"I can't tell you how pleased I am to graduate. It's been a long time since I have genuinely felt overwhelmed or have had this sense of accomplishment. The dog trainer program exceeded all of my expectations and like all great learning experiences has left me knowing there is so much more to continue learning. Becoming a training partner is the beginning of a new chapter in my life."
-Russ Hollier
"When people ask me about the Academy, I tell them that before I went I thought I was a clicker trainer. I had taught this method for eight years, attended many workshops, conferences, read piles of books, and also attended Expo. But I only had chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 out of 10. After the Academy I believe all 10 are in place. I just had countless “ah-ha” moments. I have never spent time in such a supportive, positive learning atmosphere with such lovely people. We were all there for each other through phone and e-mail. We worked out problems we were having in between classes and found a safe environment to share training ideas with everyone at workshops. We continue to be friends and plan future training opportunities together. I have said that it is one of the most challenging and valuable things I have done in my life."
-Nancy Driver
"I'm so delighted to be a KPA graduate. The course far surpassed my expectations and has created a monumental shift in my life's path and purpose. Thank you all for the support and this tremenous opportunity for future growth."
-Caroline Albert
"I want to take this opportunity to tell you how much I enjoyed my experience with KPA, from the initial contact with Tia and Laura to the quality of the entire curriculum.
I have taken thousands of hours of courses and certification training, but KPA is in a league of its own. It's not just that the Academy is able to make complex ideas so easily understandable, KPA has made a science of this art. KPA has chosen knowledgeable teachers who are able to deliver information in a manner that empowers and excites the learner.
Steve Benjamin does this with an intense passion that nurtures and motivates his students - his zeal is infectious and his students cannot help but succeed.
Caesy Lomonaco sets the example of what a student can become. She is devoted, energetic, and a gifted teacher to both her humans and canine clients."
-Jeff Levenson
"Thanks again to all of you. This course has helped to solidify my understanding of how to train, and been a huge confidence booster. One of my huge takeaways is the understanding of how crucial positive reinforcement is for not only the dogs, but the people as well. Creating a warm, safe, training environment, where language is carefully selected to boost the owner's confidence is a huge piece of the training puzzle. For both dogs and their people, ignore the mistakes, reinforce the positive, train an alternate behavior, build confidence, and most of all have fun! It has been an absolute pleasure to share the last six months with you all!"
-Beth Gresch
"I really enjoyed the Academy and learned so much. The set up of the program was absolutely wonderful and I felt supported from everyone I had contact with. I have never been through any learning program that was so positive. At first it seemed strange and even a little uncomfortable to have so much positive input, but soon I relaxed and let it carry me and realized how much confidence it gave me. I hope my dog feels the same when we learn together."
-Adrienne Schartz
"Thanks for offering this program. I got involved at the right time. I learned a huge amount!"
-Angela Eaton Snovak
"KPA was such a fantastic experience! Not only does the course cover almost any aspect of training/teaching but it also gives you a profound insight. I think this it what makes it so unique. It gives
you both a complete understanding of what you are doing out there with the dogs as well as the skills to observe and click!"
-Eva Aaen
"It has been a wild, bumpy ride but a ride that was well worth it. I am not the same person I was in January when I first signed up. I am more confident of my knowledge and skills. I signed up with KPA to be a better trainer. I have no doubt I am, but I became a better person as well. I most certainly believe in the Academy's curriculum and mission."
-Nan Potter
""I have great respect for the program and the people that make up KPA. It has proven to be a sincere, dedicated, and committed organization, one in which I am very proud to say I have participated.
I am hoping to have a fruitful career with the new knowledge and training I have received through the Academy. But what is truly more important, probably the most important item, is my understanding of animals, the respect that they need and deserve. I have always had love for animals but never had the knowledge of how intelligent and aware they are of their lives. It was not only the program that gave me this new insight, but Steve [Benjamin], too. He really showed me through his class lectures, direct questions, and casual conversations what a magnificent gift God has given us. I will never forget that.
Respectfully and humbly,"
-Doug Stroud
"I wanted to extend my congratulations to you, and ask that you pass this along to Karen as well, for the creation of a terrific program from start to finish. I just received my diploma and am so pleased! The quality and rigor of the program is unparalleled, as are the materials and the support that students receive.
I think this has been the best investment of money and time I’ve spent for my dog training career and education. Karen Pryor Academy is top-notch in every aspect. I look forward to seeing you all in Kentucky at Clicker Expo. I’m a proud KPA Certified Training Partner!
Thanks for making my day (month, year!),"
-Laurie Luck
"I've grown so much as a trainer. I've learned new techniques and why things actually work, plus the friendships are priceless."
-Linda Legare
"I'm really excited about my first workshop this coming weekend. I've been plowing through the material and have found it incredibly challenging and useful. I really needed this coursework more than I realized. I have discovered that my criteria for cueing are very, very weak. I've been way too accepting of ‘offered behaviors.’ I have learned a tremendous amount about training already in this first month of class. But, more importantly, I am learning a great deal more about myself and about my expectations for myself and for my animals. And, most importantly, I am learning to expand my conception of what is possible.
Thank you again for making this opportunity possible."
-Van Sturgeon
"I know it's a lot of money and a big decision that only you can make but I can say that everyone I've talked to that's enrolled in the Academy is as excited about it as I am!" (expand/collapse)
-Laura Devine, BA, CPDT
"All my memories of the Academy will stay in my heart forever."
-Rico Yamada
"Often veterinary professionals are not sure to whom they should refer clients for animal training. It can be difficult to find a trainer who uses non-punishment-based training, appreciates and respects the human-animal bond, and demonstrates good rapport and teaching ability with owners. This dilemma has been resolved by the creation of Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior. (expand/collapse)
-Julie Shaw, R.V.T.
Faculty Member
Karen Pryor Academy
"This course has been a long, difficult, wonderful road. Truly one of the best experiences of my life. I am proud to graduate and also sad that it is over. Thank you!"
-Daniel De La Rosa
"The marketing advice in the KPA program has been invaluable. It’s helped me design how to market, who to target, and how to capture useful data to plan further. Having that help to refine the financial & marketing aspects of my business plan made a huge difference. Especially since a dog training facility was outside the experience of any of the business consultants helping me."
-Judi James
