I have had dogs personally and cared for others' cats and small animals (guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, reptiles, etc.) from a very young age. More importantly, I also have 10 years of experience working at an animal shelter, during which time I have cared for thousands of animals. I have worked with nationally recognized and certified positive reinforcement trainers, and am a big proponent of positive reinforcement when it comes to caring for any animal. In my time working at an animal shelter, I have worked directly with animals with all sorts of behavioral issues: aggression, reactivity, fear, separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, rambunctious behavior, under-socialized, you name it! My own dog, who is now nearly 8, has gone through countless training classes with me as well. I have worked specifically in puppy and kitten socialization, have fostered many ill or young animals until they are ready for adoption, and have a whole wealth of knowledge around animal behavior, training, and health (not to mention lots of friends and contacts in the pet care industry)!