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Bobbie has written for various publications covering topics on dog training and behavior. She also co-owns and operates a canine socialization service in the Riverdale section of the Bronx called Wanna Go Outside. This service provides enrichment and exercise for dogs in an active training environment where manners, obedience, and appropriate play are continuously reinforced. 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. 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.
In 2000, 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’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.
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, Pat Miller, Ken Ramirez, 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 classes with Tracy Sklenar of Say Yes! Dog Training, one of North America's leading dog training facilities. Working with different breeds, with very different personalities, 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 regularly attends clinics with Susan Garrett, Greg Derrett, Laura Derrett, and Susan Salo.
Bobbie is an avid yoga practitioner, writes as a hobby, is completely addicted to agility, 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 and fifth in the nation in 1995. She and her husband are proud parents of five pit-bull and pittie mixes, CJ, Claire, Queenie, Charity, and Dexter, a Kelpie called Charlotte, and a Terrier/Chihuahua cross called Tricky.
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