ABC
Dog Obedience Instruction Program
Canadian Student of the Month
October 2014

Tracy Hamilton

Animal Behavior College’s soon-to-be graduate Tracy Hamilton lives in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada, on Vancouver Island. She trains part-time at Cedar Ridge Canine while working at Little Rascals Pets and Supplies in Ladysmith, British Columbia. Tracy said her plate is pretty full, but that doesn’t stop her from hiking. “Don’t worry. I still manage to get in a good hike each week with a few fellow dog lovers,” she said. Tracy has wanted to work with animals her whole life. As a youngster, she wanted to be a marine biologist, but when she realized she wasn’t that good at science, Tracy went back to the drawing board. After researching on the Internet, she came across Animal Behavior College and the rest “is history.”

• What has been your most rewarding moment during your externship?

I think one of my most rewarding moments was when I finally realized how confident I was when it came to instructing classes. I always knew how good I was with dogs, but didn’t fully realize until I worked the kennels in the SPCA for a while.

• Describe one pet story that touched you the most during your volunteer hours.

During my volunteer hours, I had the joy of working with a Cane Corso that didn’t do well around strangers. She was a very large dog and quick to react. My most memorable moment was when I came in to work with her. We had been working a lot on no jumping up, as she was a big girl. She would run at me then do a sliding stop on her back so I could rub her belly. Nothing but dust, jowls and slobber; she was so thrilled to see me. I plan on continuing to volunteer in the future.

• What are your plans for dog training? Do you want to specialize in a particular type of training?

I feel like I have a good connection with dogs that tend to have a more difficult time in life. My largest goal in life is to run a rescue/rehab center. I would love to continue my career working with the more difficult breeds and can really see myself doing well with aggressive dogs.

• What has your experience been like in the ABC Dog Obedience Program?

I have really enjoyed my whole experience with Animal Behavior College from the knowledge in the book material to the staff that has really helped to keep me on track as much as possible, understanding life tends to get in the way, to the great Mentor Trainer they found for me. I would fully recommend ABC to anyone considering getting their dog training certification.

• Which dog breed best describes you and why?

I am like a Border Collie. I will work myself crazy to be sure everyone is happy. I don’t think I could have done this program without any of the people I have worked with in the past year. They have really made this much easier on me than it could have been.