Canines are a vital aspect of human companionship, self-esteem, physical activity, health, mood stabilization and joy. With our canines, we learn about ourselves. We develop confidence by being challenged. We learn how to work as a team with our families, our dogs, and we become a pack. I love to elevate the IQ, awareness and cooperation of the entire pack. Together we cultivate synergistic choreographies. We seek to understand our dog’s needs and expand our behavioral repertoires so you and your canine can deal with any situation. 

Dr Lisa Apramian, Ph.D.
in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, CA ….and…. Fairfield County, CT, NY

Canine Contact–Cultivating human-animal synergistic bonds
Weaving 30 years of Psychology, Life Coaching, Nutrition, Animal Behaviorism, Animal Rehabilitating, Prepping and Training Service Dogs, Pet Therapy Dogs and Human Canine Sport Dogs

University of Southern California:
Ph.D., Counseling Psychology and Qualitative Research, 1991
M.S., Counseling Psychology, 1986
B.A., Psychology, 1983
B.S., Study of Women and Men in Society (SWMS/Critical Gender Studies) 1983

Educated in:
animal behaviorism
clicker training
operant and classical conditioning
rehabilitative retraining for:
fear, territorial and dominance aggression
walking with and without a leash
separation anxiety
pet therapy
service dogs and canine companions
agility training
retrieval
overcoming fear of water, noises, etc

EXPERIENCE

ANIMAL RESCUE-Lifelong animal care housing, cleaning, administering meds for wolf sanctuary, 200 reptile facility, hawk and other bird rehabilitation, cats, dogs, rats, rehabilitating retired race horses

PIT RESCUE WORK (1998-current) rescue, adopt, train, and place American Pit bull Terriers back into the community as pets, companions, therapy dogs and competitive sports dos.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS to children for 4 years-
Volunteered Creating and Offering: Dog Bite Prevention Class for National Dog Bite Prevention Week at:
Carmel Creek Elementary School (k-3rd grade)
Ashley Falls Elementary School (k-3 grade)
Solana Highlands Child Development Center (1-4 grade)
Carmel Creek Child Development Center UCSD ICNS School (preschool)

“Responsible Dog Ownership Classes” for adults/parents
Carmel Creek PTA
Carmel Valley Library
Miramesa Street Fair

PET THERAPY-1996 – 2022. My team of APBT’s assisted me in my private practice. They provide supportive therapy to young children with behavioral challenges, learning disorders, developmental disorders, and trauma. They assist adult patients with agoraphobia, post traumatic stress syndrome, rape/assault, depression, and personality disorders. These dogs hold and contain intense emotions, touch therapy, rewarding eye contact, encouragement, soothing anxiety and trauma, and inspiring fearful and depressed patents. Volunteered for many organizations such as the Oceanside Day Center for the elderly and H.E.L.P. (Home assisted living program for the elderly) and giving new hope to isolated patients who were terminally ill and experiencing loss of vision or mobility.

APBT ACTIVISM– Public speaker and advocate for responsible run dog parks. Dr. Lisa, and her pack were instrumental part of a team approach to getting the Carmel Valley dog park approved over a period of 5 years. We appeared and worked with the city planning committee, parks and recreation committee, and the local residents of Carmel Valley, including some very hostile, resistant, and fearful resident, supportive vets, animal behaviorists and trainers, dog park experts, the media, and the United States Humane Society. Dr. Lisa has also been a member of various animal organizations such as Sierra Club, Greenpeace, PETA, Wildlife Fund, and an active donor to animal shelters.

NEWS MEDIA:
Coverage in the Union Tribune
Carmel Valley News
Featured Channel 9 FOX news: Dog Bite Prevention Week and a Very Friendly Pit bull
Channel 7 news

AWARDS:
United States Humane Society
Carmel Valley Parks and Recreation Department
Friends of Carmel Valley Dogs
Canine Good Citizenship
Pet Therapy Certificates
Love on a Leash

CONSULTATIONS:
Patrick Melese, MA, D.V.M. certified animal behaviorist
Rick Johnson, Marin County Humane Society and United States Humane Society
Dr. Don Fetco, Ph.D. (Dr. Dog) and nationally syndicated radio host
Dallas Animal Care Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center,
Education and Dog Bite Prevention Program
Keith Richter, Veterinary Animal Hospital

This youngster came to me fear-based and is now zooming around building day-by day more comfort meeting, being around and even playing with other dogs!

Expect a lot from me. You will get it! I live and work from home and so your dog will get training throughout the day and night. I am about exposing you and your dog to everything that nourishes your dog’s mind, body and spirit!

There are so many new learning opportunities; indoors and outdoors. You and your canine will learn commands, words, sounds, tones, and hand signals. I work with beginning, intermediate and advanced skills. 

Your canine will be socialized with my pack. Your canine can learn to both on leash and off leash if you so desire. Whether it is resolving problems and re-training your dog and educating you and your family, basic companionship and canine good citizenship, working outs, and sport dogs, or more, you dogs will gradually be exposed to a growing stimuli as it can handle it. First is the apt/house and back yard where your dog is not overstimulated. Then in more crowded areas, parks, beaches, the city, in nature: sand, water, snow, woods, or mountains. Perhaps you and your canine can be  retrieving in the ocean, or swimming together, etc.

Once you train with me, I am available for the life of your dog, to help you with transitions or bumps in the road.

I work with people of all means. For those on a low income, I have special programs. For those who quality and want training for a pit bulls, I have ridiculous specials. Sometimes though, there is a waiting list:)

I am a seasoned psychologist and animal behaviorist. I am passionate about responsible dog ownership and dog bite prevention. I have been working with animals my whole life: domestic animals, cats, dogs, birds, horses, as well as wolf and raptor wildlife rehabilitation. My dogs have worked in elementary schools, as advocates for planning for more dog parks in our communities

hospitals, therapy offices, trauma units, sports competitions and have worked abroad. Some of my canines have been featured on the news, at dog fairs,

adoption clinics, and dog parades such as the NYC Veterans Parade on Fifth Ave.

I have a lot of experience with dogs from rescue, abuse, isolation, no boundaries, or poor training/mixed messages. Rehabilitation is a remarkable process to be a part of. I want to empower you and your dog or pack.  I enjoy showing owners  how to establish effective calm yet firm leadership. I help you set boundaries and give you a a range of options. Consistency and learning how to avoid the mistakes we humans make is the hope your dog needs. My hope is for you and your dogs to thrive with proper education and consistent flexible leadership repertoires. 

In the early 90’s, a pit bull literally saved my life. I adopted her and over the years I developed a reputation for working with pit bulls from all kinds of backgrounds. I have done pit bull and dog rescues and rehabilitation for 30+ years now. Pit bulls are definitely my favorite breed and the breed I use them the MOST for work pet therapy with children

and adults with special needs, in my education programs with children,

for those with needs for physical mobility service dogs, sports and competition.

But I love ALL dogs and I work with dogs from puppies to seniors; all breeds and all mixes. 

It is also important to apply proper pet nutrition and exercise, and be imaginative in creating human-animal activities and bonds for a lifetime. I will evaluate your dog’s personality, nutrition needs, and exercise needs. A happy balanced dog is a dog that soars in nature with you; running, hiking, jumping, swimming, body-surfing,

retrieving, and socializing!

Then you and your dog can relax!

Canine Contact is a subdivision of Spiral Awakening, LLC.