{"id":26140,"date":"2024-10-02T15:25:43","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T20:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/karenpryoracademy.com\/?p=26140"},"modified":"2024-10-02T15:32:30","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T20:32:30","slug":"october-kpa-ctp-of-the-month-robin-horemans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/karenpryoracademy.com\/october-kpa-ctp-of-the-month-robin-horemans\/","title":{"rendered":"October KPA CTP of the Month: Robin Horemans"},"content":{"rendered":"

october 2024 KPA CTP of the Month<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Robin Horemans, KPA CTP, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a dedicated animal trainer and owner of Parrot SOS. While her primary focus is working with parrots, she also has experience training dogs. Since graduating from the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional (KPA DTP) program in 2016 under the mentorship of Carolyn McIntosh Clark, Robin has expanded her skills and expertise in the field of positive reinforcement training. In addition to her work with animals, she is the Director of Operations for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Robin's journey reflects her passion for improving the lives of companion birds and helping pet owners better understand and train their animals.<\/span><\/div><\/div>
\"KPA<\/span><\/div><\/div>

Tell us about the first animal you ever trained.<\/b><\/p>\n

My first experience with clicker training was with my cockatiel, Monster, who is now 24 years old! He has been an incredible teacher throughout his life. Monster is one of those patient souls; he loves you no matter what\u2014even if your timing is off, your cues are unclear, or you ask for too much too soon. Monster has followed my training journey every step of the way, and I\u2019m so grateful he\u2019s still with me. Now considered \u201cold\u201d at 24, he continues to teach me valuable lessons about working with limited mobility, voluntary medical training, setting up the environment for success, and being a good communicator. I\u2019m lucky to have had him with me from the very start of my clicker training journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Was there a particular dog\/animal in your life that was your most important teacher?<\/b><\/p>\n

Yes, my first pet, a beautiful yellow budgie named Parkay, was incredibly important. She was with us throughout my childhood and teenage years. Parkay was a recessive pied green budgie that loved flying around the house and brought us so much joy with her antics. She developed a unique whistling \"language\" that was a form of communication between her and the family. Her life, which spanned 12 years, inspired me to improve the lives of companion birds. From basic care and diet to communication and training, Parkay led me to ask, \"How can we do this better?\" As a teenager, I even wrote a paper on how to care for a budgie. I remember wondering what parts of that advice would be rewritten by the time I turned 40. As it turns out, so much of it has been completely updated in ways I couldn\u2019t have imagined back then!<\/span><\/p>\n

When did you start training and how has the industry changed since you started training?<\/b><\/p>\n

I started training animals after university, but I was exposed to the industry throughout my childhood. My parents were \"crossover trainers.\" Their methods transitioned from using choke collars to treat-based training in the late 1990s. As a kid, I would sit in the corner during obedience classes, flyball, agility trials, and dog shows. I loved all of it because I\u2019ve always loved dogs! My parents\u2019 training shifted when they were leaving the industry. I remember my mother\u2019s regret that she missed a Karen Pryor talk that was held nearby. Fast forward 20 years, and I completed the DTP program! Suddenly, everything made sense again. It\u2019s exciting to see how much the science of training has progressed, and I\u2019m thrilled to continue learning and sharing that knowledge.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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It\u2019s exciting to see how much the science of training has progressed, and I\u2019m thrilled to continue learning and sharing that knowledge.\n<\/blockquote><\/div><\/div>
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Do you have any memorable stories from your time in the DTP?<\/b><\/p>\n

One memorable experience was when I was volunteering at my local Humane Society during the DTP program. I was happy assisting in their basic manners classes, but the trainers encouraged me to enroll in the program, believing I would do well. The DTP program was a challenge because I didn\u2019t have a dog at the time\u2014I'm a parrot person primarily! I was fortunate to be able to borrow a friend\u2019s untrained two-year-old mixed breed named Piety for the entire program. Working with Piety every day, training complex skills at her house, was incredibly rewarding. We went from wild beginnings to amazing communicators over the six-month course. Piety was fantastic, and I was even able to teach my friend how to reinforce her new superstar dog!<\/span><\/p>\n

How has completing the Dog Trainer Professional program and becoming a KPA CTP changed your life and career?<\/b><\/p>\n

Since completing the program, I feel much more confident in my abilities. The DTP program helped squash my imposter syndrome and allowed me to say, \"Look! I\u2019m a Certified Trainer! I belong here!\" Being part of the KPA community feels like joining an elite group of professionals from all over the world. I\u2019ve made connections with other CTPs and faculty members, sought guidance, and explored their books and webinars. I continue to meet fantastic trainers in the KPA community.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is your proudest training moment?<\/b><\/p>\n

My proudest training moment was working with a young scarlet macaw named Ruby that was already struggling with biting issues at just a year old. Unfortunately, biting is a common issue with companion parrots. After analyzing the situation\u2014including her environment, history, and physical health\u2014I realized that Ruby's biting wasn't due to \u201cdominance\u201d or a lack of clear cues. Ruby's wing and tail feathers had been clipped and this, combined with her already wobbly baby feet, made her feel insecure and unstable. She simply didn't want to step onto someone\u2019s hand because of her unsteady footing. I focused on her physical limitations and building up her confidence through balance games, gradually allowing her wings and tail to regrow. Ruby eventually learned to step onto hands confidently<\/span>\u2014<\/span>and even to fly. It was a rewarding transformation that set up Ruby for success throughout her long life.<\/span><\/p>\n

What do you do to continue your training education?<\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019m constantly seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge. Whether it\u2019s attending ClickerExpo, the IAABC Foundation Conference, professional seminars like those offered by The Ranch or Natural Encounters Inc., or participating in webinars hosted by respected experts, I always find new learning opportunities. I look forward to discovering what advancements the next 20 years will bring to the world of animal training.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the most important piece of advice you can give to a new trainer?<\/b><\/p>\n

Always get receipts for where people get their information. We are part of an amazing community of trainers making incredible progress in the field. Whether it's pushing the boundaries with choice and communication or mastering the basics, it's crucial to ask for sources. All instructors should be happy to share the research behind their practices or their secondary sources. Holding ourselves and other trainers accountable to science-based work ensures that we stay on the right path.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you were a dog, what breed would you be?<\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019d be a greyhound! I\u2019m tall, love sleeping for hours, and enjoy a good sofa. I have bursts of energy and love life, but I also need plenty of relaxation time to recharge. I adore my family and my birds, and I\u2019m generally very even-keeled.<\/span><\/p>\n

How can people learn more about you?<\/b>
\n<\/b>You can find <\/span>Parrot SOS<\/span><\/i> on all social media platforms! Visit us at:<\/span><\/p>\n\n