An internationally sought after speaker and bestselling author, Shannon has been a pet lover all her life and a dog trainer for over 30 years. She has spent her life observing, caring for and training animals of all kinds. She spoke at Pet Professional Guilds Geek Week Australia in 2021, has worked in the Bird Department at Marine World Africa USA, and worked as a handler and trainer for an African Serval Cat at Safari West, a private zoo in Santa Rosa, California. She has participated in behavior studies including observations of bald eagles and addax antelope through the San Francisco Zoo and Safari West. Her education includes a Biology Degree, specializing in Zoology from Sonoma State. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Shannon created Truly Force Free Animal Training in 2015 so that anyone, anywhere could have access to force free, positive reinforcement animal training. In 2018, Shannon published “The Evolution of Dog Training” available in audio, print and Ebook. Shannon created, The Backyard Pet Talk Podcast, for pet lovers! Whether you are a professional in the animal field or a pet parent this podcast is for you! Do you have a question about training your dog? Here’s your chance to ask Shannon at no cost! Submit your question here and Shannon will answer this during our next Ask The Animal Trainer YouTube LIVE! Shannon was interviewed by Bloom TV with Gayle Guyardo and Daytime TV with Maggie Rodriguez Shannon’s dog training philosophy revolves around force free, positive reinforcement, however, her ultimate goal is for healthy happy relationships between pets and their people. Diet, exercise, environment and training all play a significant role in achieving this goal. Shannon spent many years as the head dog trainer for PAWS for Healing, a pet assisted therapy organization. She performed temperament testing and assisted in the training of therapy dogs who visited hospitals, veteran groups, special educational facilities and convalescent homes. She believes strongly in the benefits of developing the human animal bond and can assist in coaching for pets and their human companions to develop that connection. Shannon is a past President for the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians, an Allied Industry Member of Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and sponsor of California Registered Veterinary Technician Association.