Product Code Database
Sophia Yin (February 5, 1966 – September 28, 2014, in Davis, California) was a veterinarian, applied ethologist, author and lecturer. She was a pioneer in the use of positive reinforcement for training dogs and was widely recognized as an expert in the training of pets.
From 2007 to 2008, Yin was president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. She also served on the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Handling Guidelines Committee. She lectured around the world to veterinarians and animal professionals, teaching seminars and workshops on ethology and low stress handling for dogs and cats.
Her behavior modification programs are based on the science of learning. She focused on the use of desensitization combined with classical and operant conditioning. Her approach stressed the combination of positive reinforcement, negative punishment (reward desired behaviors, remove rewards for unwanted behaviors) as well as the need to observe animals closely and be aware of how the trainer's body language and movement affect the animal's response.
Yin invented Treat & Train, a remote controlled, reward based training system based on positive reinforcement.
In 1999, Yin began writing a column for the San Francisco Chronicle, which appeared every two weeks. Yin appeared on the Animal Planet television shows Dogs 101 and Weird, True & Freaky in 2008.
Yin created many YouTube videos to help pet owners with handle their animals' behavioral problems, and to promote stress-free handling techniques to veterinary professionals. She also produced educational booklets and posters to educate veterinary staff, dog trainers, other pet professionals and pet owners on how to interact in positive ways with their dogs and cats. In 2010, Yin was included in Bark Magazine's 100 Best and Brightest in the World of Dogs, which praised her ability to impart knowledge to fellow professionals and members of the public.
Other books authored by Yin include Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats, and How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves and Perfect Puppy in 7 Days. Her DVDs include Creating a Pet-Friendly Hospital, Animal Shelter or Petcare Business; Towel Wrap Techniques for Handling Cats with Skill and Ease; and Creating the Perfect Puppy. Yin also had her own publishing company, Cattle Dog Publishing.
|
|
