Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Hiking, Dog Sports, Dog Shows
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Amy McLelland

Amy McLelland

Hoover,AL

Summary

Adept at enhancing pet well-being and behavior, my tenure at WAG and as the owner of Pickwick Pugs showcases my animal handling expertise and problem-solving skills. Leveraging advanced training techniques, I've titled many dogs through AKC sports such as Rally Obedience and conformation and have managed websites and client satisfaction. My approach blends my decades experience as a teacher with my compassionate care and positive approach to training, ensuring both human and animal clients thrive.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Pet Care Specialist

WAG
01.2018 - Current
  • Dog Walker
  • Dog Sitter
  • Dog Trainer
  • Pet Caretaker (cats, rabbits, dogs, no reptile experience)
  • Handled animals safely and remained calm in different situations.
  • Trained, walked and exercised pets of different sizes and temperaments including strong pullers.
  • Provided in-home training on basic manners and obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, leave it, loose-leash walking, resource guarding, as well as fun tricks such as shake, paw touch, and bow.
  • Modified or help others modify pet behavior with proven, safe strategies.
  • Increased customer satisfaction through timely communication about their pets'' status and activities.
  • Followed pet care instructions for dietary needs and medication regimens.
  • Numerous positive reviews available upon request.
  • Prior to working for Wag owned a pet care service privately called Fido's Friend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyRMwq35fJk

Owner, Trainer, Breeder

Pickwick Pugs
04.2017 - Current
  • AKC Breeder of Merit
  • Member Pug Dog Club of America
  • AKC champions and grand champions
  • Dogs hold additional AKC titles in Obedience, Canine Good Citizenship, Tricks, Rally Obedience, and have participated in Scent Work, FastCAT, Canine Freestyle, and more.
  • Every puppy is thoroughly trained and socialized using Puppy Culture protocols and technics we have learned in person from Ian Dunbar and other masters. Puppies even go to homes at 12 weeks of age with an AKC Novice Tricks title.
  • Complete Avid Dog Temperament Evaluations on each litter at age 7.5 Weeks.
  • Achieve significant improvements in dogs' behavior within short timeframe, utilizing advanced positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Increased dog adoption rates from shelters by providing basic obedience training, making them more appealing to potential adopters.
  • We also train and foster rescue pugs and All-American Mixed breeds and have assisted many rescue organizations in the Southeast helping increase dog adoption rates from shelters by providing basic obedience training, making them more appealing to potential adopters. More at www.fureverhomerescue.weebly
  • Manage day-to-day business operations, AKC registrations, dog records, website, client communication
  • Oversee daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently
  • Assisted in delivering newborns safely, providing necessary postnatal care to ensure healthy development of both mother and offspring.
  • Organized successful mating pairs based on complementary genetics to produce high-performing offspring with desired traits.
  • Developed a comprehensive breeding program for optimal animal health, resulting in higher-quality offspring.
  • Enhanced the overall gene pool by selecting superior animals for breeding including European imports, winners of Westminster, Crufts and important pedigrees.
  • Assessed genetic testing results to make well-informed decisions about potential breeding candidates, minimizing risk of genetic disorders.
  • Increased efficiency in the breeding process by utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like artificial insemination and embryo transfer techniques.
  • Adhered to ethical breeding practices as outlined by relevant associations and regulations, ensuring the welfare of animals.
  • Collaborated with veterinarians to develop effective health protocols, promoting optimal fertility and minimizing birth defects.
  • Managed daily operations including feeding, grooming, training, exercise routines, and facility maintenance for the well-being of animals.
  • Showcased quality animals at various events and competitions, raising awareness about the breeding program''s accomplishments within the industry.
  • Monitored animal health closely, ensuring prompt medical attention and vaccinations to prevent diseases.
  • Educated potential customers on breed standards and characteristics, effectively marketing available animals.
  • Aided insemination processes by inserting artificial equipment and biological samples to produce desired young.
  • Watched dogs for triggers, signs of aggression and pack behaviors to formulate possible solutions. Have worked with behavior vets and behaviorists as needed.
  • Provide ongoing training advice to puppy owners for life.
  • Author of the e-book, The Pug Bible
  • Author of the e-book, The Pug Puppy Primer, geared specifically for pugs who we have found to be less biddable in general than other breeds such as Golden Retrievers or Labs.
  • Implemented puppy socialization classes that promoted early development of essential social skills and appropriate interaction with other dogs and humans.
  • Employed positive reinforcement with animals using "clicker-training" method, voice rewards and food rewards.
  • Maintained industry relevance by actively participating in professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on new canine training methodologies and emerging trends.
  • Enhanced dog's obedience levels by implementing customized training programs tailored to each pet's unique needs and behavior patterns.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation. Aced an AKC Inspection.
  • Imparted valuable knowledge on nutrition and exercise routines to clients, contributing to overall canine health improvement.
  • Assisted local animal shelters by providing training sessions for rescued dogs, increasing their chances of successful adoption.
  • Maintained detailed records of each dog''s progress throughout the duration of training programs, enabling data-driven adjustments when needed.
  • Conducted in-home visits to assess potential environmental factors contributing to dog behavioral issues, providing tailored recommendations for improvement.
  • Worked individually with dogs on track for higher-level certifications in obedience and show performance.
  • Enhanced dogs' agility and physical fitness through dynamic exercise routines, promoting overall health and vitality. Trained with Fit Paws.
  • Conducted behavioral assessments for new clients to accurately identify training needs and goals, ensuring customized and effective programs.
  • Organized public demonstrations showcasing trained canines'' capabilities in obedience trials and agility competitions, raising awareness about the benefits of professional dog training services.
  • Evaluate dogs'' progress during training sessions, adjusting techniques according to unique temperaments and learning styles.
  • Train animals to respond to specific cues from both owners and handlers.
  • Confer with owners about methods for continuing training and reinforcing methods taught in classes.
  • Kept animals stimulated with variety of enrichment activities.
  • Observe animals during different activities to identify possible illnesses or injuries requiring care.
  • Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to successfully train animals.
  • Collaborate with veterinarians, animal caretakers and other animal experts on how best to train animals.

