Our Instructors

Cynthia Wilmot CDBC, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, Fear Free Certified, DogNostics Canine Enrichment Technician

I have always been drawn to animals. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with them, but I didn’t have any concrete ideas about what that would actually look like. About fifteen years ago, I watched a video about a little girl who needed a service dog and the difficulties her family experienced while trying to find one for her. The video touched my soul and I knew then and there that I would dedicate my life to working with dogs. I joined the assistance dog training program and graduated with a new understanding of the enormous and diverse capabilities of dogs. Over the next few years, I gained experience in many canine training situations. I worked with a second chance shelter program to help dogs learn skills to give them a better chance at being adopted. I even tried my hand at retail training. I wasn’t satisfied with that position and craved something with more depth and creativity. In 2015 I decided to open my own business. In 2017, I teamed up with a new non-profit service dog organization. I completed their thorough training program and officially became an Atlas Assistance Dogs Certified Trainer.

Over the past few years I’ve seen an increase in reactivity and aggression in dogs and it seems to be a nationwide trend. Since these issues require a deeper level of understanding than traditional training can offer, I began to broaden the scope of my work. I sought out experts in the field and discovered a robust trove of educational materials and coursework focusing specifically on aggression. I completed Michael Shikashio’s Aggression Master Course and studied under Dr. Amber Batson, Veterinary Surgeon and Behaviorist, completing her phenomenal year long Professionals in Aggression course.

Dogs are my life. Working with them requires constant learning and the ability to adapt and change. I rely on science-based, positive and ethical practices that put the dog’s physical, emotional, and mental welfare first.

As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, I am well equipped to help you and your dog navigate complex and difficult situations. I have a wide network of colleagues with which to consult or refer if the case is outside of my professional scope.

 

Kesey

In loving memory of the best friend a person could have.

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Jasemine

Greatly loved, dearly missed.

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Moji

Moji is a Rottweiler/Australian Cattle Dog mix. He’s been with us since March of 2017, when we woke one morning to find him sitting on our front porch. He was still a puppy, and our veterinarian said he was close to 8-10 months old. We don’t know anything about his background, but he was fearful and wary, dirty and in desperate need of TLC. After searching for his people, to no avail, he became a member of our family. Moji is clever, loving, and playful. and is never far from my side.

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Little Jerry Garcia

Jerry is a 4 year old American Pitbull Terrier. When Jerry entered my life, I was not looking for a fourth dog. His circumstances were extreme and my heart was immediately captured by this sweet little pup. Jerry lost his front right leg due to an accident while with his original person. He was just over 2 months old. Two weeks after the amputation, there was another mishap and Jerry broke his back right knee in two places. I saw a picture of him on Facebook, along with his story and pleas for help from his person. Surgery was not an affordable option for them and he was scheduled for euthanasia. I could not let that happen. I reached out to an intermediary individual (a person who had shared the original post) and told them I would take him. They brought Jerry to me that very evening. The next day was the beginning of our journey together. After many veterinarian visits and several surgeries, Jerry regained his mobility! I have never met a dog with such a sweet temperament. He has an indomitable spirit and it is heartwarming to watch him run and play with a big goofy smile on his face. Jerry and my young son are the best of friends and are seldom apart.

Amos

This sweet boy came here at about a year as a boarder. His previous situation had become untenable and his people were at a loss as to what to do. He fit here so well that we adopted him. Amos is a lovely young man who gets along with everyone. He has an energetic, playful side, but really loves his snuggles.

Pickle

Pickle is my son’s puppy. This fella is a purpose-bred companion cross from The Bosun Dog Project. Their dogs are bred for health and temperament, focusing on function, not form. Pickle is a very sporty guy who loves to race around his mountain, wrestle with his buddies, and cuddle with his little boy.

Siri

I met Siri while I was consulting at the Windham County Humane Society. She was a

transport from Louisiana and had experienced quite a bit of adversity. She was initially

here as a foster, but quickly wormed her way into my heart. She’s sweet and smart and

a little bit sassy.