PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
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Personal canine instructor for the family of Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Kurdistan, Iraq 2006.
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Lead consultant for the Kurdistan Regional Government's national canine security services, Iraq 2006.
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Investigator for UAB’s Department of Psychology, therapy dog intervention study for traumatic brain injury patients, 2014.
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Co-creator and lead manager of Transitional Partners, a Dog-Assisted Work Therapy (DAWT) program for persons suffering with mental illness at East Side Mental Health Center. This program was co-developed with Kevin McDonald, canine behaviorist and Dr. Joseph Schumacher, PhD, clinical psychology.
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Preparatory training of dog / handler teams for certification as Therapy Dog Teams to visit hospitals and nursing homes
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Training of psychiatric service dogs for sufferers of traumatic stress, present.
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Served as faculty member for Alabama Council of Community Mental Health Boards, 37th Annual Conference, “Dog-assisted Work Therapy”, May 2011.
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Hand-in-Paw recognized therapy dog trainer, 2015.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
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Presenter for Mountain Brook Police Department, canine body language interpretation and bite prevention seminar, 2017.
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Presented to University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Preventive Medicines Grand Rounds, Dog-assisted work therapy for Veterans; Proposal for research and practice, 2010.
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Discourse BHAM guest speaker, The Unified Theory of Canine Behavior, 2023.
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Presenter at Shocco Springs 2011 Annual Mental Health Conference.
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Presenter of “Companion Dogs – A New Approach” at 2011 NAMI Annual State Conference in Montgomery, AL.
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Presented canine aggression safety seminar for parenting students at Birmingham City Schools, 2007.
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Presenter “Canine Transitional Partners” at East Side Mental Health Center, Birmingham, AL Feb 2012.
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Presenter “The Way of the Dog”, an educational seminar for Huntsville area dog trainers, May 2012.
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Guest author, Good Grit Magazine, Flourish Issue, "The Cognitive Canine", 2017.
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Guest speaker, Jewish War Veterans Post 608, "The Boy King and his Royal Dog," 2018.
Bradley Walker
Bradley Walker is a 3D Dog certified canine behaviorist and dog trainer serving Birmingham, Alabama.
Bradley graduated from Birmingham-Southern with a degree in psychology. He later went on to earn his Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
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Aaron McDonald
Canine Behaviorist and President of 3D Dog
Aaron McDonald is a canine behaviorist, author, dog trainer, consultant, and President of Three Dimensional Dog in Birmingham, AL; and co-owner of McDonald Canine Academy.
With 25 years of experience he has accumulated well over ten thousand hours of instruction and education in the rehabilitation of canine behavioral dysfunction, canine behavior consultancy, and training.
This experience culminated in the development of the Unified Theory of Canine Behavior, an innovative, systems-based cognitive-behavioral theory.
Aaron has participated in live radio, news broadcasts, and has been sought for his expertise by: Heads of State, CNN, Yahoo News, Southern Living, B-Metro Magazine, Eating Well magazine, petMD, the world’s largest pet health media provider.
KultureCity Certified 2023
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Amy Haycox
Amy Haycox is a 3D Dog certified canine behaviorist and dog trainer located in Birmingham, Alabama.
She is a graduate of the University of Texas Arlington. A life-long passion for animals began at 5 years of age riding horses.
During this time, Amy developed a myriad of specialized skills working with large and small exotic animals with a focus on carnivore training.
These included: Black Bear, Foxes, Otters, Horses, and now dogs!
Amy's compassionate teaching style and knowledge about canine behavior and cognition is the perfect resource for families looking to improve their human / canine relationship.
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EDUCATION
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University of Texas at Arlington
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
3D Dog Certified Canine Behaviorist 2021
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Canine behavior modification and training
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Anxiety disorder rehabilitation
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Skills development
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Relationship-based training
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Cognitive-behavioral consultation
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Service and therapy dog training
Birmingham Zoo – Children’s Zoo Animal Care
Professional II, 2018 – 2021
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Primary trainer for a diverse variety mammals, reptiles and avids.
