About Robin

My name is Robin MacFarlane and I am a professional dog trainer. I have been active working in the animal world since the late 80’s. But my love for dogs began very early in life. I think the first book I read on my own was Go Dog Go! by P.D. Eastman. I just ALWAYS wanted to get to that dog party!

For as far back as I can remember dogs were a part of my daily routine. My father and brother kept and hunted with Beagles, and I brought home every stray I could find. My formative years were spent with German Shepherds, an Irish Setter, a poodle, and more mixed breeds than I can count. My best pal growing up was a GSD mix named Smokey. She was my constant companion and I remember sneaking her in the house when my parents were away.  :-)

The real passion kicked in though when I took a position working in a small animal veterinary hospital. That experience inspired me to learn more about dog behavior. I wanted to find ways to communicate and influence dogs so that people could have happy and long lasting relationships with their companions.

Over the years, I have been blessed to work and study alongside many well respected trainers. I have attended other professional programs and continue to attend workshops and seminars to aid in my own growth and continued learning.

There is a long list of fantastic things I’ve had opportunity to do and many great dogs I’ve be privileged to work with. I will be using this forum to share some of those stories.

Most recently I was honored to receive a Certificate of Appreciation For Patriotic Civilian Service to the Department of the United States Army. They honored me with a Flag of the United States of America flown on a combat mission in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom over RC-N, Afghanistan.

You can learn more about my training company and experience here: www.ThatsMyDog.com
You can also read what I have been teaching other professional trainers here www.ThatsMydog.com/school.php

In addition to my career I live a active lifestyle of travel, writing, kayaking, biking and raising my two wonderful children. My personal dogs are a part of most everything I do and I truly understand the immense bond between human and canine.

Dog’s teach us so many great lessons and bring us tremendous joy. I believe we owe it to them to learn about their needs and create a life that is fulfilling and rewarding for them.

This site is devoted to all the dogs who have influenced me and to all of you who wish to give your dogs the safe and happy life they deserve.

If you would like to reach me personally, feel free to contact via: Robin@ThatsMyDog.com

All the best,
Robin MacFarlane

* comments are moderated, all polite (even disagreeing) discussion and debate will be allowed. However, name calling, threats and vicious behavior will not be tolerated.

 

3 Responses to About Robin

  1. Dear Mrs. MacFarlane,

    with great interest I have read your articles. As a studied ethologist (University of Bern, Switzerland) and dog trainer, who solves professionaly behaviour problems in dogs since 1982 incorporating electrical stimulation since 1989 in accordance with Dan Tortoras philosophy of training, I totally agree with your opinions.

    Thank you for your work to show the positive attitudes of remote trainers using electrical stimulation. This is very important facing the fact, that the number of countries banning the use of electrical stimulation is increasing rapidly.

    Yours sincerely

    Daniel Schwizgebel

  2. I was impressed by your full comprehension of my paper in JEP. I hope you experience more success then I did in shaping the attitudes of the public.

    dt

  3. Matthew Devaney says:

    Can you please provide a direct e-mail as I have a question I need your help with.

    Thank you,

    Matthew B. Devaney
    Research and Development Coordinator
    CBP Canine Program Headquarters
    915-231-5323 Office
    915-241-2862 Cell
    Matthew.Devaney@dhs.gov

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