Humane Training Alliance, Inc
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About Us
The Humane Training Alliance is dedicated to creating a world where ethical, evidence-based training is the norm.
What we do
The objective of the Humane Training Alliance is to assist in finding qualified animal professionals. We have created a searchable web directory to guide the public to skilled individuals who prioritize modern, ethical approaches to animal training and handling. Through outreach and education, we aim to simplify the search for qualified professionals that will foster the relationship between you and your companion.
Our alliance includes animal trainers and behavior consultants who have gone through our screening process to ensure they meet our standards of excellence. This includes a commitment to ongoing education and staying up-to-date on the latest research and methods in positive reinforcement training.
Our ethics extend beyond animals. Our members agree that animal welfare and social justice are intertwined, demanding abolition or reform of punitive societal structures. We are dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in animal welfare and the communities we serve. Our members pledge to uphold these principles and strive for a more equitable world.
The Humane Training Alliance is here to make it easier for animal guardians to connect with compassionate and knowledgeable experts who will help them achieve their goals. Whether you’re looking for help with basic obedience training or addressing profound behavioral issues, you can feel confident that our guide will lead you to the best professionals in your area.
Who we are
The Humane Training Alliance is led by several professional dog trainers and behavior consultants in the Metro Detroit area. We volunteer our time to run this passion project. Learn some about us here!
I wanted to become a trainer after I brought home my dog Clark in 2009 who turned out to have a high propensity for aggression. Clark endured dominance rolls and “corrections” on shock, choke, and prong collars corrections before I learned that reward-based training works for aggressive dogs. Clark set me on a mission to help dogs like her. I believe that the Humane Training Alliance will really advance that mission by steering dog guardians directly towards the professionals who can most kindly and effectively help them.
My training career started with apprenticeship programs with several different trainers who taught dogs largely by issuing leash/collar “corrections”. It took me quite a few years to realize that those methods were causing harm to the dogs I cared so much about. In 2015 I started pursuing education and certification in modern dog training methods.
My background provides me with empathy and understanding to compassionately guide dog guardians towards these humane methods. I now have a strong knowledge and skill base for taking behavior cases with profound fear, arousal, and aggression issues. I constantly pursue continuing education to make myself the best trainer I can be.
My life revolves around dogs – training and volunteering with shelters, rescues, and animal welfare outreach programs. I do also enjoy nature, music, social justice activism, building queer community, and spending time with my loved ones. I am neurodivergent, with ADHD-I, anxiety, and depression. I have two personal dogs: Parker, an 11-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier, and Lily, a 5-year-old Pit Bull mix. I also care for a variety of foster dogs.
From as early as I can remember, my world has revolved around animals. Even as a kid I was fascinated by creatures of all kinds, and I spent most of my time watching Animal Planet and reading books about animals. I’d go to family and friend’s houses and teach their dogs tricks for fun.
While I was in college I completed a mentorship program and worked as the dog trainer for Petco in Ann Arbor. For about two years I taught group classes and held private lessons, but I could see the need for more behavioral training in the community and wanted to be able to help more dogs and families. That’s when I decided to attend the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Professional dog trainers and start my own business. I wanted to be available to help dogs in their own homes and out in the real world, and give support to those struggling with bigger behavioral concerns, helping to prove that dangerous aversive tools are unnecessary.
I always strive to continue my education and stay up-to-date with the latest studies in dog training, as well as animal cognition and psychology as a whole. My passion is for all animals, and I spend lots of time with farm and exotic animals. My own household is a menagerie, and I take a special interest in reptiles and amphibians. All animals deserve compassion and connection with their guardians that nurtures bonding and trust.
I love building a relationship with my students and watching them grow together with their dog, but my goal is always to give them the knowledge and skills they need to thrive on their own. I want to make a more dog-literate world and shift the narrative around dog training.
I have loved and worked with animals since I was just a kid. My first job was taking care of horses at our local stable when I was in high school. After I graduated I took a job at a veterinary hospital and continued in that field for many years.
While I was working with dogs on the medical side I started training them for people. I always had a house full of fosters that were my “practice” dogs. Not that I felt that way, I only see that in hindsight having learned what I know now. For myself education is everything, especially when dealing with living creatures. I feel like caring for horses is what got me on the path to a kinder, more gentle way.
