When Amy's book came out, the New York Times gave it a great review. Then the Times published Amy's lighthearted article about what she learned, following the trainers around at Moorpark, that helped her get over nagging her husband and improved their relationship: "What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage." Wow, what a huge media reaction! One reporter told me that Amy "shocked the entire world."
Humans
Troubled Teens and Shelter Dogs Find Their Way Together
By KPCT on 06/01/2006During the summer of 2004, 16-year-old Lia of Camas, WA, was in trouble. She was on probation, had a social worker watching over her, and had to serve community service hours for an assault conviction. With no goals for her future, Lia figured she would join the Marines when she graduated from high school. It only took three weeks in August for everything to change.
Will You, Won't You, Will You Dance with Me?
By Gale Pryor on 01/01/2006Whether you know it as canine freestyle or heelwork to music—or you've never heard of this new dog sport at all—the time has come to dance with our dogs.
Poisoning the Process
By Lynn Loar on 08/01/2005A trainer can poison the process of learning without poisoning individual cues (that is, despite using positive reinforcement exclusively). This comes about unwittingly—and ironically—because of the trainer's expertise, focus, and purposefulness.
SHIP for Battered Mothers and their Children
By KPCT on 06/01/2005The six mothers and their 15 children are housed in a transitional living apartment complex for battered women. In many ways, these are the "lucky" families. These courageous women have made the difficult decision to leave their abusive partners. They have spent up to 30 days at the battered women's shelter and, subsequently, have made the even more difficult decision to not return home—ever. In seeking a safer life for themselves and their children, they live in TLP, the Transitional Living Project, run by the Greater Cincinnati YWCA. For up to two years the women are offered job counseling, employment support, skills training, and therapy groups.
