I believe animals are a gift from God. I was raised with animals and was taught to care for them. I worked as a veterinary assistant through high school and college. I have rescued and raised litters of kittens and puppies. At the present time I am helping with infant squirrels for "rescue and release". My children have been raised around many different types of animals. I do not believe in harness, and instead use reinforcement with words to set the boundaries and behavior patterns. I believe in close contact and touching when training animals.I respect they have natural instincts and are not reasoning the same way humans do. It is important not to force them into new situations and demand instant compliance. They need to survey the situation and let their instincts shift from ''flight or fight" to trust and safe compliance.Touching and low patient words bring direction to a confusing transition, weather expected or not expected.