Yara Toornman
Role at OhMyDog: In June 2022, I joined OhMyDog for my internship for the training to become a canine instructor. OhMyDog suits me very well because of the positive and evidence-based training method. The team is very nice to work in, we have fun together and it is nice to be able to exchange experiences with each other.
I enjoy teaching puppy and (advanced) obedience classes, because each lesson is different. It is nice to see the growth of the dog and the owner from the beginning to the end of the course. Achieve something together with your dog in a fun, pleasant way with a healthy dose of humor.
Credentials: I have completed several courses in the last few years, including my training as a canine instructor at Kynotrain. I also completed the BFH (basic course in breeding and keeping dogs) and VKK (advanced cynological knowledge) course from the Raad van Beheer and obtained all associated certificates. I am now training to become a canine instructor 'VIP', which stands for Safety, Intervention and Prevention. This training provides specialization in prevention of biting incidents, the intervention of a biting incident and guidance of dogs with an increased risk of biting incidents.
Day job: In addition to my work at OhMyDog, I have a pack of American Bullies that I breed as a hobby but in a professional manner. I am also a mother of two wonderful sons who regularly attend OhMyDog, they have both grown up with puppies and adult dogs and love to help.
Personal experience: My experience with dogs started at a young age, including being a puppy foster home for the KNGF and then adopting an adult Rhodesian Rigdeback. My own pack consists of great American XL Bullies that I love to train and walk with every day. In addition to dog behavior, I also have a great interest in the physical health of dogs and I have studied nutrition, reproduction and puppies, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia and other (genetic) diseases.
What I find very important with my own dogs is that they trust me completely. For example, I like it that my dogs come to me when they are in a situation that they do not feel comfortable with. In addition, you will notice in my puppy course that I pay a bit more attention to eye contact, which I think is very important because it allows you to maintain good contact with your dog during the walk, whether it's with or without a leash.