TRAINING CREDENTIALS Philosophy It takes more than obedience commands to have an obedient dog! Since 1995, Robyn and Bill have been providing positive training for dogs, counseling for their owners and creating an extended family of over 3500 dogs in nine states as well as in Korea, Africa and Europe. In 1995, Tall Tails Training was created to specialize in creating positive relationships through obedience training and owner education. In 200,000 words or less, Tall Tails' philosophy of "Training Through Understanding" has been captured in their two books Dog Training's Big Picture and 1000 Best Dog Training Secrets. Beginnings Tall Tails Training was conceptualized by Bill Gorton & Robyn Achey in 1992. We began our education process, developed our philosophy and programs, and formally opened in 1995. You'll find that our education includes many different facets of study in communication as well as dog training. Managerial/Human Relations Education Our combined education and prior career experience has provided us with a significant skill base in creative problem solving, interpersonal problem solving skills, teaching and knowledge exchange, that we utilize in counseling and relationship development in all of our programs. Robyn has Communication Degrees from both Pennsylvania State University (1986) and Kutztown University (1988). Bill received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1984. Canine Education Robyn & Bill both attended National K-9 Training Center in Columbus, Ohio in 1995, where both of us completed the canine training and behavioral problem solving program. We've studied canine behavior and behavioral problem solving, puppy development and early raising, breed selection, canine personalities and temperaments, obedience training and animal relationship building. Our studies have included seminar education (including Cornell University, C.W. Meisterfeld, et al), literature and apprenticeships. Though our focus is private, one-on-one, individualized training, we do also possess an experience base in group training (both puppy and advanced) as well. The field of canine behavior and dog training is constantly evolving, so we continue to study and build our knowledge base via seminar study, literature and private study. We continue to educate ourselves year after year in order to give our clients the most knowledgeable and experienced service available. Special Achievements To date, we have written two books, Dog Training's Big Picture and 1000 Best Dog Training Secrets. We have appeared on TV interviews and local spots including RCN's Community Spotlight, and have done numerous interviews for articles and radio spots. Tall Tails was also voted Best Pet Trainer in The Morning Calls' Reader's Choice Awards 2005. Speaking Experiences K9 Learning Experience 2007, Featured Speakers. K9 Learning Experience 2006, Featured Speakers, Canine Myth Busters (Audio CD Available) (1 hour, 60 people in attendance). Kimberly Park, Pet Memorial Day 2004, Featured Speakers "Life Walk; Your Changing Relationship with Your Dog" (1 hour, 50 people in attendance). Minsi Trail Career Day Presentations, 1998-present, 40 minute inspirational presentations to middle school aged children. Community Festivals/Fairs, approximately 1-3 demonstrations/performances/mini-seminars per year. Pet Therapy Visits to Special Education Classes; 2000-present. Press Morning Call (August 17, 2007), Did Someone Say Dog Picnic? Animal Wellness Magazine (June/July 2007), Training the Adult Dog (excerpt 1000 BDTS). Morning Call (January, 2006), Feature Article following K9 Learning Experience talk. Parkland Chronicle (June 2005), Feature Article on the educational requirements of owning a safe family dog. Filmography Tempo; PBS Channel 39 (2006), Seven minute spotlight segment featuring Robyn's work with Pet Therapy and Special Needs children. RCN Community Spotlight with Craig Borst (2001), Half hour local cable show highlighting the increasing need for dog training and keeping your dog safe though education. Morning Coffee with Kim, Channel 13 Blue Ridge Cable (2000), Seven minute segment featuring a training demonstration. Forensic Files; Episode: Chief Evidence, (2002), Principal trainer/handlers for the re-creation sequences featuring "Sophie", Bill's Rottweiler. Forensic Files; Episode: Making the Collar, (2002), Principal trainer/handlers for the re-creation sequences featuring "Lily", a client's dog. Pet First Aid Kit, Commercial, (2000), Principal trainer/handlers for the re-creation sequences featuring "Chelsea", Robyn's Labrador Retriever. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS BY TRAINING THROUGH UNDERSTANDING