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Scroll down to see the bio of all our instructors.
Nildan M Atkay, CPDT-KA, PMCT1
Passionate about animals and the field of psychology, Nildan’s venture into canine behavioral sciences began approximately 17 years ago when she got a cute little puppy whom, to her surprise, had a multitude of issues ranging from resource guarding, to body handling issues, to owner-directed aggression, and fear–based reactivity toward both people and other dogs.
Through extensive education - traveling around the country to attend weeks long hands-on workshops working with her own dogs as well as assigned dogs - experience working at a dog daycare facility immersed in dog play groups, observing and managing dog-to-dog interactions, and volunteering at the ASPCA in New York City, whose behavior and training department is a leader in and resource to shelters around the country, Nildan gained the knowledge, skills and expertise necessary not only to help her own dog but also to pass the internationally recognized and independent certification exam (CPDT-KA) so she could help others with their canine challenges. To that end, Nildan has volunteered her time to rescue organizations - Carolina Coonhound Rescue, Phoenix Border Collie Rescue, etc. - and Dorchester Paws Animal Rescue in Summerville, to asses the dogs and train the challenging ones to become more adoptable while assisting the organization in building their animal training and volunteer programs. Knowing that proper care and treatment of animals comes from having accurate knowledge, Nildan gives seminars at Trident Technical College as well as other locations, to educate pet owners in the community on canine body language and behavior, based on scientific research and studies. Nildan holds degrees from various academies and a national certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT.org). Nildan continues to work one-on-one with her human clients via in-home private sessions and also offers group classes on James Island. Her training methodology focuses on motivational and positive reinforcement-based techniques, with an emphasis on building rapport and cooperation between dog and owner. Nildan has competed in Rally Obedience, achieving First Place titles with their family Labrador retriever, Jaimo, who has since passed away from cancer. 
Now a resident of Charleston, SC, Nildan and her husband share their home with their 4 chihuahuas, fully blind terrier mix, and their Azorean Cattle Dog Lulu (Cao Fila de Sao Miguel), on right, who serves as her demo companion in class orientations.
Watch: Nildan's Lowcountry Live! Interview with Erin Kienzle
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CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA): Designation provided by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT.org), the first national, non-affiliated certifying organization to establish and maintain a recognized standard of proficiency in the industry, setting the criteria in continuing education, standardized testing and assessment, and work experience. The CPDT-KA exam is the only psychometrically sound, NCCA accredited, legally defensible credentialing examination available to dog trainers.
Peaceable Paws Academy Certification (PMCT1): Designation obtained through the completion of multiple academic categories requiring written, oral and hands-on demonstration and testing of student's canine behavioral knowledge and skills application. Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer & Mentor (ABCDT): Designation provided by Animal Behavior College, a vocational school approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, offering a year-long program consisting of written and hands-on training courses. CATCH Dog Training Academy Mentor: Through their partnership, CATCH students have the opportunity to practice hands-on training skills under the guidance and mentorship of Nildan. Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) An international association committed to promoting and educating the public on force-free training. Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT.com) A worldwide association of dog trainers, APDT provides educational and networking opportunities for trainers to improve their knowledge and skills, and grow the profession with a standard of excellence. 
Doing Agility with her chihuahua, Zack.
Working on rear-end awareness with Belgian Malinois puppy.
Working with sled dog, Bear.
Chicken Camp with Terry Ryan
Hands-on workshop focusing on the principles of classical & operant conditioning using chickens as training models – Murphy, NC Ian Dunbar SIRIUS® Dog Training Academy Seminar Puppy & Adult Dog Class Instruction, Socialization & Bite Inhibition, Desensitization & Behavior Modification, Lure/Reward Training; Business Logistics – Baltimore, MD Ian Dunbar Fun & Games Dog Training Workshop Hands-on clinic focusing on motivation for reliability, speed, precision, and panache – Columbia, MD Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Conference - Atlanta, GA Training Games & Polishing Your Chops Workshops with Sue Pearson, Pia Silvani, Suzanne Clothier & Nancy Williams NADOI Conference Competition Obedience: A Balancing Act with Adele Yunck – Charleston, SC Constructional Aggression Treatment (CAT) Seminar With Dr. Jesus Rosales-Ruiz & Kellie Snyder – Hawthorne, NJ Instructors Training Course (ITC) with Sue Sternberg & Pia Silvani Learning Theory, & Hands-On Shelter Dog Training Internship (1 week) – Albany, NY Wag It Games Instructor’s Course/Certification Program A series of fun training skills and exercises inspired by various canine sports – Appomattox, VA Kathy Sdao Seminar Improve Your I-Cue: Learn the Science of Signals – Hudson, MA Best Friends Forever Conference Patricia McConnell, Trish King, Pamela Reid, Suzanne Hetts & other prominent speakers – Exton, PA Ken Ramirez Seminar From Purgatory to Nirvana: Client Relations, Prognosis & Tools Selection for Problem Behaviors – Worcester, MD Terry Ryan Seminar Building A Great Pet Dog – Annandale, VA Walk This Way Canine Behavior Therapy Apprenticeship Behavior Modification Consults with Renee Payne, CPDT-KA (3 months) – New York, NY Biscuits & Bath Dog Trainer Internship Class Assistant & Private Lessons Observer (8 months) – New York, NY |
OUR OTHER INSTRUCTORS:
Griffin Brandt
Griffin came to Z&E after working at a reputable Charleston dog daycare business (Dog Tired Pet Services), where he developed his canine observation and handling skills by working with dogs of various ages, sizes, and breeds. As the head of the daycare's dog play groups, Griffin was responsible for assessing, selecting, and matching dogs for the best and safest arrangement for group play.
As a Psychology major, Griffin's understanding and analysis of human behavior allows him to readily see the world from others' perspectives, which includes canines. Having first interned under Nildan M Atkay, Z&E Canine Manners owner, Griffin had the opportunity to further develop his understanding, knowledge, and application of positive reinforcement and behavior modification techniques, so as not to treat the symptoms of the problem (i.e. barking, guarding, biting, etc.), but to actually work on resolving the underlying root cause that is the reason for the undesirable reactions in the first place.
Griffin is an enthusiastic learner, a skilled canine handler, and a critical thinker who likes to be challenged by unique cases where he has the opportunity to figure out novel ways to resolve a problem. He is a good communicator with both people and canines, and we are very happy to have him.
As a Psychology major, Griffin's understanding and analysis of human behavior allows him to readily see the world from others' perspectives, which includes canines. Having first interned under Nildan M Atkay, Z&E Canine Manners owner, Griffin had the opportunity to further develop his understanding, knowledge, and application of positive reinforcement and behavior modification techniques, so as not to treat the symptoms of the problem (i.e. barking, guarding, biting, etc.), but to actually work on resolving the underlying root cause that is the reason for the undesirable reactions in the first place.
Griffin is an enthusiastic learner, a skilled canine handler, and a critical thinker who likes to be challenged by unique cases where he has the opportunity to figure out novel ways to resolve a problem. He is a good communicator with both people and canines, and we are very happy to have him.
Anna M Proleika
[email protected] I 843-697-6808 I www.zecaninemanners.com