OUR MISSION
HERSTORY
Pioneering animal trainer and author Karen Pryor designed and launched KPA's first program—the Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in 2007. Karen is considered to be the catalyst for the positive reinforcement training movement, along with her ground-breaking book Don't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training.
Karen Pryor Academy is part of the family of positive training education services and training gear from Karen Pryor Clicker Training, a leader in the field of animal training and in the science and application of marker-based positive reinforcement, or what is popularly called “clicker training."
Did you know?
» Since 2007, more than 14,000 people have taken a KPA course to enrich their lives with animals, sharpen their training skills and become a better teacher.
» More than 2,800 trainers have earned a KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP) professional designation. These graduates work across the globe, as professional dog trainers or as professionals in the animal-care field, including veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
» We estimate that tens of thousands of pet owners train their pets annually, applying what they have learned in one of our courses or through the help of a KPA Certified Training Partner. The positive training methodology improves the lives of all these people and their dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, lizards, and fish!

KAREN PRYOR
KEN RAMIREZ
ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS AND COURSES
At KPA, we develop, update, and maintain our own curriculum. The content of our courses and workshops keeps up with evolving science, practices, and perspectives. We frequently collaborate with other thought and practice leaders who may also facilitate, coach, or teach KPA course material.
KPA courses are designed to keep students interested and engaged in learning— as well as set up for success. Intrinsic to our teaching philosophy is that both people and dogs (or other animals) will enjoy the learning process together. Great training is both science and art, and, done right, it creates a joyful partnership.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION
Karen Pryor Clicker Training is committed to conversation, education, and steps that lead to greater understanding and that can make the profession more inclusive. We believe diversity is a source of strength, equity is worth pursuing, inclusive practices foster progress, women's and LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, individual control over our outcomes is fundamental, and kindness reflects true character.
We reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusivity in training and behavior. In 2025, we have expanded our scholarship opportunities for those who represent and/or support underserved and underrepresented communities. In the weeks, months, and years ahead, we will continue to evaluate and explore ways to further support our principles through our various platforms and brands.
We welcome your opinions, thoughts, and ideas—comment on our social channels or by email at [email protected]. You can read our latest updates here.
WHAT WE TEACH
We teach our students to be skilled trainers and effective teachers