When I was ready to learn more I took courses with an accredited school and did an extended mentorship with an amazing trainer. I then got my CPDT-KA which requires me to follow up with continued education and follow Fear Free, Force Free and science based training techniques. I love every minute of it!
“My vision is to cultivate a compassionate and informed community of dog guardians by providing a learning environment with certified, ethical, and fear-free dog training. I strive to be a resource for individuals seeking to enhance their relationship with their canine companions through positive reinforcement and evidence-based training methods. I believe every interaction between a dog and their caregiver should foster trust, mutual respect, and a deeper understanding, ultimately contributing to a happier, healthier life for both.”
Jean Carew ABC-DT, ACDBC, Fear Free Certified
I feel fortunate to spend my time living my passion; teaching dogs and their owners how to develop a better relationship through training. I train in both private and group class settingsWith any type or challenge with dogs. I am passionate about all dogs, but have a soft spot in my heart for those that are fearful or aggressive. As a result, I co-developed one of the area’s most successful reactive dog class programs.
I am a member in good standing with IAABC ( International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants), Fear Free Pets and PPG (Professional Pet Guild).I successfully completed a Dog Training certification with Animal Behavior College. For several years I was the owner of Sit Stay Swim, an indoor swim, fitness, and training facility for dogs in Garden City, MI. While there, I taught owners and their dogs the benefits of warm water swim therapy and relationship-building. My current training home is at Lucky Dog Too.
I also have a passion for rescue. I have spent the last decade volunteering her time ensuring proper placement and integration of dogs from all walks of life.
While at home, I share my life with my 3 amazing children and four beautiful rescue dogs!
Vikki Sushka, B.S., CBCC-KA, FFCP
I’ve been passionate about both domestic and wild animals my entire life, but I’ve always had a special place in my heart for our canine companions. I went to school at Mott Community College, where I received two associate degrees. Then, I attended the University of Michigan-Flint, where I earned a bachelor’s degree studying wildlife biology with a minor concentration in physical geography. I was the president of a social organization and the treasurer of the wildlife club. I was involved with research on aquatic invasive species behavior and also volunteered for a program working with endangered species in the Virgin Islands.
After college, I became heavily involved in animal welfare and started working for a rescue in Pontiac, where I ended up overseeing the behavioral health and wellbeing of the dogs as the Dog Wellness Coordinator. In 2023, I became a Certified Behavior Consultant for Canines through the Certified Council of Professional Dog Trainers and accepted a position as the Canine Behavior Specialist at the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
When I’m not working at the shelter, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, traveling and going on long backpacking trips, climbing, and wildlife photography.
Why we're doing it
The Humane Training Alliance is seeking to provide consistency in an unregulated field. Modern science and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists supports the use of positive reinforcement and fear free training techniques. Yet there are still many trainers using force, fear, and pain to train dogs and other animals every day. Owners trust that a trainer they hire will use appropriate techniques to help their animals, but the harmful tactics often used can create additional behavior issues, increase fear, and strain the relationship between guardians and their companion animals.
We have created a state-wide database for Michigan that will list trainers who only use science based, positive reinforcement training techniques. Each trainer’s credentials and ethics will be verified by our volunteer team.
When “dog training near me” is typed into a search bar, many uncertified trainers who use outdated methods will appear in the search results. Unfortunately, old-school trainers are still more abundant than certified trainers. Even some certified trainers are not adequately educated, and may recommend using pain and fear tactics on your dog when they aren’t getting desired results. The HTA is here to provide a service for the public in helping pet parents find reputable, safe training options.
We all just want what is best for our beloved companions. Allow us to help take the difficulty and confusion out of finding a trainer so you can get the help you need.
Volunteer
Are you passionate about animal welfare and positive reinforcement training? If so, we invite you to help spread the word about the Humane Training Alliance!
Volunteering with us is one easy and effective way to make a difference and better the lives of companion animals and the humans who love them.
Our biggest need at this time is assistance with fundraising and material distribution. Please fill out this form and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible!
