Sophia Yin

Sophia Yin (February 5, 1966 – September 28, 2014, in Davis, California) was a veterinarian, applied ethologist, author and lecturer. She was a pioneer in the use of positive reinforcement for training dogs and was widely recognized as an expert in the training of pets.

Education and career Yin graduated from University of California, Davis (UC Davis) in 1993 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). After graduation, she worked in private practice, where she realized that more pets were euthanized due to behavioral problems than medical issues. This inspired Yin to return to university to study ethology, She lectured around the world to veterinarians and animal professionals, teaching seminars and workshops on ethology and low stress handling for dogs and cats.

Her behavior modification programs are based on the science of learning. She focused on the use of desensitization combined with classical and operant conditioning. Her approach stressed the combination of positive reinforcement, negative punishment (reward desired behaviors, remove rewards for unwanted behaviors) as well as the need to observe animals closely and be aware of how the trainer's body language and movement affect the animal's response.

Yin invented Treat & Train, a remote controlled, reward based training system based on positive reinforcement.

Writing and media Yin's first book was The Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook, which she initially compiled while an veterinary student. Yin appeared on the Animal Planet television shows Dogs 101 and Weird, True & Freaky in 2008. She also produced educational booklets and posters to educate veterinary staff, dog trainers, other pet professionals and pet owners on how to interact in positive ways with their dogs and cats. In 2010, Yin was included in Bark Magazine's 100 Best and Brightest in the World of Dogs, which praised her ability to impart knowledge to fellow professionals and members of the public.

Other books authored by Yin include Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats, and How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves and Perfect Puppy in 7 Days. Her DVDs include Creating a Pet-Friendly Hospital, Animal Shelter or Petcare Business; Towel Wrap Techniques for Handling Cats with Skill and Ease; and Creating the Perfect Puppy. Yin also had her own publishing company, Cattle Dog Publishing.

Death

In her last days, Yin confided in close friends and colleagues that she felt overwhelmed by her work and worried that she was not good enough at both maintaining her vision and dealing with the internal management of her business. She died by suicide by hanging herself September 28, 2014, at her Davis home.

Works

Research

Books