Sharon E. Cudd Wirant, MA, ACAAB, CPDT
Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Sharon holds a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Biological Sciences and a Master's degree in Biological Sciences, specializing in Animal Behavior. Sharon's undergraduate and graduate research focused on the urinary behavior of female domestic dogs. The results of her research have been published in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal, Applied Animal Behaviour Science. She continues to focus her attention on current research on canine, feline and avian behavior. She applies scientific findings, learning theory, and knowledge of animal behavior to improve the well-being of domestic canines, felines and other animals and our relationship with them.
Sharon is an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist through the Animal Behavior Society; visit at
www.animalbehavior.org. She earned this certification through her extensive academic and hands-on experience with animal behavior. To learn more about the unique qualifications of Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists, visit
www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com.
For nearly 20 year years, Sharon has trained dogs for obedience, agility and flyball. She is also a Masters level agility judge for the United States Dog Agility Association and a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. She regularly trains with well-known animal behaviorists and top agility trainers.
Currently, Sharon is the Chief Operating Officer for the Monadnock Humane Society. In this position, Sharon oversees the day-to-day operations of the shelter, including evaluating behavior of dogs and cats, behavior modification in preparation for adoption as necessary, enrichment to improve the quality of life for all animals and employees within the shelter system. Additionally, she oversees the business operations of the training center, including classes and behavior consultations, boarding, daycare and retail store.
Recently, Sharon was invited to be a Contract Trainer with the ASPCA to facilitate the SAFER
TM Aggression Assessment tool to shelters around the country with a team of talented and knowledgeable trainers. The SAFER
TM Aggression Assessment tool was created and supported by research by Emily Weiss, PhD, CAAB and her team of researchers. Visit
www.aspcapro.org for more information on the Meet Your Match
TM program.
Sharon believes the key to a successful relationship with our pets is through our understanding of how they communicate and their natural behavior. Sharon's experience and knowledge of animal behavior give her the necessary tools to coach owners how to effectively resolve or reduce behavioral problems in the animal companion.
Sharon is currently awaiting the arrival of her new Border Collie puppy who will be trained for herding and agility. She has also owned and trained:
Zest, a young border collie, for agility and herding,
Skeet (2005-2008), a Kelpie, in agility and herding.
Darla, a JRT, is recently retired from agility. She holds a MAD, numerous qualifications for National events and was named to the 2007 Performance Top 10.
Tinq, a JRT, was retired at an early age due to Progressive Retinal Atrophy. She is currently excelling at Rally Obedience and warming the lap. Lastly,
Zippy (1991-2005), mixed breed, held an ADCH, was a 1997 USDAA Nationals Finalist, named to the 1997 & 1998 USDAA Top 10, and earned numerous agility, obedience and flyball titles.
Sharon also shares her life with her husband, Mark, whom is also an agility competitor and judge along with his dogs, a chihuahua-terrier-x,
Rizzo, a JRT,
Killick, and our newest friend,
Scooter, a Border Collie/Jack Russell-x. Scooter was recently adopted from the Monadnock Humane Society.
Member: Animal Behavior Society, Association of Pet Dog Trainers, International Society of Applied Ethology
- Behavioral consultations available by appointment
- Private & Semi-Private lessons available for pet manners and agility (foundation to competition)
Contact Sharon at Sharon@K9Logix.com to schedule an appointment.