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Bobbie also co-owns and operates a canine socialization service in Riverdale called Wanna Go Outside. This service provides enrichment and training for dogs in a group setting. Bobbie writes for various publications covering topics on dog training and behavior. In addition to running her own dog training and consulting business, Bobbie was employed for close to two years as a pet behavior counselor with the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. There she implemented behavior modification programs for dogs surrendered by the public as well as those seized by Humane Law Enforcement, as seen on the Animal Planet television show Animal Precinct. She also evaluated, trained and rehabilitated these shelter dogs. Bobbie also consulted with prospective adopters, trained staff and volunteers, assisted with cases in the Behavior Clinic and collected data on the long-term effectiveness of behavior modification programs for shelter dogs. She continues to volunteer her time and skill to this not-for-profit organization. Bobbie is currently working as a behavior consultant to the New Rochelle Humane Society, focusing on dogs that need a little more attention to help them become more adoptable for the public.
A few years ago, Bobbie left corporate America for a more fulfilling career. Once a dot-com casualty, she tried a few different things before discovering the healing and rewarding experience of dog training and behavior counseling. Bobbie has taken all of her administrative and creative skills and invested them into managing Divine K-9, Inc., along with working hands-on with clients and their canine companions.
Bobbie fell into the field of dog training like many other trainers: she adopted a “difficult dog.” Claire, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix, proved to have a very strong personality with a reputation that preceded her because of her pit bull status. Self-education through books and seminars helped Bobbie and Claire develop a close, respectful and meaningful relationship.
Bobbie also worked closely with Certified Pet Dog Trainer Jorge Melara for several years before she began training professionally. This mentorship, along with experience fostering and volunteering in shelters, helped Bobbie develop into a well-rounded trainer.
Bobbie’s background in psychology allows her to empathize with the clients’ needs, as well as utilize various learning theories in training and behavior cases. Her studies also help her better understand the dynamics of the relationship between the owner and dog, and the relationships among the various family members of the household. She is currently earning a degree in Psychology at New School University.
Bobbie regularly attends conferences and seminars to further her education on dog behavior and training. Topics covered during these events include, but are not limited to, dog aggression, dog play, pack development, temperament testing, animal medicine, and the latest equipment used in dog training. Speakers at these events include Dr. Ian Dunbar Ph.D., Jean Donaldson, Dr. Pam Reid Ph.D., Trish King, and Sue Sternberg, among others. Bobbie has also attended obedience classes, tricks classes, and agility classes with her own dogs.
Bobbie regularly attends Agility clinics and workshops with Tracy Sklenar of Say Yes! Dog Training, one of North America's leading dog training facilities. Bobbie is currently competing with Charlotte, an Australian Kelpie, and is training to compete with Charity, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix. Working with two different breeds in this sport has presented Bobbie with a variety of challenges that has helped her become a more, well-rounded instructor and competitor, thanks to the Say Yes! program. Bobbie has learned that although the innovative, progressive techniques taught by the Say Yes! team are designed for Agility training, much of it is applicable to everyday life with dogs in creating well- mannered companions. Bobbie has also attended clinics with Susan, Garrett, Greg Derrett, Laura Derrett, and Susan Salo as a part of the Say Yes program.
In addition to other activities, Bobbie partakes in the planning and promotion of Gone to the Dogs, a periodic event consisting of a doggie talent contest and free training clinic. Divine K-9, Inc. makes a conscious decision to give back to the community by organizing the event every couple of years. The talent show is designed to unite the community and create a forum for owners to enjoy their dogs’ quirks and talents. The free clinic gives everyone an opportunity to attend a hands-on professional training session. Various organizations for rescue and education are invited to join Divine K-9, Inc. at this event. All proceeds raised at Gone to the Dogs go to a not-for-profit foundation.
Bobbie practices yoga, hikes regularly, and is a huge fan of “Sex and the City.” Bobbie’s claim to fame: she held the record for race-walking at her high school in New Rochelle, NY for almost a decade. Bobbie came in second in New York State in 1995. She enjoys rubberstamping and scrapbooking to keepsake her experiences with her husband and dogs: four pit bull mixes named CJ, Claire, Queen, Charity; and a little black dog called Charlotte.
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