Shelter Dog Behavioral Training


Joanne LincolnManager, 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:  Trainer


Amanda 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.