Isabelle Hamel - Head Trainer
Isabelle Hamel is a Behavior Consultant and Head Dog Trainer with North Shore Animal League America. A seasoned professional, she has more than 25 years of experience. As a trainer, she is responsible for evaluating the behaviors and temperaments of dogs residing in and entering the shelter and maintaining their mental and emotional well-being. Isabelle works directly with fellow trainers, associates and adopters to prevent problem behaviors and to rehabilitate dogs that have displayed behavioral problems by creating and implementing protocols directed at combating the unique challenges faced by animals living in long-term confinement.
To help ensure appropriate placement of each dog in her care, she personally introduces the dogs to prospective adopters, sharing the dogs' individual personality and history. Once adopted, she offers adopters support through informative literature, unlimited phone consultations, orientation classes and private in-home training. She is responsible for writing educational literature pertaining to behavior and conducting classes for the Leagues' associates, adopters and the general public.
Isabelle's affiliation with North Shore Animal League America actually began in the late 1970s when she adopted a dog to accompany her to class while attending SUNY Farmingdale for Animal Science. Isabelle had always demonstrated her love of animals by working in various, shelters, grooming salons and veterinary offices while attending college; but her passion for behavior and dog training became apparent when she attended the League's obedience classes. Encouraged to develop her "natural talents," she began her journey to become a professional trainer. She acquired an apprentice position with another large shelter and soon found another passion – teaching. She taught in the shelter's outreach program working with elementary students.
Her life's' dream was fulfilled when she traveled to Michigan to train for a position training assistance dogs for people with disabilities and became the New York Regional Representative for Paws With A Cause. She conducted educational seminars, appeared on Good Day New York and the WB Morning Show.
Isabelle was also a regular guest speaker for various organizations such as the Long Island Veterinary Technician Association, the Nassau County Library System and the Board of Cooperative Education Services. Isabelle's affiliation with the Board of Cooperative Education Systems lead to a substitute teaching position in the organization's Deaf Services programs, Animal Care, Animal Skills and Veterinary Science classes where Isabelle was able to work with students working toward various careers in the animal field. Isabelle not only brings years of experience to North Shore Animal League she shares her passion with her son who has volunteered as a dog walker at the league for the last three years.
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516.883.7575