Zara Jackson began her animal training career in 2008 when she started a voluntary position in a local zoo in their sea lion and penguin section. Zara moved onto a full-time position as a sea lion trainer and was hooked on the science and art of animal training. She then set up and supervised animal training programmes for other species across the zoo including large carnivores, small mammals and birds. Having seen the welfare benefits for sea lions she was keen for other species to benefit from training for cooperative care too.

In 2021 Zara opened her dog training business Tarka Dog Training based in Devon UK. She specialises in working with reactive dogs and dogs with a fear of grooming and vet visits.

Zara sat down for a conversation with Victoria to share some of her cooperative training experiences.

Resources and Information

Zara Jackson, Tarka Dog Training, https://www.tarkadogtraining.co.uk, tarkadogtraining@gmail.com

Zara carrying out oral exam training with Bob, her German Shepherd  https://youtu.be/MvJzVV8UkDE

Dental scaling training with Bob https://youtube.com/shorts/xqFA6qTKp5M?si=jRAOsuFNmgZ7v1tb

Zara’s blog on cooperative care  https://www.tarkadogtraining.co.uk/blog/blog-post-title-one-rp9b7

Other Resources

• Taking the Grrr out of Grooming Dogs: https://www.takingthegrrr.co.uk/
• Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behaviour: https://karenpryoracademy.com/
• ABTC: Animal Behaviour and Training Council: https://abtc.org.uk/