RESUMÉ

Carole Francis-Swayze, Ph.D

Acton, CA 93510

desertsong@roadrunner.com

(661) 618-5075

www.perfectobediencedogtraining.com

Goal:  Foundation Obedience Training for Dogs

Developing safe, calm, contented dog partners for human beings

 DOG TRAINING EXPERIENCE

Training for Client Dogs Brought to My Ranch for Boarding, Acton, CA, Ongoing

Dogs come to my facility through the Rover animal care program to be boarded for varying periods of time. During this experience, owners describe to me problems they are having with their dogs. Can I help? The most common problem presented is leash pulling which is an initial expression of a dog’s lack of respect for the owner. During the boarding experience, I have been able to help clients alleviate not only the leash pulling issue but a host of other common problems such as jumping up, Breeds worked with include German shepherd, labradoodle, Alaskan husky, Australian shepherd

Dog Trainer for Client Ernie Gonzales, Acton, CA, 2019

Provided basic training for Mr. Gonzales’s young German shepherd Alondra. Also worked on  problem behaviors such as digging, eating her leash, food and fear aggression, and jumping up.  The general focus was to teach her to submit to human direction. I informed Mr. Gonzales that an attitude of humbleness on Alondra’s part would be a reliable foundation for anything further he would want to do with her.

Dog Trainer, Linda Blair WorldHeart Dog Rescue Foundation, Acton, CA, 2018

Provided foundation training to all breeds of rescue dogs to prepare them to be re-homed with new owners. Foundation skills included no pulling on the leash, change of direction on command, sit and stay, lie down and stay, come when called, stay for prolonged periods of time. Nuisance behaviors such as jumping up on the handler and biting were also dealt with. Workers at the WorldHeart Foundation noticed positive changes in the dog’s behavior as a result of the training I provided. Breeds worked with included pit bull, Afghan hound, chihuahua, Saint Bernard, as well as various mixed breeds.

Dog Trainer for My Own Dogs, Acton, CA, 2008-Present

This is where my training experience started. Provided basic training for my Belgian Malinois as well as two mixed-breed females. Training has involved housebreaking, and foundation obedience work. I am currently working with one of the two mixed-breed females on the off-leash heel command.

OTHER EXPERIENCE

Ranch Manager, Animal Trainer/Caretaker Desertsong Ranch, Acton, CA, 1994 to Present.

This is my own ranch which I have managed along with my late husband until his passing three and a half years ago. I have trained dogs and horses while living on this ranch. The primary method I have used with my horses is dressage. I have worked with warmbloods, Arabians, and a thoroughbred. Currently I am training a Spanish stallion in dressage work. In addition to dogs and horses, I have cared for a variety of animals, including chickens; geese; wild birds; fish; a goat; and numerous cats. My duties have included maintaining safe and clean living spaces, planning feeding schedules and feeding, ensuring proper exercise, adhering to vaccination and health maintenance schedules, and caring for the property as a whole. I have also worked with and supervised my ranch staff who have provided much-needed assistance.

Competitive Horsebackrider, Various Venues in California 1954 to present

The basis of this work has been and is dressage but has also included endurance racing and jumping. Competitive work with horses has not only given me expert skills in horsemanship but has advanced my ability to train dogs. Achievements have included endurance race wins and best condition on my Arabian horse C.F. Drumsong, 1987-1994; Dressage Association of Southern California championships and high points; Two Merkel Insurance dressage championships 2004-2010. Currently I am working with Joel Sheridan who is partnering with me and my Spanish stallion for the purpose of competing in dressage and working equitation. The stallion will eventually be used as a breeding sire.

LICENSED COURT REPORTER FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DEPOSITION REPORTING FIRMS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN CA, 2000-2003

Deposition reporting included the recordation of business, medical, and expert testimony. In addition to mastering the technology of machine shorthand, this experience has given me skill in English punctuation, grammar, and proofreading. Training for this skill occurred over a seven-year period at Bryan College of Court Reporting, Los Angeles, CA.

WORK IN ADMINISTRATION, TEACHING AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTATION AT VARIOUS COMPANIES AND SCHOOLS, 1973-1993

Companies and schools worked for include Pan American World Airways; United States Navy; B.F.Goodrich; Packaging Corporation of America; Cleveland State University; St. Mary’s College, Moraga, Ohio; California State University, Northridge, CA; Lockheed Martin, Sunnyvale, CA.

EDUCATION

Dog Training Apprenticeship  using training lessons and materials provided by  Don Sullivan, Acton, CA, June 2012-present

Ph.D Organizational Behavior, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 1977-1984

M.S. Sociolinguistics, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., 1972-1974

B.S. Linguistics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 1965-1969

SKILLS

  • dog training
  • horse training
  • linguistics
  • interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral
  • empathy and discernment
  • adept at analysis and problem solving
  • organization and management
  • animal care and handling
  • computer skills and word processing
  • time management

LINKS

http://www.myusefuldressage.com

http://www.perfectobediencedogtraining.com

 

PUBLICATIONS FOR DOGS

How Good Horsemanship Makes a Better Dog Trainer
https://perfectobediencedogtraining.com/how-good-horsemanship-makes-a-better-dog-trainer/, 2020. This article shows how excellence in horsemanship has transferable benefit to training dogs. The dogs benefit by having a horsewoman as their trainer.
Obedience Training Dogs; The Best Way
s=obedience+training+dogs, 2020. This article argues that the best way to train dogs is the way they train themselves. A description of this process is provided along with its application for human use.
Training Dogs Without Treats
https://perfectdogobediencetraining.com/training-dogs-without-treats/ , 2020. This article describes the benefits of training without treats and the hazards of training with them.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST