Featured Trainers
A few of the fabulous grads of our Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program and their work with animals and clients across the globe.
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September KPA CTP of the Month: Camilla ChuCamilla Chu, KPA CTP, is an experienced teacher, first instructing humans and now training animals as well as human/animal teams. Her business, Behaviours In Training, is located in Calgary, Alberta,... -
August KPA CTP of the Month: Joy ChiaAfter first hearing about the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Training Professional (DTP) program from a friend who provided daycare for her dogs, Joy Chia, KPA CTP, enrolled in 2013.... -
July KPA CTP of the Month: Dan Tower AndersonDan Tower Anderson, KPA CTP, who generally goes by Tower, is a crossover trainer. When he first trained dogs in the 1990s, Tower’s methods included correction and aversion. He researched... -
June KPA CTP of the Month: Ben TouchtonBen Touchton, KPA CTP, discovered his passion for working with animals as a part-time employee at an animal shelter while he was in college. He developed a particular interest in... -
May KPA CTP of the Month: Alasdair (Al) BunyanAlasdair (Al) Bunyan, KPA CTP, first heard about the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program when he attended ClickerExpo. There, he spoke with Linda Ryan about the... -
April KPA CTP of the Month: Imogen PoropatImogen Poropat, KPA CTP, learned about Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) and the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program when she was applying for jobs in the dog-training world. Certification as... -
March KPA CTP of the Month: Miki SaitoBy the time Miki Saito, KPA CTP, enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) World program with Terry Ryan , she had met and interacted with... -
February KPA CTP of the Month: Leah BriaA veterinary nurse, Leah Bria, KPA CTP, transitioned to animal training after teaching puppy preschool classes at the vet clinic where she was employed. After hearing about the course from... -
January KPA CTP of the Month: Rose BrowneRose Browne, KPA CTP, the Owner and Lead Puppy Trainer at Dynamic Canines Inc., was the first Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner in St. John's in the Canadian province... -
December KPA CTP of the Month: Hu WangHu Wang, KPA CTP, changed careers to improve the image of dogs in Chinese society. A TV producer in Beijing, Hu felt frustrated and helpless when he covered stories that... -
November KPA CTP of the Month: Marsha PennerMarsha Penner, KPA CTP, was pretty much a dog training novice when she first attended ClickerExpo “to see what it was all about.” She had just started as a group... -
October KPA CTP of the Month: Michelle WieserMichelle Wieser, KPA CTP, lives in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, a remote northern area near Alaska. She first became involved in dog training as a teenager, sharing that interest with her... -
September KPA CTP of the Month: Vijay JoshiVijay Joshi, KPA CTP, is the Puppy Development Coordinator at Leader Dogs for the Blind, a guide-dog training organization. She also offers dog-training services to private clients. Vijay learned about... -
August KPA CTP of the Month: Jennifer LongJennifer Long, KPA CTP, was working at a local animal shelter and contemplating a certification program to further her interest in animal training and behavior. A veterinary behaviorist who was... -
July KPA CTP of the Month: Reanna AliWhen her first dog passed away, Reanna Ali, KPA CTP, was heartbroken. Around that time, she left the corporate world and moved into the dog-training industry, first offering dog-walking services.... -
June KPA CTP of the Month: Cindy BensonCindy Benson, KPA CTP, offers positive training for working livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) and their owners at Benson Ranch, and online through training videos and Zoom. She has raised and... -
May KPA CTP of the Month: Alex LeeAlex Lee, KPA CTP, is the new Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Country Manager in (South) Korea. Translating to Korean the course materials for the KPA Dog Trainer Foundations and Dog... -
Becoming a Dog Trainer in 2021 – Why Now?Despite the pandemic, now is the best time to consider switching careers and pursuing pet-dog training, as a side-hustle, a passion project, all-in fulltime employment, or starting your own business. -
April KPA CTP of the Month: Brittany ThomasBrittany Thomas, KPA CTP, met a Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP) when she was pursuing her certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS, Behavior). Brittany remembers being... -
March KPA CTP of the Month: Kristina Dieta SetiabudiKristina Dieta Setiabudi, KPA CTP, offers dog training services through her business, Puppy Colours in Singapore, focusing on puppies and fearful dogs in particular. Her own dog, Josh, inspired Kristina... -
February KPA CTP of the Month: Georgette LombardoGeorgette Lombardo, KPA CTP, Albuquerque The Magazine’s Top Trainer in 2020 and 2017 and among the Top 5 in 2016, 2018, and 2019, quit her corporate job and launched her... -
January KPA CTP of the Month: Cari TetzlaffCari Tetzlaff, KPA CTP, was searching for new ways to help at-risk dogs when she enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program. A long-time staff... -
December KPA CTP of the Month: Sarah WalshSarah Walsh, KPA CTP, CDPT-KA, studied zoology and business administration to earn her bachelor’s degree. After graduation, she was eager to begin a career in dog training, researching certification programs... -
November KPA CTP of the Month: Tisha KnickerbockerTisha Knickerbocker, KPA CTP, offers a range of dog-training services, from basic family manners to training for the fun, games, and competition of trick-dog events to very serious and valuable... -
October KPA CTP of the Month: Sarah HothSarah Hoth, KPA CTP, entered the dog training field in a familiar way: she adopted a dog and needed advice, encouragement, and support. Thanks to Ozzy and more than a... -
September KPA CTP of the Month: Chelsea MurrayChelsea Murray, KPA CTP, began her career as a dog trainer after earning a degree in biological sciences at the University of Georgia. Researching educational opportunities to achieve this goal,... -
August KPA CTP of the Month: Consuelo LópezConsuelo López, KPA CTP, halted a study of literature to return to her greatest passion, horse riding. In addition to riding herself, she volunteered as a horse leader for an... -
June KPA CTP of the Month: Jill SackmanThe life of Jill Sackman, DVM, PhD, KPA CTP, has always included companion and show animals. A veterinarian specializing in animal behavior, she now owns and runs Animal Behavior Consultants... -
June KPA CTP of the Month: Kiki YablonKiki Yablon, KPA CTP, has journeyed from new-dog owner to established and respected dog trainer in the Chicago area—following a path with many links to Karen Pryor Clicker Training (KPCT)/Karen... -
May KPA CTP of the Month: Tabitha KuceraTabitha Kucera, KPA CTP, CCBC, CRVT, is dedicated to strengthening the bond between animals and humans. Her business, Chirrups & Chatter, offers behavioral consultation and training to families with felines... -
April KPA CTP of the Month: Amber QuannAmber Quann, KPA CTP, CPDT-KSA, is the owner and head trainer at Summit Dog Training in northern Colorado. She is also the creative force behind the novel Drink With Your... -
March KPA CTP of the Month: Will BrunzWill Brunz, KPA CTP, owns and runs Columbia Mountain Kennels (CMK) along with his wife, Andrea. Now a positive-only trainer, dog-sport competitor, and pet owner, for many years he was... -
February KPA CTP of the Month: Sarah SurrittSarah Surritt, KPA CTP, CPDT, CGC, was drawn to volunteer work at the San Diego Humane Society when she had some free time back in 2001. There she met her... -
January 2020 KPA CTP of the Month: Eva BergincEva Berginc, KPA CTP, completed the World format of the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in 2018, with Terry Ryan. A helicopter pilot in the Austrian military, her other... -
December 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Erin KiddErin Kidd, KPA CTP, came to positive-reinforcement training with a sigh of relief 15 years ago. Since she bought her first clicker years ago she has enjoyed training her own... -
November 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Laura HeyerLaura Heyer, KPA CTP, an experienced educator of children with behavioral and developmental disabilities, has utilized—and extended—that special skill set in her pet-training career. A trainer at C&C PALS, she... -
October 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Jade FountainJade Fountain, KPA CTP, has trained a multitude of species, studied with many of the most renowned animal training and behavior professionals across the globe, and traveled extensively to teach,... -
September 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Michael BaughMichael Baugh, KPA CTP, has trained dogs since 1999, but has a background in communications that extends back even further. A degree in communications and graduate studies in community counseling... -
August 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Amy CreavenWhile Amy Creaven’s career focus has switched from intensive care nursing to dog training, she has not abandoned her nursing skill set or her sensitivity to those in pain or... -
July 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Megan RamirezMegan Ramirez, KPA CTP, switched her professional focus from library science, in which she earned a master’s degree, to dog training because of her “heart” dog, Amadeus. Now older and... - June 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Kimmie HarlowKimmie Harlow, KPA CTP, provides private dog training in Rockville, Maryland. She has a special interest in helping families where canine behavior issues are obstacles to a serene home life....
