Marsha Penner, PhD, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA (she/her/hers)
Owner Learning to Dog Training & Enrichment Durham, NC
A behavioral neuroscientist by training, Marsha spent 25 years in academia, where she published her work in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, and was honored with awards for excellence in teaching and public service. She turned her love of learning, behavior, and teaching into a full time career as a professional dog trainer after graduating from the the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior in 2015.
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Marsha continues to pursue education in humane, science-based training methods. The following is a list of some of Marsha’s credentials.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Karen Pryor Academy – Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP)
Victoria Stilwell Academy Faculty Advisor
American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen & S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator
Professional Member Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
Supporting Member International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Resources:
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Position Statement On Puppy Socialization
Parvo study stepita bain: Stepita, M. E., Bain, M. J., & Kass, P. H. (2013). Frequency of CPV infection in vaccinated puppies that attended puppy socialization classes. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 49(2), 95-100.
Stanford study : Cardozo Pinto, D. F., Pomrenze, M. B., Guo, M. Y., Touponse, G. C., Chen, A. P., Bentzley, B. S., ... & Malenka, R. C. (2024). Opponent control of reinforcement by striatal dopamine and serotonin. Nature, 1-3.
