Michelle Haimson

I am a student attending Animal Behavior College, Inc.  It is a school that was founded by Steve Applebaum who has been a professional dog trainer for over twenty-five years and has authored several books on dog training and obedience.  A quote from Mr. Appelbaum:  "At ABC, our goal is to offer a positive and effective training program that will produce highly motivated and qualified trainers.   Our program includes hands on training coupled with a curriculum that teaches our students to understand what motivates a dog's behavior, thus going beyond the simple mechanics of training a dog."

I have completed all 10 stages of the ABC program:  Stages 1 through 9 consisted of the "textbook material" and exams.  Stage 10 consisted of an externship with a Certified Mentor Trainer located in New Orleans.  This step occurs in three parts: 1.  attending a 6 week training course as an observer.  2. attending a 6 week course as a student, going through the course as a client with a dog.  3. attending a 6 week course as an assistant to the Mentor Trainer and being able to run the class myself.  The second part of stage 10 consisted of 10 hours of volunteer work with a local shelter.  This stage was completed at the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.  Though all hours have been completed, I will continue to volunteer my time to these wonderful animals to help them transition into their forever homes.  

I will have three weeks of study time before I take my final.  After the  final is completed I will be an ABC Certified Animal Trainer.  I look forward to my continued work with the dogs at the NACHS shelter and of the residents of Natchez who wish to achieve the pet of their dreams.

Michelle Haimson
2-13-12