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May 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Sandy IsslerBorn in Ontario, Canada, Sandy Issler, KPA CTP, came to the United States for graduate school. She has lived in the US ever since, becoming a citizen in 2001. A... -
April 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Patrick EmmettPatrick (Pat) Emmett, KPA CTP, is full-fledge into his second career. Pat turned to dog-training in his retirement after more than 35 years as a businessman and president of his... -
March 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: April WilliamsOne of the first graduates of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program held in Australia, April Williams, KPA CTP, considers Karen Pryor her inspiration. Her dog,... -
February 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Sherry NativoSherry Nativo, KPA CTP, assists pet parents with the everyday, and the unexpected, issues that arise with animals. Private lessons, online coaching, and educational offerings via social media are all... -
December 2018 KPA CTP of the Month: Teoti AndersonTeoti Anderson, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, Vice President of A Dog’s Best Friend in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has provided professional dog-training services for more than 23 years. She shares her own,... -
November 2018 KPA CTP of the Month: Heather AdamsHeather Adams, KPA CTP, first discovered Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) through an internet search as she sought help for Sadie, her dog with severe separation anxiety. Now a KPA CTP... -
October 2018 KPA CTP of the Month: Lynne StephensLynne Stephens, KPA CTP, is a canine agility specialist, trainer, and seminar presenter. She is the co-owner of DogLogic Training in Statesville, North Carolina. Lynne’s professional experience as an educator... -
September 2018 KPA CTP of the Month: Beth MullenA career change in 2008 saw Beth Mullen, KPA CTP, CBCC, CPDT, incorporate her interest in animals of all species into a new profession—animal training. Beth is currently the owner... -
August 2018 KPA CTP of the Month: Stephanie PetersStephanie Peters, KPA CTP and CPDT-KA, owner of Plucky Paws, adopted her “sweet little dog Marmalade” from Second Chance Animal Rescue Puerto Rico in 2013, spurring her interest in animal... -
July 2018 KPA CTP of the Month: Laura DonaldsonLaura Donaldson, KPA CTP, combines her extensive credentials with her experience in dog training and canine behavior (and her participation in dog sports) in her successful business Four Paws, Four... -
May 2018 KPA CTP of the Month: Molly JohnsonMolly Johnson, KPA CTP, had been training dogs positively for many years even before she attended the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in 2011. In that time, she developed... -
April 2018 KPA CTP of the Month: Julia HamiltonJulia Hamilton, KPA CTP, of Julia Hamilton Dog Training, focuses on creating family harmony when the family unit includes, or is about to include, pets. Her own family includes young... -
March 2018 KPA CTP of the Month: Kat CamplinKat Camplin, KPA CTP, uses the skills she has accumulated in her many years volunteering with and training dogs—and through her experience at Karen Pryor Academy—in her California-based business, Romping... -
February 2018 KPA CTP of the Month: Shelley PryorShelley Pryor, KPA CTP, offers in-home training and behavior consultations through her business Spry Dog. Spry Dog also provides Canine Good Citizen (CGC) preparation and testing, along with Fear Free... -
December 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Carol MeagherCarol Meagher, KPA CTP, may be looking forward to her very first ClickerExpo conference in St. Louis this coming March 16-18, but this Lead Trainer with the Greater St. Louis... -
November 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Celine YangCeline Yang‘s, KPA CTP, interest in dog training was triggered when she and her brand-new husband added Severus Snape, a shiba inu puppy, to their family. Celine and Severus attended... -
October 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Claudia BarbutoClaudia Barbuto, KPA CTP, provides individualized in-home training to families and pets through her business, Naturally Pawsitive. In addition to her private training, Claudia is the director of the reactive-dog... -
September 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Lynn RivesSeptember 2017 KPA CTP of the MonthWorking with “Simply Brilliant Dogs” is what Lynn Rives, KPA CTP, does, and loves, best. She strives to be even more skilled and successful in... -
August 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Amélie HupéAmélie Hupé, KPA CTP, works both in human resources and as a dog trainer. Her business, L’Esprit du Chien(the Spirit of the Dog), offers customized dog-training services in and around... -
