Shelter Dog Behavioral Training
Joanne Lincoln :
Manager, Behavior Department and Volunteer Services
Joanne
Lincoln is a certified professional dog trainer - knowledged assessed
and animal behavior specialist with more than 14 years of shelter dog
experience. She has worked in the shelter system in a variety of
positions over the years to
develop a shelter dog training program. That program utilizes
volunteers to promote enrichment and training to shelter animals,
increasing their emotional longevity and adoptability. Joanne, together
with Audrey Tucker of Pet Education and Therapy, has co-authored a
shelter assessment and re-homing program
which is currently in use in several Connecticut shelters.
Joanne
has owned Begian Malinois, Labradoodles, Chihuahuas, and Cattle dogs
though she is known primarily for her work with Bully Breeds and
promoting breed education. Joanne has successfully placed shelter dogs
with several Police Department's, Search and Rescue handlers, and
donated Vern, the first certified Search and Rescue dog to the country
of Turkey. Vern just happens to be an American Staffordshire Terrier
and a shelter dog.
Joanne's knowledge, instinct, and experience with dogs is well known
throughout the area.
The Simon Foundation is extremely fortunate to have Joanne as
part of our team. Together with her American Staffordshire Terrier
Bam Bam, Joanne is helping to rehabilitate and modify the behavior of
Simon Foundation
shelter dogs so each and every one has an opportunity to find a forever
home. For those that don't, Joanne provides enrichment activities and
behavioral training so they can happily live out their lives at our
shelter.
Bam Bam enjoying a little pick me up before work...
Obstacle, Agility, and Specialty Training

Amanda Ewchuk: TrainerAmanda Ewchuk is a Behavioral Technician, conducting behavior consults for both canine and feline companions, as well as teaching obedience and agility courses. Amanda began working in the animal behavior field five years ago as a Veterinary Technician at an emergency veterinary hospital. She then transitioned from medicine to behavior and began employment working at a doggie day-care facility and teaching basic and intermediate obedience classes. In 2010, Amanda established a basic temperament assessment at a Connecticut animal control facility. While also teaching agility courses, Amanda currently works as a trainer and behavior consultant at a local animal shelter, providing enrichment and behavior modification for shelter animals before adoption.
Amanda has an undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Animal Psychology and Neuroscience and is currently getting her Master's degree in Companion Animal Behavior. She lives with her two cats, Figi and Tweekers, and her Gordon Setter, Seeger.