About

Donna Newman has 15 years of experience working with shelter dogs as a volunteer, adoption advocate, and trainer.

Donna is a certified trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She also has a dog training certification from the Animal Behavior College (ABCDT), a BA from SUNY Geneseo, and an MS from Syracuse University. She writes the popular “Pet of the Week” column for the Syracuse Post-Standard.

Donna has been training dogs and training volunteers to train dogs at the Central New York SPCA for several years. Her philosophy is that training should be a positive experience for both dogs and their people; when dogs know what’s expected from them, they’re calmer, more confident, and happier.

Donna lives in Central New York with her family and two rescues, Billy the pug and Buddy the puggle.