 LISA MULLINAX, CPDT-KSA
CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL TRAINER: Knowledge & Skills Assessed
BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST
Dogs have always been a strong presence in Lisa's life. From the hunting dogs on her grandparents' farm to the multitude of family pets, Lisa has always had a special bond with the dogs who have passed through her life.
However, Lisa didn't enter the world of dog behavior until she found herself seeking help for a very special dog. Mac had exhibited serious aggression toward strangers and dogs. After aversive methods not only failed but escalated Mac's aggressive behavior, Lisa turned to reward-based methods and saw fast results.
It is because of that experience, her continued education, and the success she has achieved with the many dogs she has worked with that Lisa is committed to reward-based training. Her experience also gives her a rare sense of compassion for the human end of the dog training equation, as well as the dogs they live with.
Lisa is the only trainer in Sacramento to hold a dual certification through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, upholding the standards set forth by the organization, including a commitment to continuing education with some of the top experts in the industry.
EXPERIENCE
Photo by E. Delgado 2012 |
Lisa first entered the world of training in 2000, apprenticing under popular Sacramento trainer, Angie Neal. She has since attended over 250 hours of continuing education seminars, learning from the top experts in the industry. Lisa has worked with thousands of dogs and over 150 breeds, providing behavior consultation and teaching group classes for puppies and adult dogs, including basic and advanced obedience and tricks.
Serving as an expert witness in legal cases, Lisa offers behavior evaluations, legal declarations and court testimony in Sacramento and Placer Counties.
Lisa donates her time to local rescue groups, providing temperament testing and training assistance whenever needed.
CERTIFICATION AND MEMBERSHIPS
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LISA'S DOGS |
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PARKER MALONE
Parker is a rescue Border Collie who Lisa found through Petfinder.com in 2004. Providing many training challenges for Lisa over the years, Parker has proven to be both an excellent student and teacher.
Parker demonstrates class exercises (and provides comic relief) and helps out during private lessons. Lisa and Parker have given presentations to local elementary schools to teach children dog safety and bite prevention.
Parker earned his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification in 2006. He and Lisa have competed in Disc Dog and Dock Diving sports in the past. |
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THE GREATEST TEACHERS - GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN |
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DUGAN 2003-2004
Dugan was a very special Great Dane/Coonhound mix that was adopted by Lisa when he was 6 months old. Dugan had never been socialized to more than a handful of people and had only lived with other dogs. For the first three months that he was with Lisa, he would not leave his crate or take food from her hand. With patience and positive methods, Dugan slowly began to trust Lisa more and even made enough progress to attend group training classes.
Sadly, Dugan died at the age of 15 months after a short but brave battle with cancer. |
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MAC 1993-2003
Smart, affectionate and a bit of clown, Mac was a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix and Lisa's "heart dog," the dog that changed everything.
Mac had exhibited serious aggression toward people and other dogs, which prompted Lisa to seek help from professional trainers. Punishment-based training, including the use of a shock collar, did nothing to curb his aggression, and it slowly got worse.
Finally, discovering a trainer that used reward-based training methods, Lisa and Mac made huge progress and were able to enjoy many years together without further problems.
It was because of Mac that Lisa discovered a passion for working with dogs and learning to help them become happier, more well-behaved family members. |
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ELROND 1977-1989
Lisa's very first dog, Elrond, was a Golden Retriever given to Lisa as a Christmas present.
Although he was the picture of a Golden personality, friendly toward dogs and people alike, he once protected Lisa and her mother from a would-be attacker near the American River trail.
Elrond was a wonderful companion and friend who will be forever missed. |
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