Sharonbio

Sharon Wirant, MA, ACAAB, CPDT-KA

Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist

Certified Pet Dog Trainer Sharon

Sharon has successfully trained dogs in agility, flyball and obedience for over 16 years. A strong interest in dog behavior and learning led Sharon to pursue and earn a Masters degree in Biological Sciences specializing in Animal Behavior. Both her undergraduate and graduate research focused on the behavior of female domestic dogs and was published in peer-reviewed, scientific journals. Sharon is one of 50 professionals to hold the unique certification as an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist with the Animal Behavior Society (see http://www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com/ for more information). Certification by the Animal Behavior Society demonstrates that Sharon meets the Society's educational, experiential and ethical criteria as an applied animal behaviorist. Sharon uses critical thinking skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and training experience to help resolve or significantly reduce behavior problems.

In addition, Sharon is the Chief Operating Officer at the Monadnock Humane Society where she oversees the the general care, medical needs, adoption of resident canines, felines and small animals and oversees operation of the training center, boarding and retail store. Sharon is also a Contract Trainer with the ASPCA® where she facilitates the SAFER^TM Aggression Assessment tool to organizations around the country. Recently, Sharon participated in the aggression assessment of Pit Bulls, Rottweillers, Wolf Hybrids and their respective crosses, for the U.S. Marine Corp in an effort to keep families and their pets together on base housing. Lastly, Sharon is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Certified SAFER^TM Assessor, Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and a Certified Masters level agility judge for the United States Dog Agility Association.

Sharon believes the key to a well-behaved pet is our understanding of canine communication in conjunction with clear, consistent expectations. Despite a rigorous scientific background, Sharon employs a fun, playful approach to most behavioral training needs. By combining sound science and the art of dog training using humane methods, she helps owners solve or manage their dogs' behavior problems while improving their relationship.

Outside of Sharon's educational pursuits, she trains and competes at the highest level of agility and regularly trains with top handlers, trainers and behaviorists. Zippy, her late lab mixed breed and first agility dog, was a Grand Prix Finalist, named to the USDAA Top 10 numerous times, and earned top agility titles. Darla, her 13-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, has also earned top titles, qualified for National events, and was named to the USDAA Top 10.

Sharon and her husband share their lives with 11 sheep and 6 dogs: Rizzo (chihuahua-x & MHS alum), Darla, Tinq and Killick (Jack Russell Terriers), Scooter (Border Collie/Jack Russell Terrier-x & MHS alum), and Zesty (Border Collie). All dogs of the Wirant pack participate in agility, terrier, and herding events. Sharon is available for private lessons to improve your agility, obedience, canine manners and behavior problem solving needs. Contact Sharon at 352-9011 x115 to schedule an appointment.

Member: Animal Behavior Society, Association of Pet Dog Trainers, International Society for Applied Ethologists

Continuing Education:

2008

ASPCA® Meet Your Match^TM Train-the-Trainer Using Humane Dialogue Workshop
Psychopharmacology for Small Animal Behavior Problems with Amy Marder, DVM, CAAB
Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behaviorists (Presented)
Handling Dangerous Dogs with Dee Ganley, New Hampshire SPCA

2007

APDT Conference, Portland, OR
Keeping the Peace with Fluffy and Fido: New Pets, Reactive Pets, and Multiple Pet Issues (University of Illinois)
SAFER^TM Assessment Certification Training (Erie SPCA)
New England Federation of Humane Societies (Presented)
Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behaviorists (Presented)

2006

The Biting Dog Conference
Shaping, Classical Conditioning and Cues with Jean Donaldson
New Perspective on Canine Behavior, Emotion & Training (Steve White & Patricia McConnell, PhD)
Every Dog's Different: Evolution, Cognition & Behavior with Ray Coppinger, PhD, Bruce Blumberg, PhD and Carolyn Barney, CPDT
The Learnt Dog with Bruce Blumberg, Harvard Extension School, Graduate credit
Defensive Handling with Sue Sternberg
The Bite-o-Meter with Sue Sternberg
Consultations Up Close & Personal with Pia Silvani
Aggression with John Rogerson
Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behaviorists (presented)
Aggression with Karen Overall
Veterinarians, Trainers & Shelters Working Together: Helping Good Dogs, Bad Dogs and Controversial Cats Conference (University of Illinois)
Behavior Intern at the Upper Valley Humane Society

2005

Cognitive Canine: Savant or Slacker with Bruce Blumberg, PhD, Harvard Extension School, Graduate credit
On Aggression with Pia Silvani
Shadow Behavior Intern, ASPCA, NY
Behavior Intern at the Upper Valley Humane Society

2004 and prior:

Evolution of Canines with Ray Coppinger, PhD
SAFER^TM Assessments with Emily Weiss, PhD
Dog-Dog Aggression with Sue Sternberg
Advanced Canine Behavior with Patricia McConnell, PhD
Clicker Workshops with Karen Pryor and Gary Wilkes