Piano Teacher

Self-employed
09.1990 - Current
  • Taught students of all ages and levels of advancement privately and in colleges and fine art schools.
  • Specialist in ergonomic motion and health piano technic, injury prevention and rehabilitation
  • Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through Music Teachers National Association (hold permanent certification)
  • Certified with The Golandsky Piano Institute, NY, NY
  • Past President Birmingham Music Teachers Association
  • Ensured smooth communication with parents about their child's progress through regular meetings discussing achievements areas needing improvement.
  • Maintained detailed records of student attendance, progress reports, repertoire lists, and performance evaluations.
  • Kept up-to-date with advancements in piano pedagogy by attending workshops, conferences, and participating in professional development opportunities.
  • Assisted in organizing fundraising efforts within the music department providing resources equipment upgrades necessary enrichment opportunities for all participants.
  • Utilized technology as an educational tool by integrating apps such as Sight Reading Factory into lesson plans to improve sight-reading skills among all students.
  • Adapted instruction to meet individual student needs to differentiate instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Collaborated with community arts organizations to bring real-world experiences into classrooms and provide students with opportunities for learning and growth.
  • Attended concerts and performances to support students and arts community.
  • Coordinated recitals and musical events to showcase student achievements.
  • Boosted student confidence in their abilities through consistent positive reinforcement and encouragement.
  • Served as a mentor for new piano teachers at the institution offering guidance on best practices while teaching piano lessons.
  • Author, Graded Piano Method, 88 Keys to Mastering the Piano

