Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Quick. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The primary function of my platform is to promote science based, punishment free training for all species, regardless of their genetics or what behaviors need to be modified. I am passionate about helping families and pets, particularly “problem” pets, stay together by promoting humane, pain free training. I create a lot of content centered around reactive and aggressive dogs and even muzzle training, something near and dear to me as the mother of a reactive dog. I would love to end the stigma that muzzled dogs are bad dogs and help owners see the benefit and added feelings of safety that a muzzle can provide for both them and their pets. I also like to focus on how positive reinforcement methods apply to any pet you may have. The techniques used with a so-called difficult dog, can also be used to teach a horse to consent for a hoof trim or a pig to walk on a leash. Ultimately, I want to promote kindness and compassion in the world of pet training.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a lifelong animal lover and rescue advocate, but grew up hearing and believing in dominance theory based training, which while having since been completely disproven, has not been abandoned in the animal training industry. Upon hiring a positive reinforcement trainer for my own pets, I saw the change in their quality of life once punishment and coercion was removed. In the absence of shock and prong collars, scolding, leash popping, etc., my pets began to thrive. Not only did a see a decrease in unwanted behaviors and an increase in desirable behaviors, I also saw them light up and become more engaged with the world in healthy ways, and more at ease with me. Our bond is stronger than ever and their behavior is the best it’s ever been. I now use my social media to discuss the negative effects of aversive tools in training, and how to manage life with reactive and aggressive pets that need a little extra help simply existing and processing.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

This one is simple. Pay creatives for their work and services. Trading for exposure isn’t enough. Income for creatives comes in waves. There is never a time that we can truly afford (nor should we be asked) to give away content, research, years of study and experience, and more for free. Pay your creatives.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to better the bond between people and their pets by removing the fear of punishment and the need to control. This will help pets and families, that might have been separated due to behavior concerns, find solutions to stay together. It will increase quality of life for both the people and pets and make cohabitating a joy instead of another stressor in an already very stressful world. Kindness and compassion cultivate an environment in which all species can thrive. It doesn’t mean there’s a lack of structure or that no one is held accountable. It means that everyone is taught to make good choices of their own volition and consent is prioritized above all when it comes to training our pets. At the end of the day, my message is simple: be kind.     

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquickfix/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aquickfix1/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quick-amanda/

Image Credits
Michael “Mikey” Castillo