July 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Aimee BenchJuly 2017 KPA CTP of the MonthAimee Bench, KPA CTP, LCSW, was taught a “snap-and-release” form of animal training in her first class, at an animal shelter close to 20... -
June 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Jane JacksonJune 2017 KPA CTP of the MonthJane Jackson, KPA CTP, works with dogs, horses, and people at Bookends Farm in beautiful Vermont. Always striving to educate learners in a positive... -
May 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Toni Lynn MarkMay 2017 KPA CTP of the MonthToni Lynn Mark, KPA CTP, found her way to clicker training following her own instincts and the “leadership” of her rescue puppy. With little... -
April 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Kim LyddonApril 2017 KPA CTP of the MonthCongratulations to Kim Lyddon, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP), and her red tricolored border collie Tyler, for their recent success in the... -
March 2017 KPA CTP of the month: Wayne DooleyMarch 2017 KPA CTP of the MonthWayne Dooley, KPA CTP, left his corporate job at AT&T to work fulltime with animals. Now known as “The Dog Trainer Guy,” Wayne offers... -
February 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Kinna Öhman-LeoneFebruary 2017 KPA CTP of the MonthKinna Öhman-Leone, KPA CTP, has always counted animals as her friends, and she has been involved with teaching in some form since she was... -
January 2017 KPA CTP of the Month: Valeria CascaddanJanuary 2017 KPA CTP of the MonthValeria Cascaddan, KPA CTP, owns and operates a dog-training business in Michigan called Drop the Leash Dog Training. Living with and interested in dogs her... -
December 2016 KPA CTP of the Month: Dawn GilkisonDawn Gilkison, KPA CTP, has combined her lifelong “fancy” for dogs with her considerable experience in both animal behavior and education. The result is her business, Positive Solutions Dog Training... -
November 2016 KPA CTP of the Month: Charissa BeaubienNovember 2016 KPA CTP of the MonthWhen she was selected for this month’s profile, Charissa Beaubien, KPA CTP, said, “I am honored to be featured in the Karen Pryor Academy e-newsletter... -
October 2016 KPA CTP of the Month: Juliana WillemsOctober 2016 KPA CTP of the MonthJuliana Willems, KPA CTP, was an equestrian growing up, but has had no trouble switching her allegiance to dogs. As the Senior Trainer at Dog... -
August 2016 KPA CTP of the Month: Anja BallwieserAugust 2016 KPA CTP of the MonthAnja Ballwieser, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP), is one of the first graduates of the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program... -
July 2016 KPA CTP of the Month: Shannon WallaceJuly 2016 KPA CTP of the MonthShannon Wallace, KPA CTP, spent her youth in an environment full of animals. Her home was a farm, and she was an active participant... -
June 2016 KPA CTP of the Month: Hope EdwardsJune 2016 KPA CTP of the MonthHope Edwards, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP), uses the skills and training from her KPA education not just with dogs, but... -
April 2016 CTP of the Month: Kelsi SkeeApril 2016 KPA CTP of the MonthYou might say that Kelsi Skee, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, was brought up to work with animals—and to complete the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional... -
February 2016 CTP of the Month: Michelle MullinsThe animal training history of Michelle Mullins, KPA CTP, dates from childhood, when she would work on behaviors with family pets using tidbits from the dinner table. After 15 years... -
December 2015 KPA CTP of the Month: Alice TongDecember 2015 KPA CTP of the MonthAlice Tong once worked with people; now she works with dogs and their people! The Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP) transitioned from a career... -
October 2015 KPA CTP of the Month: Cindy AndrysiakOctober 2015 KPA CTP of the MonthCindy Andrysiak describes herself as a lifelong dog enthusiast. The owner of and trainer at Patient Paws Positive Dog Trainingin Indiana, she is also a veteran... -
September 2015 KPA CTP of the Month: Mimmi JaneldSeptember 2015 KPA CTP of the MonthLocated in Skogås, Sweden (10 kilometers south of Stockholm), Aurora Hundtjanst—the business owned and run by Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP) Mimmi Janeld—provides... -
June 2015 KPA CTP of the Month: Tammy BourgoyneTammy Bourgoyne, KPA CTP, is a former engineer who enjoys problem-solving. Now the founding instructor for her business @thedogrun Canine Learning Center for Puppy Parenting and Beyond, Tammy problem-solves with... -
May 2015 KPA CTP of the Month: Laura Devine HillsMay 2015 KPA CTP of the MonthLaura (Devine) Hills, KPA CTP, was already a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) with a part-time dog-training business when she heard about the launch... -
April 2015 KPA CTP of the Month: Stacy TottenStacy Totten, KPA CTP, grew up in what she describes as “a normal, happy, but non-animal family.” While her parents encouraged her to play tennis and golf, Stacy was more... -
