Dr Lisa Apramian, Ph.D.
San Diego, CA
Psychology, Coaching and Pet Therapy
Otis (Odabear) American Pit Bull Terrior
Color: Red Nose, Cinnamon Brindle
along with "Jenny" Rhodesian Lab
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:
Training in:
animal behaviorism
clicker training
operant and classical conditioning
rehabilitative retraining for:
fear 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
EXPERIENCE
RESCUE WORK
Since 1998 rescued, adopted, trained, and placed over 25 American Pit bull Terriers back into the community as pets or companions. Also adopted 28 unwanted snakes, fostered ducklings and placed dozens of rescue cats and other dog breeds and mixes all over the country.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
to children from 3 yo to 8 yo
Volunteered for Dog Bite Prevention Class for National Dog Bite Prevention Week:
from 1999-2002
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)
Volunteer Teacher of Responsible Dog Ownership Classes to adults
Carmel Creek PTA
Carmel Valley Library
Miramesa Street Fair
PET THERAPY-1999 - 2002. Odabear assisted me in my private practice. He provided therapy to young children with behavioral challenges, learning disorders, developmental disorders, and trauma. He assisted adult patients with agoraphobia, post traumatic stress syndrome, rape/assault, depression, and multiple personality disorder. Held and contained intense emotions, rewarded eye contact, gave encouragement, soothed anxiety and trauma, and inspired 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 given new hope to isolated patients who were terminally ill and experiencing loss of vision or mobility.
ACTIVIST
Public speaker and advocate for responsible run dog parks. Dr. Lisa, Odabear, and Jennygirl were instrumental in getting the Carmel Valley dog park approved over a period of years. We appeared and worked with the city planning committee, parks and rec., and the community of Carmel Valley, including some very hostile, resistant, and fearful resident, supportive vets, animal behaviorists and trainers, 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
