The word “art” is often used to describe performance at the highest level, the use of skill and imagination in the production of things of beauty. It seems that every profession recognizes its art. We all cook but Paul Prudhomme is an artist. Maya Angelou, Mario Andretti, Anika Sorenson – all artists in their respective fields. The word art is often used to describe animal training too, as in the “art of shaping.” In the field of animal training, the modern artist also performs at the highest level, using skill and imagination to produce a thing of beauty – reliable, cooperative animal behavior. As with other professionals, we know it when we see it.