school.
I received my Bachelors Degree in Animal Ecology w/ a minor in Biology from Iowa State University.
In 2006 I started working at the Kangaroo Conservation Center where I eventually became a lead keeper. At the Kangaroo Conservation Center I met and learned from some great animal trainers.
Eventually we wanted to move back to the Midwest where I found a job as a zookeeper at Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kansas.
In 2010 I began teaching group classes for basic dog obedience with the Garden City Recreation Commission and Garden City Veterinary Clinic.
In 2011 my day job changed from being a zookeeper to being a zoo educator bringing animal ambassadors to schools and other organizations for learning experiences. Eventually I became the Curator of Education.
But I missed training dogs for our community. Our community needed help understanding their furry family members and I chose to help fill that need. This was when I chose to start Buchman Bestial Behaviors in January of 2018. Since the switch I have been happy to help more and more families in SWKS and surrounding states with positive reinforcement methods. From basic obedience, puppy training, and reactive animals that need a more gentle touch.
If you have any questions, would like to know more about positive reinforcement training, or anything else related to animals and animal behavior just drop me a message or leave a comment.