Lisa is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and is a member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers, www.ccpdt.org and www.apdt.com).
Lisa L. Giesick has worked with animals since 1983. She worked in the animal welfare field for 16 years. Lisa teaches puppy kindergarten, private and group dog training classes and also offers behavior consultations. She believes that most behavior problems are a because of a lack of communication and because we are not speaking the same language. Dog training is about a relationship and she encourages people to understand their dogs through positive reinforcement techniques. Positive reinforcement is not only more humane than punishment, but it is far more effective. Punishing a dog for something he or she doesn’t know will not teach the correct way of doing something. Punishment will only make the dog confused and scared. A dog that completely trusts his or her owner will stay relaxed, be better able to listen and will be far more motivated to learn. Dogs learn better and faster with positive reinforcement. Lisa uses lure reward training and not metal collars or shock collars.

Lisa managed the Humane Education and Behavior Departments at the SPCA of Monterey County for approximately 5 years. While there, she taught humane education programs to schools throughout Monterey County giving presentations to students of all ages from preschool to senior citizens,disabled children and adults. Lisa also participated in pet therapy programs in the community, and is a certified evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program.

Lisa spent over eight years at the SPCA of Monterey County not only in the education department, but also as the Humane Investigations Supervisor, and a sworn Humane Officer for 7 years. During that time, she investigated thousands of calls of animal abuse and neglect.

Before the SPCA of Monterey County, Lisa spent approximately 5 years as an Animal Control Officer, and worked at two other humane societies. Her educational background includes child development, psychology, and criminology, basic and advanced Humane Academies.

Lisa left the SPCA of Monterey County in September of 2005 to pursue her own business and taught an Animal Behavior & Care class for high school students. Lisa has a passion for teaching that includes both humans and non-humans. Lisa also taught group dog training classes at Carmel Holistic Veterinary Clinic in Carmel, California before moving to Maui in June 2007.

Lisa teaches group classes at the Animal Care Hospital in Kula, the Maui Humane Society, West Maui Pet Supply, and at the University of Hawaii, Maui College. She also offers board and train, canine coaching,  doggy daycare, private lessons and behavior consultations.

Lisa is married and shares her home with 2 children, three dogs, three cats, an African Grey parrot and turtle.