About V
Victoria Thibodeaux, CSAT, CDBC, FDM
V is a dog trainer and behavior consultant with over a decade of experience in modern, dog-friendly, science-based behavior change.
Over the years, V has helped hundreds of clients achieve lasting changes to improve quality of life for everyone in the household. V is experienced with a wide variety of dog breeds, ages, and health status.
Training Methods
Customized Support: Every dog is unique and every training plan is unique. V will start by assessing your dog’s behavior and needs, then build a personalized training plan for your dog and family.
Systematic Desensitization: This technique exposes your dog to tiny bits of “almost-alone time” so they are aware of what you’re doing, but not stressed. Gradually, we layer in departure cues, longer duration, and other real life aspects of alone time that your dog will experience. Over time, the dogs become more comfortable with each aspect of alone time and training absences simply turn into real-life absences!
Adaptive Techniques: V is always working with clients to find what works best for each unique family. This often means making tweaks or changes to the training plan as challenges come up.
Data Driven: Keeping track of your dog’s training helps us see their progress over time and find patterns when your dog is struggling. Our logs are easy to use, save automatically, and thoroughly process your dog’s training information.
Human First: Separation anxiety can take a big toll on dogs and their humans. Your welfare is just as important as your dog’s welfare, and we keep this in mind as we work through your dog’s training plan.
Collaboration: Throughout the training process, we also work closely with other members of your dog’s care team, such as their veterinarian, veterinary behaviorist, groomers, pet sitters, etc., to build the most comprehensive plan possible and further ensure your dog’s success.
Certifications & Education
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A Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) is someone who has graduated from Malena DeMartini's Separation Anxiety Training Certificate Program for professionals.
The specialized program includes over 100 hours of instruction, personalized feedback, a deep dive into separation anxiety and its treatment, and multiple graded exams.
CSATs also become part of an exclusive and collaborative community of expert trainers with continuous education opportunities under Malena DeMartini, to ensure they remain at the cutting edge of separation anxiety treatment best practices.
Read more about what it takes to become a CSAT here.
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The CDBC is a certification for professionals who can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and behavior change competency with anxiety, panic, aggression, and other types of "extreme" behaviors in dogs.
Before applying to become a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), it requires at least 500 hours of experience in dog behavior consulting, at least 400 hours of education, and a functional knowledge of modern behavior change techniques.
Once eligible, the application involves endorsements from colleagues, veterinarians, and clients, essay questions, scenario case essays, and personal case studies with successful resolution. Maintaining the CDBC also requires 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every 3 years.
Read more about what it takes to become a CDBC here.
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Unlike most professional behavior courses which explore how to change a dog's behavior, this is an applied ethology course that explores why those behaviors are happening in the first place. This includes understanding how a dog’s learning history, environment, genetics, and current internal state work together to produce their behavior.
A Family Dog Mediator (FDM) has completed Kim Brophy's L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Professional Course.
Learn more about the course here.
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Living & Learning with Animals: The Fundamental Principles and Procedures of Teaching and Learning is an 8-week tele class by Dr Susan Friedman, Ph.D.
The class is designed to provide the foundation for a comprehensive and coherent understanding of behavior analysis as it relates to facilitating the lives of all learners.
Read more about the LLA course here.
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Fear Free Pets is an organization that is working to spread education and reduce animal stress during veterinary and grooming procedures. Someone who is a Fear Free Certified Professional has successfully completed Fear Free Pets' Certification Program.
Learn more about Fear Free Pets and their mission here.
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The Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program includes in person workshops for hands on learning in addition to virtual and online learning. Becoming a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner requires a clear demonstration of the ability to teach a dog new behaviors cleanly, chain behaviors together, and coach others.
Learn more about the program here.
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The Pet Professional Guild's mission is to build a coalition of ethical pet service professionals who can crate widespread industry transparency regarding the use and purpose of pet training and care tools and equipment.
V is currently a PPG Professional Member, with the intention of applying for the Professional Canine Behavior Consultant – Accredited (PCBC-A) certification in the near future.
Read more about the Pet Professional Guild here.
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The learning never stops! V is extremely committed to continuing education and always looking for opportunities to learn something new. Driven by a passion for understanding, V always collects significantly more CEU's than are strictly needed for certification renewals.