Maria Eguren has an advanced degree in biology from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a specialization in animal behavior. She has also been certified as an Animal Behavior Consultant by IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants). During her 15 years in the animal behavior field, she has focused on ethology, enrichment programs, training, and consulting for wild animals in captivity and pets. She worked on behavior research projects for several zoos in Argentina and the U.S.A. She is currently head of the Behavior Department for the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. Her responsibilities include temperament assessments for cats and dogs going up for adoption, developing and implementing training plans for animals who need behavior modification before being placed up for adoption, teaching training classes for shelter and public dogs, consultations with the public during the adoption process and follow-up after the adoption has been completed, as well as consultations for people whose pets present challenging behavior issues.
