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october 2024 KPA CTP of the Month

Robin Horemans, KPA CTP, based mostly in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a devoted animal coach and proprietor of Parrot SOS. Whereas her major focus is working with parrots, she additionally has expertise coaching canines. Since graduating from the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Coach Skilled (KPA DTP) program in 2016 below the mentorship of Carolyn McIntosh Clark, Robin has expanded her abilities and experience within the subject of optimistic reinforcement coaching. Along with her work with animals, she is the Director of Operations for the Worldwide Affiliation of Animal Conduct Consultants (IAABC). Robin’s journey displays her ardour for bettering the lives of companion birds and serving to pet house owners higher perceive and practice their animals.

Inform us concerning the first animal you ever skilled.

My first expertise with clicker coaching was with my cockatiel, Monster, who’s now 24 years outdated! He has been an unimaginable instructor all through his life. Monster is a type of affected person souls; he loves you it doesn’t matter what—even when your timing is off, your cues are unclear, otherwise you ask for an excessive amount of too quickly. Monster has adopted my coaching journey each step of the best way, and I’m so grateful he’s nonetheless with me. Now thought of “outdated” at 24, he continues to show me invaluable classes about working with restricted mobility, voluntary medical coaching, establishing the surroundings for fulfillment, and being a superb communicator. I’m fortunate to have had him with me from the very begin of my clicker coaching journey.

Was there a selected dog/animal in your life that was your most vital instructor?

Sure, my first pet, a lovely yellow budgie named Parkay, was extremely vital. She was with us all through my childhood and teenage years. Parkay was a recessive pied inexperienced budgie that cherished flying round the home and introduced us a lot pleasure together with her antics. She developed a singular whistling “language” that was a type of communication between her and the household. Her life, which spanned 12 years, impressed me to enhance the lives of companion birds. From fundamental care and weight loss plan to communication and coaching, Parkay led me to ask, “How can we do that higher?” As a young person, I even wrote a paper on methods to look after a budgie. I bear in mind questioning what elements of that recommendation could be rewritten by the point I turned 40. Because it seems, a lot of it has been utterly up to date in methods I couldn’t have imagined again then!

When did you begin coaching and the way has the business modified because you began coaching?

I began coaching animals after college, however I used to be uncovered to the business all through my childhood. My dad and mom have been “crossover trainers.” Their strategies transitioned from utilizing choke collars to treat-based coaching within the late Nineties. As a child, I might sit within the nook throughout obedience courses, flyball, agility trials, and dog reveals. I cherished all of it as a result of I’ve at all times cherished canines! My dad and mom’ coaching shifted after they have been leaving the business. I bear in mind my mom’s remorse that she missed a Karen Pryor discuss that was held close by. Quick ahead 20 years, and I accomplished the DTP program! Abruptly, all the pieces made sense once more. It’s thrilling to see how a lot the science of coaching has progressed, and I’m thrilled to proceed studying and sharing that information.

It’s thrilling to see how a lot the science of coaching has progressed, and I’m thrilled to proceed studying and sharing that information.

Do you’ve gotten any memorable tales out of your time within the DTP?

One memorable expertise was after I was volunteering at my native Humane Society throughout the DTP program. I used to be joyful aiding of their fundamental manners courses, however the trainers inspired me to enroll in this system, believing I might do properly. The DTP program was a problem as a result of I didn’t have a dog on the time—I am a parrot particular person primarily! I used to be lucky to have the ability to borrow a buddy’s untrained two-year-old combined breed named Piety for your entire program. Working with Piety on daily basis, coaching complicated abilities at her home, was extremely rewarding. We went from wild beginnings to superb communicators over the six-month course. Piety was implausible, and I used to be even in a position to train my buddy methods to reinforce her new famous person dog!

How has finishing the Dog Coach Skilled program and turning into a KPA CTP modified your life and profession?

Since finishing this system, I really feel far more assured in my talents. The DTP program helped squash my imposter syndrome and allowed me to say, “Look! I’m a Licensed Coach! I belong right here!” Being a part of the KPA neighborhood appears like becoming a member of an elite group of execs from all around the world. I’ve made connections with different CTPs and school members, sought steerage, and explored their books and webinars. I proceed to satisfy implausible trainers within the KPA neighborhood.

What’s your proudest coaching second?

My proudest coaching second was working with a younger scarlet macaw named Ruby that was already fighting biting points at only a 12 months outdated. Sadly, biting is a standard challenge with companion parrots. After analyzing the state of affairs—together with her surroundings, historical past, and bodily well being—I noticed that Ruby’s biting wasn’t as a consequence of “dominance” or a scarcity of clear cues. Ruby’s wing and tail feathers had been clipped and this, mixed together with her already wobbly child toes, made her really feel insecure and unstable. She merely did not wish to step onto somebody’s hand due to her unsteady footing. I centered on her bodily limitations and build up her confidence by way of stability video games, steadily permitting her wings and tail to regrow. Ruby ultimately discovered to step onto arms confidently—and even to fly. It was a rewarding transformation that arrange Ruby for fulfillment all through her lengthy life.

What do you do to proceed your coaching schooling?

I’m consistently searching for alternatives to develop my information. Whether or not it’s attending ClickerExpo, the IAABC Basis Convention, skilled seminars like these provided by The Ranch or Pure Encounters Inc., or taking part in webinars hosted by revered specialists, I at all times discover new studying alternatives. I look ahead to discovering what developments the following 20 years will deliver to the world of animal coaching.

What’s an important piece of recommendation you may give to a brand new coach?

At all times get receipts for the place individuals get their data. We’re a part of an incredible neighborhood of trainers making unimaginable progress within the subject. Whether or not it is pushing the boundaries with selection and communication or mastering the fundamentals, it is essential to ask for sources. All instructors must be joyful to share the analysis behind their practices or their secondary sources. Holding ourselves and different trainers accountable to science-based work ensures that we keep on the best path.

For those who have been a dog, what breed would you be?

I’d be a greyhound! I’m tall, love sleeping for hours, and revel in a superb couch. I’ve bursts of vitality and love life, however I additionally want loads of rest time to recharge. I like my household and my birds, and I’m typically very even-keeled.

How can individuals study extra about you?
You could find Parrot SOS on all social media platforms! Go to us at: