Alana Stevenson

Alana Stevenson is a Professional Dog and Cat Behavior Specialist, Dog Trainer, and Certified Small Animal Massage Therapist. She is the author of "The Right Way The First Time, Teaching Your Dog Kindly and Humanely." It is the only book on dog training and behavior that is endorced by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). She is Certified (CDBC) by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the International Institute for Applied Companion Animal Behavior. Alana has a MS in Biology and instructs part time for Bancroft's School of Massage Small Animal Massage Therapy program.

Alana's behavior modification approaches and training techniques are gentle, fun and effective. They are based on how animals learn and sound scientific principles. Alana does not use punishments, force, or negative reinforcement when working with dogs or cats to resolve behavioral problems.

Alana has been a supporter of animal advocacy and protection for over 18 years. She has aided in rescue of abused and injured animals, and educated people on animal care and how to treat animals humanely. Her advocacy work has included initiating a campaign to relocate an abused monkey to an animal sanctuary, (his story can be viewed at Monkey Business Fall 2004.pdf, scroll down to page 14), and researching animal abuse and how it relates to violent crime. Her research was used to help train Illinois law enforcement officers specializing in Domestic Violence.

Before specializing in animal behavior, Alana taught high school biology, bioethics, and environmental science. She has instructed elementary, high school, and college students on animal welfare and advocacy issues.

Alana Stevenson's goals are to encourage positive teaching and training in matters relating to dog and cat behavior, to reduce the numbers of animals killed each year in shelters, and to develop a harmonious relationship for people and their animal companions.