Training Assistant

Sharon E. Cudd Wirant

Mobile: 603-***-**** Email: ******@*******.***

Energetic leader with excellent advanced and specialized experienced handling and training animals, problem solving,

project management and communication skills. Motivated professional with significant experience developing

research design, data analysis, writing publications, training curricula, presenting research and training programs to

staff and the public.

Skill Summary

Extensive experience training animals (20+ years) Data analysis Project management

Animal behavior evaluation Publication preparation Objective problem solving

Advanced animal training skills Team leadership Critical thinking

Professional Experience

SPECIALIZED ANIMAL HANDLING/TRAINING

Successfully trained and modified behavior in exotic birds, trained rats for search & rescue research, and

trained chickens as a learning tool using non traditional training methods.

Developed and implemented successful behavior modification program for shelter dogs.

Developed and implemented canine scent work curriculum to training center class offerings and to enhance

the health and well being of shelter dogs.

Evaluated dog breeds banned from military bases as a SAFER Assessor for USMC Parris Island, SC and

Newburgh, NY.

Successfully evaluated select canines for drug detection for the Police Department of the Town of Seabrook ,

New Hampshire. Currently in search of a second canine candidate.

Assist the Director of Field Services with animal cruelty and neglect cases as needed.

OPERATIONS / TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

Oversee shelter and business operations for the second largest animal shelter in New England.

Develop, revise and maintain the Standard Operating Procedures manual and dog training class curriculum for

the animal shelter s training center. Responsible for training all staff on shelter operational procedures

including general care, enrichment, behavioral evaluation and modification of dogs and cats.

Facilitate the SAFER Aggression and Canine ality Assessment tools to organizations nationwide using

Dialogue Education techniques.

Review, provide feedback and certify video submission for SAFER Assessor certification.

Conduct, develop and systematically implement behavior modification/training plans for dog and cat owners

seeking resolution to pet behavior problems, including serious aggression cases.

Instructor and trainer for pet dog and competitive dog sports for 20 years.

RESEARCH

Designed, carried out, analyzed and prepared for publication research on the scent marking behavior of

female domestic dogs. Two studies have been published in a scientific, peer reviewed journal.

Assist with video research review and analysis of the SAFER Aggression Assessment data as an Independent

Contractor with the ASPCA.

Present research to academic, professional and public organizations.

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Sharon E. Cudd Wirant

Mobile: 603-***-**** Email: ******@*******.***

Certifications / Awards

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)

Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB)

Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDT KA)

Certified SAFER Assessor

Received Certificate of Appreciation from Colonel C.D. Henderson for providing successful behavioral

assessment of aggressive canine breeds at the Parris Island U.S. Marine Corps base in South Carolina 2009

Employment History

MONADNOCK HUMANE SOCIETY SWANZEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Director of Business Operations, 2011 present

Chief Operating Officer, 2009 2011

Director of Operations, 2008 2009

Canine Behavior Manager, 2006 2008

ASPCA NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

Independent Contract Trainer, 2008 present

UPPER VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY ENFIELD, NH

Behavior Intern, 2005 2006

SMITH COLLEGE NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Teaching Assistant (Laboratories: Vertebrate Biology, Ecology, Plant Systematics and Plant Ecology), 2003 2004

Teaching Assistant (Vertebrate Biology Laboratory), 2002

Research Assistant, 2001 2002

Praxis Internship (Veterinary Technician), Summer 2001

Education

SMITH COLLEGE NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Master of Arts, Biological Sciences with a specialization in Animal Behavior May 2005

Thesis subject: Urinary behavior in female domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) in relation to the estrous cycle

Bachelor of Arts, Biological Sciences and Neuroscience May 2002

Special Studies Thesis subject: Urinary behavior in female domestic dogs (Canie familiaris): influence of

reproductive status, location and age.

JAMES W. ROBINSON SECONDARY FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA

High school diploma June 1985

Professional References / Development

Professional references and/or extensive list of relevant courses attended provided upon request

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