Victoria recently took the Animal Training & Care course at Unity College with Professor Gina Caldwell.
"I had taken a break from school prior to enrolling in Unity College. This break wasn't one I wanted to take. I became so ill in 2019 that I couldn't stay in school, and I had to withdraw from my previous college. After years of seeing various doctors, I finally got some answers. I was struggling so much that it was suggested by my care team that I may benefit from a service dog. I couldn't afford a program dog, so I decided to owner train my own service dog. That's when I fell in love with training and knew I wanted to help others train their own service dogs as well.
I currently live on the Big Island of Hawaii in a town called Keaau. I decided to enroll in Unity College because they offered an Animal Health and Behavior degree, and I could do my work on my own time thanks to their Distance Education option. I am currently apprenticing under a local dog trainer, so I don't have the time to attend class in a traditional classroom setting. Unity gives me the flexibility that I need. I am able to juggle my day-to-day life while still earning my degree.
I am currently earning my Bachelor's in Animal Health and Behavior. I hope to gain as much knowledge as I can on animal behavior in hopes that it will help me on my way to becoming a professional service dog trainer. I want the tools to teach dogs through positive reinforcement so that they may help their handlers with their disabilities. I loved learning about classical and operant conditioning, it's exactly what I wanted from the class. My ultimate goal is to professionally train service dogs. I want to help those who are owner training their service dog. I had to do it all by myself and I wish I had help along the way."
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