Blogger Biographies

Roger Abrantes, PhD in Evolutionary Biology and Ethology, and BA in Philosophy, DHC, DF, MAPBC, born in Portugal in 1951, has lived most of his life in Denmark.He is the author to 17 books in English, German, Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Italian, and Czech, and innumerous articles on behavior. He is probably one of the most versatile ethologists in the world.

His work ranges from lecturing at the Ethology Institute Cambridge, where he is the scientific director, to appearances as guest lecturer in universities world wide, popular talks, seminars, as well as being a special advisor to the Portuguese GNR (the Military Academy trained police) on the canine detection of narcotics and explosives.

Cindy Bruckart is the owner of Regarding Rover Canine Education Center and the former owner of The Puppy Playhouse Dog Daycare.

She prides herself on being a pioneer in the dog daycare industry, advocating for a well-balanced daycare experience that includes appropriate socialization, rest, reinforcement of basic manners and enrichment.
Cindy gives seminars on The Evolution of Dog Daycare with the goal of moving the industry forward in a way that will benefit dogs, their owners and the community.

Katie Buvala is a dog trainer and blogger from Phoenix, Arizona. She runs Focus, Fido! Dog Training, specializing in teaching hyper, out-of-control dogs to chill out, focus, and listen to their owners.

Katie's training techniques are based on the work she's done with the most hyper, wound-up dogs there are: those who have spent weeks or months living in cages in animal shelters. Katie began doing volunteer work in the world of animal rescue in 2003. Over the years she has held the roles of kennel cleaner, dog walker, trainer, and adoption counselor.

Elisabeth Catalano, M.A., CPDT, CDBC, CPBC (“Liz’) is a professional dog trainer and behavior counselor. She is the Co-Owner and Director of “The Little White Dog, Dog Training and Behavior Counseling, L.L.C.” located in Central, NJ.  Liz teaches all levels of general pet training classes as well as specialty classes including adult dog playgroups and dog-to-dog aggression classes. Formerly with St. Hubert's Dog Training School in Madison NJ, Liz was one of two trainers responsible for running and developing the well-known 'Feisty Fido's' program that became the model for growl classes across the country. Liz is currently co-developing a new dog aggression class called Kranky K9's with her husband and trainer, Vincent Catalano.

Tara Choules CCPDT, MAPDT 00852, CAP2, HNC

Involved professionally with dogs since 1977, Suzanne’s background is widely varied, with experience in breeding, kennel management, grooming, showing, training, canine midwifery, puppy aptitude testing, instructing, behavior consultations, in-home training, K-9 Search & Rescue, holistic health care and various club memberships & activities. 

Catherine Collignon is engaged in the pet dog training profession in France with a specialization in behavioral rehabilitation.

In 1993, she studied psychology at the CERFPA (Center of Study, Research and Formation in Applied Psychology, Nice -France) with a special interest for canine social behavior and aggression.

She is the founder and owner of ANIMALIN, the School of Clicker Training, Dog Training, and Animal Behavior. A vocational training center with courses dedicated to anyone who wishes to practice pet dog training following ANIMALIN’s philosophy. ANIMALIN was the first training school in France with a specialization in clicker training.

In 1999, she attended the Association of Pet Dog Training (APDT) conference in San Diego and became an APDT member.

In 2000, she studied at the Northern Centre for Canine Behaviour (Durham - England) with John Rogerson.

Pet Expert Steve Dale is the author of the twice weekly syndicated newspaper column “My Pet World” (Tribune Media Services). He’s also the host of nationally syndicated radio programs Steve Dale’s Pet World, The Pet Minute with Steve Dale; and Steve Dale’s Pet World on WLS Radio, Chicago.He’s also a contributing editor at USA Weekend.

Steve DeBono is the owner of DeBono Dog Training in Austin, TX. He offers a variety of training services, focused solely on enhancing the relationship between dog and owner. For details please visit www.stevedebono.com.

Steve lives to see his clients' eyes light up as they connect with their dog in a pure and authentic fashion, without ever having to resort to fear or intimidation. He believes it is within these moments, when an owner is truly in sync with their dog, the relationship grows and becomes stronger.

Rather than subscribe to any one method or technique, Steve believes in thoroughly assessing dog, owner, and situation, and choosing the best approach from his bag of tricks.

Nicholas H. Dodman

Professor, Section Head and Program Director,
Animal Behavior Department of Clinical Sciences
Tufts’ Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
North Grafton, Massachusetts

Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman is one of the world’s most noted and celebrated veterinary behaviorists. He grew-up in England and trained to be a vet in Scotland. At the age of 26, he became the youngest veterinary faculty member in Britain. It was at that time that Dr. Dodman began specializing in surgery and anesthesiology.