Karen Pryor Academy Welcomes Faculty Member Laurie Luck

Waltham, MA, October 27, 2008-Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (KPA) is pleased to welcome Laurie Luck to the KPA faculty.

In 2001, Luck founded Smart Dog University, offering group courses, workshops, and private in-home coaching for pet owners. Luck holds a master's degree in psychology from George Mason University, served as president of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. She is a Delta Certified Pet Partner and offers community outreach through Your Dog's Friend and Reading Education Assistant Dogs. Luck became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner in January, 2008, when she graduated from the Dog Trainer Program. Based on her outstanding performance in the program and the depth of her experience, Luck was invited to join the KPA faculty 10 months after graduation.

"I wanted to become a KPA faculty member because I believe in the quality of the program," said Luck. "I'd been searching for a way to introduce others to the positive clicker training philosophy for quite some time. I am committed to clicker training and feel that it is the absolute easiest and fastest way to teach our dogs what we'd like them to do. So I jumped at the chance to join Karen Pryor Academy."

Luck's experience as a KPA student provides unique insight to the curriculum she now teaches as a faculty member. "I've had firsthand experience with every piece of material-every video, every assignment, every facet of the course-from the student's perspective. I've had to teach my dog everything the students have to teach their dogs. So my frustrations and successes will aid me in my approach to teaching the material. I can share my successful trials (and my not-so-successful trials) with students, showing that I've been in their shoes, that I've experienced similar thrills and frustrations-and that I made it!"

Luck's first Dog Trainer Program series begins January, 2009, in Columbia, Maryland. KPA is now accepting applications for Luck's first program and plans to offer another beginning in March, 2009.

Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior is an innovative institution committed to educating, certifying, and promoting the next generation of animal trainers. World-renowned trainer, author, and behavioral biologist Karen Pryor is a pioneer of force-free training technology. Pryor launched the Dog Trainer Program to ensure that pet owners and their dogs have access to top-tier training delivered by superlative teachers. "Our graduates are not only skilled trainers, they are excellent teachers," said Pryor. "Laurie Luck is a prime example. We're thrilled to have her as a faculty member."

To see an international list of certified dog trainers visit www.greatdogtrainers.com or call 800-472-5425 to locate the trainer nearest you. For more information on Karen Pryor Academy, visit www.karenpryoracademy.com.