Freelance Pianist

Self-employed
09.1988 - Current
  • Soloist with Symphony Orchestras
  • Pianist and Harpsichordist with chamber orchestras
  • Solo and Collaborative Pianist
  • Church Musician
  • Cocktail Pianist
  • Piano Pug Act raises money for animal rescue and Breed health research. www.Pugiano.com
  • Perform at charity events and fundraisers to support local community organizations and initiatives.
  • Select appropriate music pieces for special occasions such as weddings, corporate events, and fundraisers, ensuring a memorable atmosphere.
  • Explore diverse musical genres to maintain a versatile repertoire, increasing demand for performances at various engagements.
  • Promote personal brand through engaging social media content, attracting new clients and expanding professional network.
  • Children's Choir director
  • Provide accompaniment services for amateur and professional singers and instrumentalists during rehearsals, auditions, and live performances, showcasing versatility as a musician.

Dog-trainer

Birmingham Obedience Training Club
01.2013 - 03.2018
  • As a member of BOTC, helped teach owners how to train their dogs and puppies through basic obedience and competitive rally obedience classes. Titles earned in rally obedience, usually winning 1st place with perfect scores. Here is Sebastian BGR, CGC, TKN, TKI, RN, RA who also earned AKC Achiever Dog status in a demonstration for TV Daytime Alabama feature on importance of dog training - https://youtu.be/XXO71q-xO30?si=o-IfW7xnSilh_m5v
  • Fostered supportive community among dog owners through social events and group walks, enhancing social lives of both pets and their humans.
  • Achieved significant improvements in dogs' behavior within short timeframe, utilizing advanced positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Watched dogs for triggers, signs of aggression and pack behaviors to formulate possible solutions.
  • Maintained clean training arena for group classes.
  • Implemented puppy socialization classes that promoted early development of essential social skills and appropriate interaction with other dogs and humans.
  • Employed positive reinforcement with animals using "clicker-training" method, voice rewards and food rewards.
  • Conducted behavioral assessments for new clients to accurately identify training needs and goals, ensuring customized and effective programs.
  • Conducted group training classes to foster socialization skills in puppies, leading to better-adjusted adult dogs.
  • Pioneered volunteer program for advanced trainees to assist with training shelter dogs, increasing adoptability and community service.
  • Strengthened relationships between handlers and working dogs by facilitating bonding exercises designed to build trust and mutual understanding.
  • Enhanced dog's obedience levels by implementing customized training programs tailored to each pet's unique needs and behavior patterns.
  • Collaborated with fellow trainers to develop new strategies and approaches, resulting in improved client satisfaction rates.
  • Promoted culture of continuous learning among staff by regularly hosting professional development workshops on latest training methodologies.
  • Instructed group classes to teach essential obedience commands, fostering well-behaved pets in various settings.
  • Increased client retention by establishing trust and rapport with both dogs and their owners throughout the training process.
  • Reduced dog behavioral issues through consistent application of positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Worked individually with dogs on track for higher-level certifications in obedience and show performance.
  • Organized public demonstrations showcasing trained canines'' capabilities in obedience trials and agility competitions, raising awareness about the benefits of professional dog training services.
  • Instructed owners and dogs on basic obedience commands using different techniques to match dogs' drives for reward.
  • Improved client satisfaction with personalized training sessions, focusing on achieving specific behavioral goals set by pet owners.
  • Enhanced dogs'' obedience levels by implementing customized training programs tailored to their specific needs.
  • Offered guidance on selecting suitable equipment such as leashes, collars, and harnesses that promote proper handling techniques while walking or training dogs.
  • Observed animals closely to understand individual needs and behaviors.
  • Succeeded in training diverse animals with confident training techniques and trusting relationships.
  • Conferred with owners about methods for continuing training and reinforcing methods taught in classes.
  • Trained animals to respond to specific cues from both owners and handlers.
  • Modified undesirable behaviors with use of successful and safe behavior modifications techniques.
  • Delivered public presentations to educate public on animal training and behavior.
  • Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to successfully train animals.

