About Gina

Gina has been a professional dog trainer since 2010. She teaches group obedience, socialization, and therapy dog classes. She is an AKC evaluator, Pet Partners therapy dog evaluator, and a registered therapy dog handler since 2014. 

She conducted her dissertation on the motivators that influence canine handlers to volunteer in animal-assisted activities.   

Gina's training philosophy focuses on using relationship-based methods to connect, communicate, and develop a strong commitment with your dog. She is a relationship-centered and fear-free certified professional trainer. She’s interested in using her experiences to teach the importance of investing time and energy into training dogs a solid repertoire of husbandry or wellness behaviors for vet visits in a positively safe manner.   

Gina is an adjunct professor at multiple colleges teaching psychology and animal behavior courses. She has dedicated her career and education to animal training, behavior, and welfare. She has over twenty-five years of experience in the behavioral science and zoological field working with a variety of species while specializing in otter care. Her master’s thesis was on sea otter behavior and their welfare using environmental enrichment. She has participated in several marine conservation and research projects with a diverse group of animals including bottlenose dolphins, sea otters, penguins, and right whales.   

contact information: storytimedogtraining@gmail.com