Laurie Luck shares her experience as a CTP and as a KPA faculty member.
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Laurie Luck will lead the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) programs in St. Louis, Missouri and Washington D.C. We met with Laurie and asked her about her career as a trainer!
Q: How has graduating from the Dog Trainer Professional program and becoming a KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP) changed your life?
A: Becoming a CTP has opened doors for me professionally. Veterinarians recognize the depth of knowledge imparted by the program. They are confident that the CTP designation indicates a quality trainer who understands the science and can work with people, including the veterinarian, for the best outcome for the dog. As for how it has changed my life, before I became a CTP, I knew about and understood the basic tenets of clicker training. I had read Don’t Shoot the Dog multiple times. However, it wasn’t until I graduated from the DTP program that all those pieces fit together, and I had a deeper, more robust understanding of the underlying science.
Q: Can you give an example of how the KPA community has helped you with referrals or connections?
A: The KPA community is vast and diverse. I’ve met neurologists, marine mammal trainers, emergency room nurses, and professional entertainers! Each of these people brings his or her own special talent and knowledge to the field. It’s an amazing experience to learn from and interact with them all.