Music Appreciation Instructor

Jefferson State Community College
09.2000 - 05.2002
  • Taught Music Appreciation
  • Oversaw curriculum development and implementation in alignment with best practices
  • Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
  • Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
  • Organized extracurricular activities that enriched students'' educational experience beyond the classroom setting.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Developed and clearly presented classroom rules, guidelines and objectives.
  • Tested and evaluated students on materials presented in workshops and classes.
  • Assisted in curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards and best practices for effective instruction.
  • Utilized multimedia resources to enrich learning experience and cater to visual and auditory learners.
  • Enhanced student engagement by integrating interactive technologies into curriculum.
  • Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
  • Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
  • Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
  • Tested students to assess progress and adapted learning plans in alignment with performance.

Piano Instructor

Mississippi College
09.1998 - 05.2000

Taught Piano Secondaries

  • Assisted students in developing self-discipline through consistent practice routines and goal-setting strategies.
  • Inspired a love of music in students through creative approaches to teaching piano repertoire from various genres and periods.
  • Worked with students to sharpen sight-reading, memorization and improvisation piano techniques.
  • Established strong music foundation with students by incorporating basic music theory into weekly lessons.
  • Arranged lessons to accommodate each student's unique goals and interests.
  • Enhanced students'' musical skills by providing personalized piano lessons tailored to individual needs.
  • Prepared students for recitals, competitions, and exams, resulting in numerous successes and awards.

Piano Instructor

William Carey College
09.1991 - 05.2000
  • Taught Piano Secondaries and Concentrations private lessons
  • Taught Piano Pedagogy, Piano Literature Classes to Piano Concentrations
  • Accompanied Music Majors and Professors in recitals
  • Presented solo and collaborative recitals
  • Oversaw curriculum development for Piano Department
  • , piano pedagogy, piano literature), August 1999 to May 2000
  • Facilitated masterclasses led by established pianists to provide students with expert insights into technique refinement and performance practices.
  • Worked with students to sharpen sight-reading, memorization and improvisation piano techniques.
  • Created opportunities for collaborative learning within the studio by organizing student duets or group performances.
  • Inspired a love of music in students through creative approaches to teaching piano repertoire from various genres and periods.
  • Established strong music foundation with students by incorporating basic music theory into weekly lessons.
  • Developed musical instruction with goal of end-of-term recital performance.
  • Increased student performance levels by implementing effective practice techniques and strategies.
  • Enhanced students'' musical skills by providing personalized piano lessons tailored to individual needs.
  • Developed comprehensive lesson plans focused on music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and technique mastery.
  • Selected music from various genres for use as teaching pieces.
  • Collaborated with other music instructors to organize special events and workshops for continued student development.

Education

Certification - Dog Training

International School For Certified Dog Trainers
Online
12.2024

Certifications - Dog Training And Animal Behavior

Workshops On Dog Training
Virtually And In-Person
09.2004

Master of Music - Piano Performance

University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
05.1990

Bachelor's of Music - Piano Performance

Gordon College
Wenham, MA
05.1986

Certification in Taubman Approach - Post-Graduate Studies

Golandsky Piano Institute
NY, NY
09.2011

Skills

  • Puppy Training and Socialization
  • Dog Training
  • Foster and Rescue Work
  • Webmaster
  • Puppy Culture Protocols Expert
  • Temperament Evaluation (Avid Dog)
  • Neonate and Senior pet care
  • Rally Obedience Training
  • Canine Freestyle Training
  • Tricks Training
  • Client Communication
  • Show grooming and handling
  • Housebreaking support
  • Pet exercise routines
  • Pet First Aid Knowledge
  • Medication Administration
  • Exercising and playing
  • Kennel disinfection
  • Animal nutrition management
  • Customer Service
  • Human and Animal Safety

Accomplishments

WAG Reviews (all 5 star ratings by clients):

  • Kristy, "This is my 4th walk having Amy and she has been 100% absolutely fantastic. It's very obvious she cares abut your pup and takes the time ut to follow any instructions as well as write out a detailed report at the end of the walk with helpful suggestions. She has also been very consistent. Highly recommend."
  • Ann, "Amy was absolutely amazing with Ella! She was very attentive and gave detailed updates/pictures. When I picked Ella up I could tell Amy had treated her very well. We will be using her again!"
  • Tony, "Amy was incredibly loving toward our energetic puppy. It's very apparent she is an animal lover!"
  • Ben, "Amy was brilliant. Super nice as she asked questions and was considerate about the pavement being hot and making sure he had water. All around a great experience."
  • Maria, "Dolly just loved staying with Amy! She seemed so comfortable and happy! Thanks so much for taking care of my baby!!!"

