November 2024 KPA CTP of the Month
A peacetime Navy veteran, Paul Buescher (he/him), KPA CTP, PCT-A, spent many hours at the Houston VA hospital being treated for his service-connected disability. During that time, he spoke with countless veterans and saw a pressing need for service dogs. Looking to make a difference, in 2012, Paul founded Give Us Paws, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing funding and service dog training to benefit disabled veterans and civilians, enhancing their quality of life. Paul says, “We don’t train for disabilities; we train to mitigate the symptoms of disabilities.”
Paul brings a wealth of expertise to this cause. After leaving the Navy, he worked as an application interface programmer for 17 years before transitioning to animal training. In 2019, he graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program led by Sherrie Yuschak. In addition to being accredited as a KPA CTP, Paul is also certified by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PCT-A).
When did you start training, and how has the industry changed since then?
I’ve been training animals in some capacity since I was a kid. Growing up, I was in the Junior Zookeeper program at my local zoo, where I learned the ins (preparing animals’ food) and outs (scooping poop) of zoo life. The industry has come a long way since then, with more focus on positive reinforcement and science-based methods. Technology has also played a big role, offering new tools for trainers. But at the end of the day, it’s still all about building relationships with the animals.
What inspired you to become a dog trainer?
Blame it on the dolphins! After training them, dogs seemed like a walk in the park—or maybe a swim in the ocean. My dad, a disabled Marine, had an amazing dog that was his constant companion, even though the dog had no formal training. Unfortunately, there were no organizations in my dad’s area that trained personal dogs to perform service dog tasks. I saw the same lack of support in Houston.
Spending time at the VA opened my eyes to the desperate need for well-trained service dogs. Veterans battling PTSD and other challenges often adopt dogs with the intention of training them, but an untrained dog can add more stress. It’s like being thrown into combat without any preparation!
But here’s the beautiful thing: when you use positive reinforcement to change a dog’s behavior, it often sparks positive changes in the veteran, too. It’s a ripple effect that touches their whole life. That’s the magic I wanted to be a part of.
Then there’s Addie, my KPA partner-in-crime. She showed me the ropes and taught me way more than I ever taught her. Working with Addie helped me get complex behaviors on cue in challenging environments—and that’s when I knew I was hooked.
What’s your training philosophy?
Like Dr. Bob Bailey says, “You can’t really change behavior! You can just make it worthwhile for others to change theirs.” I’m always learning from every animal and trainer I meet. My philosophy is “Do No Harm.” I am loyal to my KPA pledge, a Fear-Free certified trainer, and I hold my PCT-A through the Pet Professional Guild, which stands against using pain, force, or fear in training.
How has completing the Dog Trainer Professional program and becoming a KPA CTP changed your life?
It was a total game-changer. The DTP program gave me the skills and confidence to pursue my passion for animal training and make a real difference in the lives of both animals and their human companions. It even gave me the courage to open our own training facility. The opportunities that have come since then are mind-blowing, and I’m excited to see what’s next.
Who has been your inspiration in the animal training community?
My training philosophy has been shaped by a “Who’s Who” of the animal training world: Dr. Bob Bailey, Mary Hunter, Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz, Shelley Wood, Ken Ramirez, Karen Pryor, Ian Dunbar, and the KPA staff. Emily Larlham’s Kikopup YouTube channel has also been an incredible resource. And I can’t forget the veterans I work with—seeing their resilience and determination keeps me going.
Tell us about the species of animals you’ve trained.
My training journey has covered quite a menagerie! I completed the “Dolphin to Dog” program with Shelley Wood and Dr. Bob Bailey at Marineland in Florida and earned my Dolphin Trainer Academy Advanced certification at Gulf World in Panama City Beach, Florida. There, I trained dolphins, fish, turtles, rats, birds, seals, sea lions, and even penguins. On dry land, I’ve worked with horses and chickens, and yes—pigs, too! (My “micro” pig turned out to be a hefty 100+ pounds!)
Was there a particular dog/animal that taught you the most?
Addie, no doubt. She showed me the power of patience, positive reinforcement, and persistence. Without her, there would be no Give Us Paws. My deaf dog Bijou also taught me that communication goes beyond words—it’s all about connection and understanding.
What’s your proudest training moment?
Seeing a veteran take their first steps toward independence with their service dog, and knowing I helped make that possible. There’s nothing more rewarding.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Watching veterans regain their independence with the help of their service dogs—and seeing a child’s face light up when they give Addie a cue and she responds. That’s the magic of positive reinforcement. Knowing I’m making a difference—one paw, fin, or hoof at a time.
How do you continue your training education?
I’m a bit of a training junkie. Workshops, seminars, webinars, ClickerExpo—you name it, I’m there. Every animal is a learning opportunity, and I’m constantly refining my skills.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in dog training?
Never. Stop. Learning. Every animal is a teacher, and every trainer has something to offer. Find your passion and let it drive you—whether that passion is service dogs, competition, or helping pet guardians. And, always have a pocket full of high-value treats!
What do you do outside of dog training?
As a Navy veteran, I’ve always loved anything nautical—boats, the ocean. I spend time outdoors with my dogs, but I’m also an avid SCUBA Rescue Diver. I’ve explored reefs, cenotes, and wrecks all over the world. There’s nothing like the tranquility of being underwater. One of my favorite experiences was an ostracod night dive in Bonaire—an underwater fireworks display from bioluminescent creatures. Truly magical.
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
I’d probably be a mutt! Like the diverse animals I’ve trained, I’m a mix of traits and skills. I’m adaptable, resourceful, and always eager to learn something new.
