Open to opportunities

Gus Cirulli

@guscirulli

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Animal behavior analyst and dog trainer improving shelter welfare through science-based rehabilitation.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a nonprofit organization where I can apply science-based behavior analysis to shelter design and rehabilitation. I want to train staff, build sustainable programs, and collaborate on continuous improvement that boosts adoptability.

I’m an animal behavior analyst and dog trainer focused on improving welfare, rehabilitation, and training in shelter environments. I specialize in behavior modification and building behavioral repertoires that reduce stress and increase adoptability for shelter dogs.

I’ve spent over twenty years working across exotic and domestic animals, leading research and projects on shelter design, behavioral assessments, and training methodologies. Over the last ten years, I’ve studied how the size, shape, and layout of shelters influence behavior, especially aggression versus calm, social outcomes.

Today, my work centers on redesigning procedures, modifying behavior programs, and training staff so organizations can create long-term, systemic improvements. I bring decision-making frameworks like behavioral economics and game theory, and I prioritize continuous improvement through collaborative brainstorming—so teams and animals both thrive.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Animal Behavior Analyst & Trainer

Current

Dogs Are Time Travelers

Currently manage a private animal behavior analysis and dog training business, supporting clients, shelter/rescue partners, and volunteers with behavior and rehabilitation guidance. Focuses on behavior change plans, assessment, and training methodology improvements.

Animal Behavior Analysis Dog Training Fear And Anxiety Work Behavior Plans Collaboration With Rescue Teams

Head Trainer & Owner

DogLab

Jan 2015 - Dec 2023 (8 years 11 months)

Served as head trainer and owner, delivering dog training and research with a behavior-focused approach. Supported training for behavioral change, including working on aggression, fear, and anxiety cases.

Dog Training Aggression Management Fear And Anxiety Training

Training & Behavior Advisor

Dogs Trust

Jan 2019 - Dec 2020 (1 year 11 months)

Provided training and behavior advisory support, helping inform shelter- and adoption-relevant behavior programming. Focused on improving behavior plans for dogs with complex needs.

Dog Behavior Advising Shelter Behavior Programming Aggression Reduction Strategies Adoption Focused Rehabilitation

Owner, Dog Daycare & Training

Dogs Are Time Travelers

Jan 2014 - Dec 2019 (5 years 11 months)

Ran a dog daycare, boarding, and training facility in the Florida Keys, applying science-based behavior training and adapting handling to group dynamics. Built programs to reduce stress and improve outcomes for shelter and client dogs.

Stress Reduction Shelter Style Rehabilitation Program Development Staff Handler Coaching

Dog Trainer

RSPCA

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015 (1 year 11 months)

Provided dog training services for the RSPCA, applying behavior-based methods to improve handling and outcomes for dogs. Supported adoption and rehabilitation readiness through training plans.

Dog Training Behavior Based Handling Stress Reduction Fear Anxiety Support Rehabilitation Friendly Training

Behavior Advisor

Biopark Temaiken

Jan 2009 - Dec 2011 (2 years 11 months)

Served as a behavior advisor for zoo animals and supported dog training efforts. Worked on behavior-focused guidance to improve animal welfare and training outcomes.

Dog Training Welfare Focused Behavior Work Fear Anxiety Informed Handling

Zoo Keeper & Trainer

Miami Zoo

Jan 2007 - Dec 2009 (2 years 11 months)

Worked as a keeper and trainer, supporting animal care and training activities. Applied structured training approaches under supervision of senior trainers.

Animal Husbandry Support Training Delivery Welfare Focused Care Behavioral Reinforcement Enrichment Handling Supervised Training Protocols

Sea Lion Trainer & Host

Miami Seaquarium

Jan 2003 - Dec 2007 (4 years 11 months)

Trained sea lions and hosted/presented for visitor experiences while applying science-based animal training techniques. Supported training aligned with research and animal care needs.

Animal Training Husbandry Support Behavior Reinforcement Animal Welfare Research Aligned Training

Dolphin Trainer

Dolphin Research Center

Jan 1999 - Dec 2003 (4 years 11 months)

Worked as a dolphin trainer connected with research activities, including training for data collection under supervision. Applied animal learning principles to support training and handling for scientific purposes.

Marine Mammal Training Behavioral Contingencies Research Husbandry Data Collection