People who love animals are discovering that their passion can lead to new and rewarding business opportunities. Laurie Luck of Mount Airy, North Carolina told the Frederick (Maryland) News Post about her career training dogs and teaching others how to train them. Luck is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior, which offers courses in six U.S. states as well as Canada. "I've had to teach my dog everything the students have to teach their dogs," Luck told the newspaper, "so my frustrations and successes will aid me in my approach to teaching the material." After becoming a certified dog trainer, Luck established Smart Dog University in 2001 in Maryland. She had previously earned a Master's Degree in psychology and continues to take advantage of various professional development opportunities. Along with helping other dog owners manage their pets, Luck has expanded her business pursuits to include training service dogs, in-home consultations, and Canine Good Citizen courses. "Committed to continuing education, I attend both veterinary and dog behavior conferences to stay on the cutting edge of behavior science," Luck writes on her website.  |