Pickwick Pugs are regularly the star students of their Puppy Classes. There are several certified therapy pugs, and others who compete in agility, FastCAT, and many hold CGC's and tricks titles, not to mention the numerous AKC Champions in conformation.

  • Agility teacher, vet tech, and owner of Bumi, "Bumi was star student at his puppy class today and has been pretty much bomb-proof in the world so far. You definitely set him up for success!"
  • Vet tech and Rosalina's owner, "... you do such a good job training/preparing them. Rose is the best trained dog in this house...everyone at work is always blown away how incredible she is ... Socialization, confidence, obedience ... And, well, she’s really pretty. She’s so dang smart!! all your work is so evident- she’s basically bomb proof- nothing scares her."

Affiliations

  • Pug Dog Club of America
  • Birmingham Obedience Training Club
  • Music Teachers National Association

Certification

Nationally Certified Teacher, MTNA

Hiking, Dog Sports, Dog Shows

My years as a dog handler and exhibitor in AKC conformation, rally obedience, fastCAT, and other sports has greatly broadened my skills in animal husbandry, grooming, care, and training. It has also exposed me to many breeds, and All-Americans as I've learned from professional handlers, breeders, judges, and helped exhibit other breeds as well. We have obtained championships on 10 pugs and multiple additional titles such as CGC, RN, RA, TKN, TKI. Our pug Sebastian was one of a few dogs in the country who received the Achiever Dog status from AKC before they discontinued the program. Dog shows also afford exposure to learning about the latest technics in pet care such as massage, holistic treatments, fitness (i.e. Fit Paws), supplements, and health testing. Hiking at Moss Rock with my pugs and my 2 Lab-Chow-Golden mixes is a passion. Camping with dogs is my favorite vacation.

Additional Information

I like to learn. I'm open to learning new things. Dog training is my passion of over 2 decades. As a dog trainer, I've found that the most successful approach is one that uses force-free, positive reinforcement and never intimidation, force, or fear to produce results. As an award-winning teacher, lecturer, and adjudicator, my teaching philosophy honestly applies both to humans and animals: "While no two students are alike, I believe that students of all ages and personality types learn best when they are in a happy, motivated and calm emotional state. It is also vital to have fun with learning, teaching, and performing, and I always try to provide an upbeat atmosphere in the lessons and group classes. I always try to make sure that the first thing out of my mouth is positive, no matter how a student might have performed that day. I am relentless in trying to find new and better ways to challenge my students. I always try to put the welfare of my students over any personal gain."

Timeline

Pet Care Specialist

WAG
01.2018 - Current

Owner, Trainer, Breeder

Pickwick Pugs
04.2017 - Current

Dog-trainer

Birmingham Obedience Training Club
01.2013 - 03.2018

Music Appreciation Instructor

Jefferson State Community College
09.2000 - 05.2002

Piano Instructor

Mississippi College
09.1998 - 05.2000

Piano Instructor

William Carey College
09.1991 - 05.2000

Piano Teacher

Self-employed
09.1990 - Current

Freelance Pianist

Self-employed
09.1988 - Current

Certification - Dog Training

International School For Certified Dog Trainers

Certifications - Dog Training And Animal Behavior

Workshops On Dog Training

Master of Music - Piano Performance

University of Alabama

Bachelor's of Music - Piano Performance

Gordon College

Certification in Taubman Approach - Post-Graduate Studies

Golandsky Piano Institute

Nationally Certified Teacher, MTNA

Amy McLelland