March 2015 KPA CTP of the Month: Greg ThompsonMarch 2015 KPA CTP of the MonthGreg Thompson, KPA CTP, owner of Eagle Creek K9 Behavior and Training, LLC, is immersed in his second career—professional dog training— and loving it! Although... -
December 2014 KPA CTP of the Month: Amy SalettaDecember 2014 KPA CTP of the MonthDubbed the “Puppy Professor” by a satisfied client years ago, Amy Saletta has used/uses that moniker for her training business The Puppy Professor in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Through... -
November 2014 CTP of the Month: Britta WilsonNovember 2014 KPA CTP of the MonthBritta Wilson, KPA CTP, has worked with a variety of domestic, herd, and exotic animals as a trainer, educator, guide, counselor, intern, and zookeeper... -
October 2014 CTP of the Month: Jim TurnerOctober 2014 KPA CTP of the MonthJim Turner, KPA CTP, has a lifetime of experience in caring. A pastor for 50 years, a marriage and family counselor for 20 of... -
September 2014 KPA CTP of the Month: Anna Jane GrossmanAnna Jane (Annie) Grossman, KPA CTP, co-owner of School For The Dogs in Manhattan, New York, moved into dog training from her successful writing career. Although she had always loved... -
August 2014 KPA CTP of the Month: Jay AndorsJay Andors, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP), uses his KPA education to augment his many years of personal and business experience with pets. A master groomer for... -
July 2014 KPA CTP of the Month: Lisa PaulJuly 2014 KPA CTP of the MonthKaren Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP) Lisa Paul always tries to be “clickerly,” but acknowledges that it takes attention and effort. She says that... -
June 2014 CTP of the Month: Meridith HalliseyJune 2014 KPA CTP of the MonthMeridith Hallisey, KPA CTP, is full of excitement about where she is now and where she is heading in the future. Her work with... -
May 2014 KPA CTP of the Month: Bev MaasMay 2014 KPA CTP of the MonthBev Maahs, KPA CTP, is both a trainer and a blogger these days. Switching from a variety of business careers, she is finally doing... -
April 2014 KPA CTP of the Month: Jo CookApril 2014 KPA CTP of the MonthRetired human educator turned dog trainer, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP) Jo Cook is at home with students of any species. Jo’s association... -
March 2014 KPA CTP of the Month: Gillian CrossMarch 2014 KPA CTP of the MonthA lifetime animal lover, Gillian Cross of the United Kingdom has been instinctively inclined toward humane and positive animal treatment since childhood. As a... -
January 2014 CTP of the Month: Andre YeuJanuary 2014 KPA CTP of the MonthTo be as involved in, and as enthusiastic about, as many pursuits as Andre Yeu, you need boundless energy. Andre, the first Karen Pryor Academy... -
December 2013 CTP of the Month: Laura SharkeyDecember 2013 KPA CTP of the MonthLaura Sharkey, PhD, KPA CTP, CPDT-KSA, OSCT, is excited about every part of her training life. And there are many parts to that life!... -
November 2013 CTP of the Month: Christina WaggonerNovember 2013 KPA CTP of the MonthChristina Waggoner was eager and excited to be one of the first enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional Program. Now a... -
October 2013 KPA CTP of the Month: Irith BloomOctober 2013 KPA CTP of the MonthKaren Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP) Irith Bloom will be speaking about choice at the 2014 ClickerExpo conferences. The choice she herself made to attend... -
September 2013 KPA CTP of the Month: Leanne FalkinghamSeptember 2013 KPA CTP of the MonthLeanne Falkingham is not only a Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP), but she is also the co-author of KPA’s newest course, Shelter Training... -
June 2013 CTP of the Month: Tammy BourgoyneJune 2013 KPA CTP of the MonthTammy Bourgoyne, KPA CTP, has an engineering background and an open heart for dogs: puppies, senior citizens, dogs with special needs, dogs with fears... -
April 2013 CTP of the Month: Karen MielkeApril 2013 KPA CTP of the MonthKaren Mielke, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP), was a member of one of the first classes to graduate from KPA, graduating... -
March 2013 CTP of the Month: Ariana KincaidMarch 2013 KPA CTP of the MonthAriana Kincaid, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP), moved from a career in higher-education administration to explore the many facets of dog... -
February 2013 CTP of the Month: Marius GeykmanFebruary 2013 KPA CTP of the MonthMarius Geykman, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP), crossed over from dissatisfaction in the corporate world to positive training and a new career as... -
July 2012 CTP of the Month: Mareila CastilloJuly 2012 KPA CTP of the MonthMariela Castillo is the owner and head trainer of Every Dawg’s Dream, offering private training lessons and group classes serving Orange County, California. Mariela first...
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