MEET YOUR TRAINER
Dr. Marsha Penner, Ph.D., KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA (she/her/hers)
A behavioral neuroscientist by training, Marsha has published her work on learning and memory, brain development, and inclusive teaching in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. She has been honored with awards for excellence in teaching and public service. Since retiring from academic life, Dr. Penner has turned her love for learning, behavior, and teaching into a career as a professional dog trainer after graduating from the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior.
Credentials
Marsha continues to pursue education in humane, science-based training methods. The following is a list of some of Marsha’s credentials (click the underlined text to learn more about each organization):
- Karen Pryor Academy – Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP)
- Faculty Advisor – Victoria Stilwell Academy
- Professional Member – Association for Professional Dog Training International (APDT)
- Professional Member – Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT)
Training Methods
Marsha uses rewards-based training methods. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), one of the leading organizations dedicated to animal behavior, recommends using reward-based training. “Based on current scientific evidence, AVSAB recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems.” You can find their complete position statement here.
Marsha is Anishinaabe and embraces a relational approach in her work. Nda-nwendaaganag (All My Relations) expresses the idea of interconnectedness and kinship – this idea is at the center of Marsha’s training approach.
you can also find marsha here:
Podcast Interview: I like Big Brains and I Cannot Lie!
Listen to Marsha’s interview on Behavior Buzzzzzz with Dr. Amy Learn & Dr. Amy Pike!
Behaving Brains
Join fascinating live conversations about brains, dogs, and behavior!
Neuroscience for Dog Geeks
Marsha sometimes writes about neuroscience and behavior research just for fun!
Our Indigenous-owned small business provides modern reward-based puppy training from Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty 1 Territory.