Today we’d like to introduce you to Lourdes Edlin.
Hi Lourdes, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have over 45 years of experience in animal training, working with dogs, cats, birds, dolphins, orangutans, and baboons. My career has spanned across:
• 45 years in canine competitions (obedience, agility, freestyle flying disc, dock diving)
• 30 years in film and print production (commercials, TV, movies)
• 12 years in detection work (agriculture, invasive species, COVID, bed bugs; Regional Trainer for the USDA Beagle Brigade; research dogs for UF and FIU)
• 37 years of live performances with multiple species
• 32 years of training consultation
I own an animal training business that offers specialized dog training, live demonstrations, and provides animal actors for film and print projects.My dogs have competed nationally, performed with the Ringling Bros. Circus, and earned titles in agility, obedience, and freestyle flying disc. For over 25 years, I’ve judged and represented the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, appearing on major TV shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and ESPN. In 2005, I was honored to be inducted into the Ashley Whippet Hall of Fame.
My training also helped a rescue Greyhound named Cindy set the Guinness World Record for High Jump (68”)—a record that stood for over a decade.Today, I continue to share my expertise to help owners better understand and enjoy their pets.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up in the 70s and 80s, opportunities in animal training were limited. My parents and five siblings were not animal enthusiasts, so I had no guidance in pursuing this passion. Not having a clear career path, I felt it was more important for me to gain hands on experience in training. At age ten, I had a dog with aggressive tendencies, and the need to prevent him from biting visitors became my motivation to learn about training. That experience opened my eyes to how incredible animals are and how behavior can be redirected with understanding. Most importantly, it taught me the value of truly getting to know them and how important it was to remain committed to training my dog. All I gave to this little dog was returned to me tenfold.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a young adult, my focus shifted to exotic animals, dolphins, birds, and primates, largely because I suffered from severe allergies to dogs and cats. Training such a wide range of species provided an invaluable education in animal behavior. By observing and respecting each species’ natural instincts, I learned to shape behavior with precision and developed the foundation of my skills as a trainer.
In my free time, I continued working with my own dogs, competing in various sports to further my knowledge and refine my techniques. This combination of professional experience and a constant pursuit of learning has offered me the opportunity to develop a very unique style of training.
Today, my goal is to work with clients who want to better understand their pets while building customized training programs that fit their lifestyle and their dogs’ unique needs. When working on films or live presentations, I strive to show the importance of animals enjoying their work in a safe and positive environment. I specialize in dog sports, particularly freestyle flying disc and dog agility. Engaging your dog in these activities provides both physical and mental stimulation while strengthening your bond and deepening your understanding of their behavior.
After more than 45 years in animal training, I’m most proud that I’ve been able to maintain my integrity, my genuine passion for the work, and my constant drive to keep learning and improving.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
There are countless opportunities in the field of animal training. A great first step is starting with your own pet. Work with a trainer who uses positive, gentle methods to guide you and your animal companion. From there, get involved in the area you want to pursue whether it’s marine mammals, zoo animals, or domestic pets. Hands-on experience is the best way to develop the skills you’ll need to build a career in this field.
Contact Info:
- Website: actionpackanimals.com
- Instagram: @action_pack_animals
- Facebook: Action Pack, Inc.
