About the Trainer

Anastacia Southland, MS, CPDT-KA, is the owner and trainer of Southland Behavior & Training. She has been training dogs and learning about animal behavior for almost her entire life. 

Anastacia obtained her Bachelor’s degree in psychobiology focused in animal behavior from Wheaton College. During this time, she completed internships with dog behavior consultants and participated in behavioral research with zoo animals. She especially enjoyed her work with parrots and clicker training primates. After undergrad, she taught group dog training classes while obtaining a Master’s degree in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University where she studied animal shelter policy and human-animal interactions. After 4 years as an animal shelter Humane Educator, teaching students about pet care, dog body language, and safety, she obtained a position as the shelter's Behavior Manager. 

In this role, Anastacia was charged with creating behavior modification plans for dogs, cats, and even the occasional rabbit. She developed formalized programs for writing behavior plans and tracking change, presenting her methods at the New England Federation of Humane Societies Conference in 2017. She also obtained her  Professional Dog Trainer Certification - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) in 2017. In 2018, she also became an International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Shelter Behavior Affiliate Member. Anastacia loves to learn about behavior and continues her education with courses and conferences each year. Most recently, she became a certified Fear Free Professional.

While working at the shelter, Anastacia was often called upon to help shelter animals get through their behavioral challenges and then to serve as a resource to the adopters after these animals went home. Over time, she discovered a need. Animals did well on their formalized behavior plans in the shelter, but after they went home, it was difficult for owners to get in the same work and consistency. Wouldn't it be great to take the professional plan from the shelter, and bring it to the pet at home? From this idea, Southland Behavior & Training was born. Anastacia's passion is to help new pets settle in and keep pets in their homes and out of the shelter.

EDUCATION

Master's Degree in Animals & Public Policy
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Grafton MA

Bachelor's Degree in Psychobiology focused in Animal Behavior
Wheaton College, Norton MA

CERTIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
CCPDT.org

IAABC Supporting Member
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
IAABC.org

Member of APHE
Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE)
APHE.org

Fear Free Certified Professional
Fear Free
fearfreepets.com