L.A. Scopa
ABC Certified Dog Trainer
No Pup Too Tuff
My name is Laurie Anne Scopa and I am a graduate of Animal Behavior College where I earned my certification as an ABC Certified Dog Trainer. Animal Behavior College (ABC) is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education and is an internationally recognized school. My year long commitment to this program has provided me with a formal education in canine obedience training and understanding behavior and its motives. My certification, education and experience provide me the skills required to effectively and humanely train your dog while keeping alive the spark that makes your dog so special to you.
I am a dog lover first, and a dog trainer second. I know from first-hand experience the difference dog training makes in the relationship between dog and owner. Having and raising a dog is not easy and can be very frustrating. Proper training and learning ways to handle those hair-pulling situations will put the enjoyment back in having a puppy.
When I was 13, I got "my" first puppy, Mercedes, a rottweiler. I was able to train her myself with a little help, of course. While we had Mercedes, I knew of someone with a lab/mix puppy that was without a home, as the dog loving family we are, we took in Malcolm and so begins my need to help rescue dogs. Mercedes had a spinal cord disorder, leaving her hind legs paralyzed, which is what drew me into learning to care for and understand dogs and their needs. Malcolm lived out his 13 year long life as a happy, healthy and well behaved dog.
Down the line, I rescued Gucci, a pit bull puppy. Gucci had quite a few behavioral issues, as many rescues do, including socialization issues and people aggression. I gave him the best home and training I could. In time, I made tremendous progress with him, which is what brought me to the realization that I loved training and working with dogs. I want to help train shelter dogs, to get them adopted and stay in their new homes. I want people to learn the pit bull is an amazing breed, to help them be accepted back into society where they can be in a nice family home, where the belong.
in 2008 I was introduced to the NEADS Prison Pup Program. I was a back up handler and taught obedience and beginning training to the puppies. These dogs stay in prison for around 2 years, receive excellent training and go on to be service dogs for deaf and disabled people.
So I enrolled to become a Certified Trainer, graduated from the Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer Program. I also volunteered at the Taunton Animal Shelter, where I help the dogs learn manners to help them be more adoptable be able to find a forever home. Now for my job, I get to do what I love to do.