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Point keeper for Black Bears, Foxes, and Sandhill Cranes.
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Head of the Zoo’s Enrichment Committee
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Developed animal care and enrichment protocols
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Spoke about animals in the collection to guests
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Trained a variety of large and small exotic animals
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Foxes, Otters, Bears, domestic livestock
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Trained several behaviors including crating, voluntary blood draw, injection training, brushing teeth.
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Other Experience
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Veterinary Assistant
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Horse riding instructor
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Trained 50+ horses for daily riding / under-saddle to suit client needs
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Competitive eventing rider
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Competitive horse show judge
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Trained horses basic ground manners
EDUCATION
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Master's in Marriage and Family Counseling, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Bachelor's in Psychology, Birmingham-Southern College
Work Experience
3D Dog Certified Canine Behaviorist 2024
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Canine behavior modification and training
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Anxiety disorder rehabilitation
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Skills development
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Relationship-based training
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Cognitive-behavioral consultation
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Service and therapy dog training
Substance Abuse Counselor, Intern Beacon Recovery/Integrated Healthcare
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Conducted 2-3 daily individual counseling sessions to address clients’ substance abuse issues and developed personal treatment plans
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Facilitated 4 weekly group counseling sessions for groups of 20-25 members, focusing on relapse preventions, coping skills, and addiction education
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Conducted daily check-ins for a caseload of 30+ individuals via phone to provide support and monitor progress
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Ensured accurate billing and maintain organized client records for a caseload of 25-35 individuals in compliance with confidentiality and HIPAA requirements
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Engaged clients in remote sessions, ensuring seamless communication and maintaining therapeutic rapport
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Active participant in staff meetings, leading discussions to coordinate comprehensive care for clients Care Transitions Assistant University of Alabama, Birmingham - Birmingham, AL
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Supported the care transitions team in arrangement of post-acute placements and services for patients
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Facilitated communication between external entities and internal resources within the UAB Health System to ensure successful patient transition from acute care settings
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Coordinated daily lodging assistance for 10-20 patients with financial difficulties, ensuring access to safe and supportive accommodations
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Facilitated medication assistance for 100-150 patients by collaborating with external entities to ensure patients with financial difficulties received necessary medications Patient Encounter Specialist University of Alabama, Birmingham - Birmingham, AL
Elyssa Bende
Elyssa Bende is a 3D Dog certified canine behaviorist and dog trainer located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Elyssa has always had a passion for mental health and sought a career where she can help others achieve emotional well-being. Driven by this fascination for behavior, she graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in psychology.
"I developed a deep appreciation for dogs from a young age. I just love how resilient and smart they are, and find their ability to love unconditionally inspiring."
Elyssa's mission is to help keep dogs from being rehomed or surrendered, and by doing so, to project positivity into the world. Relationships are her passion as she seeks to further our connection to our dogs.
KultureCity Certified 2024
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EDUCATION
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University of Alabama at Birmingham, Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
3D Dog Certified Canine Behaviorist 2024
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Canine behavior modification and training
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Anxiety disorder rehabilitation
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Skills development
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Relationship-based training
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Cognitive-behavioral consultation
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Service and therapy dog training
UAB Disability Support Services
Lead Testing Associate
AUGUST 2019 – MAY 2020
Make-A-Wish Alabama
Operations Coordinator
AUGUST 2020 - May 2024
Rover Pet Sitter
DECEMBER 2023 – PRESENT
Responsible for caring for various breeds of dogs and cats, which includes
walking, feeding, administering oral medication, etc.
Amy Funderburg
Speaking Consultant
Amy Funderburg is a former 3D Dog certified canine behaviorist who now follows her passions as a speaking consultant.
She graduated Auburn University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Foreign Language and is now pursuing her Masters Degree in School Counseling to advance her mission of helping families.
Amy is available for public engagements and is ready to speak to your organization regarding numerous facets of canine behavior.