IT’S ABOUT USING SCIENCE TO
UNDERSTAND
dog and guardian how to train for success.
ABOUT SOUND DOG CONNECTION
Hi, I’m Ann Waterbury
I am committed to helping dogs and their humans to prevent or address problem behaviors using applied behavior analysis. My work sets learners up for success by creating a friendly and open environment. It is my intent that humans gain a deeper understanding of the what and why’s of their dog’s behavior. You could say, I train humans and dogs. My passion is to enhance the human dog bond by sharing my in-depth knowledge of canine behavior and treating all learners with respect and kindness.
Rusty and I enjoyed disc dog competitions, even qualifying for the USDDN worlds twice!
SOUND DOG CONNECTION
Mentorship program
My name is Amy DeMuth and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Raleigh, NC in 2004. I have been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for over 15 years, working with children and adults with Autism both as an in person and telehealth provider.
In 2021, I completed my Dog Training Comprehensive coursework through the Karen Pryor Academy along with obtaining my certificate in Applied Animal Behavior under the instruction of Dr. James Ha at the University of Washington. Through our alumni network, I met Ann and was introduced to Sound Dog Connection.
I have always had a passion for animals, especially dogs. Over the past 5 years, I have been a part of the Triangle Beagle Rescue, where I serve as a volunteer and behavior consultant for new dog owners. My drive for learning more about animal behavior came in the year 2018 when my husband and I adopted our rescue beagle, Tito. About 3 months into his adoption, we started seeing high rates of aggression towards us as well as our other dog.
With the help of an animal behaviorist and a solid behavior plan, our sweet Tito is now a loving and cherished member of the family. After that consult with the animal behaviorist, I had a desire to learn more about how our animals learn and behave and from there I have decided to make the switch to working with both humans and animals. I love teaching others about behavior and the functions that those behaviors serve. When we learn how to respond appropriately to behaviors, the better our communication is not only with other people, but also with our four-legged friends. I very much am looking forward to being a part of Sound Dog Connection. Their core values, dedication, and drive for helping both people and their pets to live a better, happier, and more fulfilling life together is what I am most excited about.
My name is Shivani Seastone. I’ve always been fascinated by how people learn, how to make learning fun, and how to follow the learner. Throughout my career, I’ve been focused on design and production of educational content for children – from handheld and digital games, interactive museum exhibits, and a Montessori-inspired cooking school for kids.
Shortly after moving to Gig Harbor, my husband and I adopted a one-year-old corgi mix. We were Auggie’s fourth home and we soon realized we were ill-prepared to help him with anxiety-related behaviors that were causing him a great deal of distress. I began reading everything I could find on positive reinforcement training while also searching for a trainer. Through extensive reading, trial and error, and the help of a wonderful trainer we ultimately found, Auggie blossomed. We were learning a new way to interact and communicate and it resonated deeply with my years of learning design. Working with Auggie was a turning point for me and inspired me to become a certified professional dog trainer through the Karen Pryor Academy. When we brought home our little 22-pound furry family member, I had no idea he would set me on the path of a career change.
As part of Auggie’s enrichment plan, he began scent work classes with Ann and I was struck by her commitment to animals and the humans who love them. Her knowledge, experience, and values are reflected in the environment and training approach at Sound Dog Connection. I’m excited to be a part of her team, helping animals and their humans to build stronger communication skills, deepen their bonds, and improve their day-to-day lives together.
EDUCATION
always learning
Education: Her educational background: BS degree from East Carolina University. Most recently Ann earned her certification in small animal acupressure (CSAAP) from North West School of Small Animal Massage.
She also successfully completed the University of Washington’s certification in Applied Animal Behavior in 2017. She also earned her Certified Professional Dog Training designation through the CPDT and Companion Animal Sciences Institute (CASI) for Advanced Canine Behavioral Sciences; Living and Learning with Animals-The Fundamental Principles and Procedures for Teaching and Learning (foundation for my philosophy in behavior analysis) taught by her mentor, Susan G Friedman, Ph.D. Professor emeritus, Utah State University; course work with the University of North Texas graduate school of behavior analysis and Contemporary Animal Training intensive at Natural Encounters in Winter Haven, Florida also facilitated by Susan Friedman, Ph.D.
CERTIFIED NOSE WORK INSTRUCTOR
FINE TUNING SKILLS
NACSW™/K9 Nose Work®: Ann Earned her Certified Nose Work Instructor™ (CNWI) status in K9 Nose Work® in 2012. In K9 Nose Work® sessions dogs get to fine tune their scenting skills while burning mental and physical energy. This work has been incorporated into her approach with reactive and anxious dogs to help address the root cause of presenting issues. Ann joined the NACSW education team in 2016-2021, as the Education Coordinator. She was the lead within the continuing education system, approving events for consideration and designating CEU values for seminars and workshops. Her responsibilities included creating webinars and enhancing the content while building cohesion within the certified instructor program.
Ann has taught at regional K9 Nose Work camps and teaches workshops for other organizations coaching teams at all levels of the sport with their handling skills, foundation work, and skill building techniques. Ann and her first red border collie, Rusty competed in disc dog events for 6 years. They enjoyed distance events and freestyle. Ann served on the USDDN (United States Disc Dog National) steering committee with a focus on canine athlete safety. The highlight was qualifying for the world finals, twice. They also were competitive in Skyhoundz, UFO, and Quadruped events.
Ann has done multiple lectures for the Chi University in Reddick FL, these recorded lectures are for Veterinarians studying for their masters in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Ann is a dog-ibox speaker, offering webinars on dog behavior for trainers internationally. She has also provided webinars for the Education Division of the NACSW. Ann contributed a chapter on behavior for an upcoming text book for detection handlers. She also presents at conferences for various canine organizations.
In 2017, Ann sold her successful dog training and behavior business/facility in Florida to relocate to the Puget Sound area of Washington. She adores mountains, cool temperatures, and an active outdoor lifestyle with her dog. She has a red border collie, named Chai. Chai is from a breed rescue and he and Ann love to hike and enhance their nose work and training skills on their adventures.
Ann is also a contributor to the text book Canines: The Original Biosensors, to be released in 2022
Ann has teamed up with Dr. Heather Misener of Ruff Day Veterinary Acupuncture and Rehabilitation to create WAGSniffAScent an online & Interactive educational platform designed for the discerning dog parent.
YOU ASK, WE DELIVER
WHY CHOOSE SOUND DOG CONNECTION
EXPERIENCED
20+ years of personal and professional involvement including the most severe of reactive/fearful dogs
SCIENCE BASED
in depth working knowledge of applied behavior analysis and ethology. Multiple animal behavior certifications and credentials thru nationally recognized associations and universities
RESULTS DRIVEN
Significant history of positive recognition success as reported by clients including those who have experienced prior failure and referral sources
COST-EFFECTIVE
Individualized approach using science based methods.
watch & listen
unleashed
(at work & Home)
If I don’t follow my heart, will I have regrets?
That’s such a powerful question. None of us can be guaranteed an easy life or one without risk–no matter how much we may wish for safety and certainty.
And, knowing that, we’re faced with choices that require introspection:
- What would you like to have happen?
- And are you brave enough to go for it?
Ann Waterbury, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB, CNWI, CDBC, talks with Colleen Pelar, Resilience for Pet Professionals, about the transformation and living life without regrets. Her story is sure to spark ideas for you and bolster your courage to move forward.
EDUCATED AND EXPERIENCED
CERTIFICATIONS
