Casey Ward is a successful positive reinforcement trainer in South Africa. She is currently acquiring her Diploma in Canine CBT to become a Canine Psychotherapist and Consultant.

“My goal is to help those that are struggling with using reward based techniques that are not entirely effective for the particular problems they are experiencing, without having to resort to working with someone that will use training techniques that will cause more damage in the long run. I especially want to help families that have taken on younger dogs from shelters as often the dogs and the families are very overwhelmed. I am also passionate about working with adolescent dogs as I feel they are often very misunderstood, again causing a situation where many people feel out of their depth with their dogs.”

Harrison O’Neil has taken a diverse and individualized career path. Harrison owns a dog training and pet care business in Germany, as well as launching an online organization providing dog communities, globally, with products and services to expand and improve efficiency in the animal sector.

Originally, from Ireland, Harrison is developing an educational centre to bring professionals and pet lovers together.

All the while, Harrison completed his Diploma in Canine Psychotherapy and is enjoying building his business in his local community.

“This program far surpasses any of the dog training courses I have taken, including the University program. The amount of applicable information combined with the business and industry knowledge, and a superior hands-on mentorship program is key to my success.”

Joyce Belcher runs a writing group, inspiring people to be creative. So, when Joyce struggled to meet the needs of her dog, her first one from a breeder (thinking this would be easier than her previous rescued dogs), she reached out to Billie.

Joyce decided to dive deeper into Canine CBT. Although, she is not intending to work professionally in the field, she is an avid learner and dedicated pet mom, who understands the value, personally, in reaching out of our comfort zone to better ourselves and make a positive impact within our own circle.

Demetra Surnamer is a force in the pet care industry in her community in San Francisco, California, USA. As a volunteer at the local shelter and the owner of a successful dog walking and pet care business, “Demi” witnesses, first hand, the challenges pet parents face with dogs in the adolescent stage and adopted dogs with challenging upbringings.

Demi is taking individual courses, starting with SECTION 1 to build the foundation and gain a solid understanding of CCBT.

Demi’s goals are to learn “how best to handle my anxiety dogs. I am a little at a loss (using Conditioning methods) although I still try to problem solve every day. I have got to a point where it is manageable but we’re not making much progress (mentoring under the shelter trainer). I hope to apply the skills (in the CCBT program) to help with my local shelter as well as my current clients in my neighborhood.”

Raghaad H. reached out to ICP with no expectations.

She explained her situation and goals.

Humble. Dedicated. Fearless.

“I am currently engaged in research on animal-assisted therapy, education, and refining my skills to make a meaningful impact in the lives of dogs.”

Raghaad lives in Cairo, Egypt. where she attended dog training courses. While they provided her with some applicable skills, Raghaad struggled to connect with most of the methods and practices.

ICP offered the introductory program pro-bono, and Raghaad immediately resonated with the approaches and concepts.

As Raghaad continues in her journey she will encourage the human-animal bond in her community and beyond.

Mais St. Thomas is a graduate of the Diploma program. Mais is well rounded and experienced, having taken many courses. She worked at a local dog training school, and continues to work at an agility/sport center. Her one-on-one business, The Connection Canine Behavior and Training grew tremendously while taking the Canine CBT program, and she is quickly becoming well known for working with dogs with anxiety and adolescent and adopted dogs. Mais lives in British Columbia, Canada.

“I have taken many courses and programs, and this is the most comprehensive, robust course, enabling me to go out on my own and do what I love most - help pet parents and their dogs! I especially like that I can integrate the information from other courses, including Tellington Touch, which I am also very passionate about.”

Melody Noel is a successful groomer, not only because of her skills, but because of her mindset and approach.

"I have always taken to the dogs that have been turned away by other groomers because of their fear or aggressive behaviors. Many groomers are caring and good at their job, but my goal is for groomers to work with dogs using practices that respect their intelligence and understand their emotions."

Melody naturally resonates with these dogs and uses practices that align with Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. By taking the Introductory Course to CCBT, Melody is gaining a deeper understanding of the science and psychology behind her approach.

Melody also hopes that trainers and behavioral consultants in her area include Canine CBT into their practices, as she has seen a dramatic improvement with the dogs and the humans who applied Canine CBT.

Melody lives in rural Canada with her multiple pets.

‍ ‍Abdul-Rahman Safian heads WACPAW (West Africa Centre for the Protection of Animal Welfare) in Ghana. His extensive experience in this role positions him as a leader in instilling progressive practices and mindset changes around the care and welfare of dogs.

Abdul reached out, wanting to learn strategies that he can share within his community. We developed a program that incorporated multiple courses with a mentorship program specifically designed to meet his goals.

“This opportunity has been invaluable, I acquired hands-on applicable tools, while also learning strategies to share with others the importance of treating animals as sentient beings, respecting their cognitive skills and emotions.”

Wendy Treble is a Psychiatric Nurse and heads the program at Sask PolyTech in Saskatchewan, Canada. Wendy has dogs of her own, and fosters behaviorally challenged dogs.

Her knowledge of various therapeutic methods for humans inspired her to seek alternative practices for dogs.

Now that she is entering retirement, Wendy is taking the Diploma program and is eager to pursue her passion of working with pets and the people who love them using Canine CBT.

Michelle Kuldell attended a summit where Billie Groom was one of the many speakers. Michelle was so intrigued by “the refreshing approach and vast knowledge Billie effortlessly provided”, that she hired Billie for her own dog, and then decided to embark on the journey to become a Certified Canine Psychotherapist and Consultant.

Michelle works in a holistic vet clinic, where she sees the challenges that pet parents have with their dogs, which impacts the vets as well. “Canine CBT is the perfect fit for the clients of a holistic vet clinic.”

Michelle also takes online courses in Animal Communication, and continues to expand her knowledge by attending seminars. She lives in the US with her husband and multiple pets.

Bob Forsyth is the Shelter Director & Animal Control Officer at
Arenac County Animal Control.

Bob recognizes the inherent challenges in the shelter system, as well as being dedicated to providing his community with programs to prevent surrender and euthanasia.

“The Introduction to Canine CBT provided a refreshing look into the mind of dogs. The programs at ICP are essential for trainers and behaviorists and other professionals to better meet the needs of dogs and the people want to help them. Thanks Billie!”

Veneita Porter is currently enrolled in the Bergin University of Canine Studies. This program includes courses on cognition, emotion, and the psychology of methods. Veneita recognizes the limitations of a program that relies strictly on Conditioning practices, and has, thus, enrolled in the Diploma program at ICP to supplement her knowledge.

Veneita’s goal is to work with dogs who suffer from PTSD. Her personal experience has taught her that psychotherapeutic practices, such as CCBT, are effective with humans, and she is eager to apply this method to help dogs.

Veneita is one who takes her own path to empower herself; she is intuitive, self-motivated and strong. Veneita’s tenacity is grounded in her dedication to her animals - including her rescue dog, Zinaboo, cats, and wide variety of birds.

She lives just over the bridge from downtown San Francisco, California, USA.

‍Susan Chapman has a heart of gold! Her relentless pursuit to help shelter dogs overcome anxiety and fear, to find their forever families, and live their best lives is what brought her to ICP. Susan dove right into the Diploma program, and her foster dog, Cali, joined right in.

Professionally, Susan works in the music industry, consulting musicians and scouring the world for the perfect instrument for her clients. How is this connected? Her love of research, solutions and providing people with what they need to achieve their goals!

Since graduating as a Canine Psychotherapist and CCBT Practitioner, Susan has made a positive impact in her community in the eastern US, proving that shelter dogs can overcome emotional challenges and become wonderful family pets.