Matt Downs

Matt Downs

My name is Matt Downs, I am a life long animal lover and Chicagoland native. I have a B.S.in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts in Teaching theBiological Sciences from Miami University. I have been involved in the animal training field since 2004 and was introduced to the wonderful world of positive reinforcement training at the Shedd Aquarium where I assisted with raising an abandoned Alaskan Sea Otter pup. I went on to work as a marine mammal trainer at the Brookfield Zoo for several years and also spent time as a zookeeper in the Farm in the Zoo and the Children’s Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo.
I have over a decade of experience in both the dog training and doggie daycare worlds, working throughout the city and suburbs helping people develop strong positive bonds with their furry family members.Outside of animal training, I am a middle school science teacher and enjoy spending time with my wife, two kids and our two bunnies.

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