Meet Laura, Your Dog and Mini Pig Trainer
Laura Bourhenne, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Laura Bourhenne founded Animal Attraction Unlimited in 1989 after earning her degree in Exotic Animal Training from Moorpark College with an emphasis on Operant & Classical Conditioning, Animal Husbandry, Handling and Management. Since then, she has continued her education by keeping up-to-date on developments in the field of pet training, and by attending numerous seminars and conferences each year. In addition, she is a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
Laura's first job immediately following graduation at Moorpark was working at the Universal Studios Animal Show. Shortly thereafter she also began training a potbellied pig for a local family, and the rest was history! These experiences helped deepen her knowledge of how animals learn and taught her the importance of being able to work well with people as well as animals.
Throughout her career, Laura has trained many different species of animals, including primates, birds of prey, ponies, rats, miniature potbelly pigs, and many others, (ever heard of a kinkajou?). Because so many of these species had the potential to be dangerous, she learned to train them from outside the cage using rewards and clicker training to mark the desired behavior (Learn more about Laura’s Training Philosophy). Although today Laura’s focus is primarily on dogs and pigs, she still uses these same techniques with great success.
For more than 30 years Laura has helped thousands of pets and their families learn to live in harmony. On many occasions, owners have come to her as a last resort, concerned they may have to re-home their pet due to a behavior problem. With Laura’s help, these families have been able to live together happily. Nothing gives Laura greater joy than helping solve these issues and keep families together.
Laura and her friend Kim Rinehardt have a podcast called Doggie Dish Broadcasts where they discuss dog behavior, training concepts, and general dog information.
In addition to working with people and their pets, Laura also donates her time to various rescue organizations, including the Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles, Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue, Fetchin’ Retrievers Rescue, The Rescue Train, and ARK Charities. She has also given seminars for a local mini-pig rescue.
Professional Affiliations
