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As a Canine Behavior Counselor, Gail Berk has successfully trained dogs for over 40 years. (Yes, we know she doesn't look that old. It's because she claims she was training dogs before she could walk.) Her experience is supported by an academic education in animal science, including animal nutrition, psychology, and behavior modification.

Gail has had guest spots on televised talk shows speaking on behalf of canine education and welfare. She has also been invited as a guest speaker at many functions. And she has accepted engagements requesting her demonstration of training and behavior modification.

Gail has trained exotic animals such as the Chaffee Zoo giraffes and their difficult ostrich, using the formidable clicker technique. Additionally, she has worked with other domestic animals such as horses, llamas, birds, and even chickens. (Yes, we said chickens.) She claims these have all given her better insight and perspective in her work with dogs. You will find some photos of her in action right here below.

I was the terror of the zoo. Then Gail Berk started working with me with that clicker thing. I really like that gal. She's pretty cool.

I was just a dumb little chicken until Gail Berk trained me. Now I won't wind up on the Sunday dinner table.

The poop on this page was last scooped on: 7/18/2010

Page design and written content by Gail Berk.

In the early 90's as the movement gravitated from old-school traditional training toward new-school motivational training, Gail was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon. As a behaviorist she actively promotes motivational training saying it's about becoming a competent leader for your dog rather than dominating him. Along with others with the same mission, in 1995 Gail joined up as a professional member in the early formation of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), now an international organization of animal

behaviorists, trainers, and caregivers.

Other Gail-Trained Critters

Horse Training

(without clicker)

Llama Training

(without clicker)

That clicker thing is something new but we found out it's a good thing.

Clicker Training a Llama

Clicker Training a Chicken

Clicker-Trained Ostrich

And if you're still curious you can see and read about many other training trials and errors with Gail's own critters found at the Funny Fur, Feather, and Fleece Farm. There you will find such things as her bell-ringing chicken, her chicken-herding boxer, and the dealings with her spitting llama.

Aspiring Young Trainer

Gail (8) & Sandy

Gail (13) & Duke

Clicker Training a Giraffe

Click image for larger view.

I'm a clicker trained mouse. Click and I'll help you find your way through the maze.