Profile: Canine Team Evaluator

Donna Gleason
K9FR Canine Team Evaluator
Dog Trainer, CDBC, CPDT-KA, MA*

Donna’s background is unique as she posses both the academic credentials and field experience to conduct crisis canine evaluations. Her deployment experience combined with years of training dogs gives her practical insights into screening potential K9FR teams. Not to mention keeping our dogs safe during deployments.

“Dogs interacting during a crisis act differently than at home or when traveling. Their awareness of the stress and tension of the moment is internalized. The dogs provide aid and comfort to victims and survivors all the while managing their own stress. Not every dog or handler can do this. It is my job to screen teams for their effectiveness and demeanor… both the dog and handler as one.”

* Certifications & Degrees:

Certified International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (CDBC)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Masters Degree in Behavior Modification (Fairfield University)

Donna relaxing with her dogs. One of which, Socrates, is a K9 First Responder.

Leave a Reply