From her early years, Laska has been immersed in the world of animal training, embracing positive reinforcement techniques since childhood. Her journey began with teaching her cat to walk on a leash and mastering basic obedience skills. Eventually, her father relented, allowing her to foster and train dogs, marking the beginning of her involvement with assistance dogs in 2000 and pet dog training in 2003. Guiding others in pet care led her to dedicate seven years to the local humane society, where she instructed classes for reactive and fearful dogs and provided in-home training for cats and smaller animals.
Later on, Laska assumed the role of service dog program manager at South Eastern Guide Dogs for over four years. Laska's groundbreaking achievement came when she became the first trainer in America to successfully train a dog to detect Covid-19, earning her national and international acclaim.
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With a slew of certifications including Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM), Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP), and Associate Nose Work Instructor (ANWI), Laska's expertise spans across various facets of animal care. Her passion lies in working with dogs and cats, particularly in the realm of K9 Nose Work. Currently, Laska shares her life with three large dogs, actively engaging them in obedience competitions, agility trials, Nose Work challenges, and animal-assisted therapy endeavors.
