Francine Crocker earned her certification as a canine obedience instructor from Animal Behavior College in August 2005, where she completed extensive study of learning theory and modern obedience instruction. She then earned a Diploma in Canine Behavior Counseling from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). Francine is continuing her studies at ACAS to earn her Master of Science degree in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals, which she expects to complete in 2008. Although she is not a veterinary doctor, her studies have included coursework in ethology, animal behavior, animal learning, conditioning, animal psychology and veterinary psychopharmacology.
Francine honed her people skills during 30 years of working in the marketing field before pursuing a professional interest in applied companion animal behavior. Upon completion of her graduate studies, she will apply to the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) for credentialing at the appropriate level of Applied Animal Behaviorist, a nationally recognized credential for graduate level professional behaviorists.
Francine currently lives with 2 rescued dogs and has just recently lost her own cat that she nursed through kidney failure to the ripe old age of 19. She has had a number of other pets throughout her life, including birds and hamsters!
Francine has been working under the direction of Dr. Patrick Melese since the fall of 2005 and currently sees clients at Veterinary Behavior Consultants Fridays and Saturdays by appointment only.