The Animal Behavior Center
Lara Joseph
Professional Animal Behavior Consultant & Trainer
Member of:
Bridging, also known as a marker, is one of the most important tools we have in the toolbox of teaching animal behaviors. It is one of the most important and one of the most misused, if used at all. A bridge is a sound or signal that tells the animal that a particular behavior is what is earning it the reinforcer. Some people use a clicker, a whistle, a hand signal, the word ‘Good’, and more. The bridge is one of the most important forms of communication we have with the animal. If you are not getting the behavior you are wanting, this is an area you may want to give serious consideration.
As someone who does zoo work and runs my own live animal education program, I am quite aware of the impact good quality training can have. After my first meeting with Lara, I knew she was someone in whom I could trust. I have gotten to know her as a colleague and collaborator but I have also had the pleasure of watching her train my own personal birds. Her incredible perception of the subtle cues that many ignore is quite amazing to me. Her common sense approach and her ability to feel her way through training sessions is apparent. Her quick instincts make her one of the most flexible and adaptive personalities with which I’ve had the pleasure of working. I am so thankful for her continued service to our animals and their caretakers.
Jason J. Crean
MA, MS
Lara is a gifted teacher and trainer. She is such an intelligent, special, caring, warm and inviting person! Her center is spectacular and is set up perfectly for any sort of animal you might need help with. She shows you how to achieve the utmost enjoyment from your animal by teaching how to reinforce good behaviors by making it desirable for them to want to continue doing the behavior! There are no words that even begin to express the admiration I have for the gift she obviously has in working with animals in such a positive and make-sense fashion. She is absolutely a wonder! I feel so much gratitude toward Lara for the positive behaviors she has helped me to bring forth, sustain and enjoy in my Kwynn as well as Fetta! The workshop far exceeded any expectations that I had going into it. I am just beside myself with awe at her connection with animals! I highly encourage you to utilize her services if you have some things you wish to work on with your pets.
Karrie Fleetwood
owner of Fleetwood farms