Kris' Certifications & Other Qualifications

I'm a certified professional dog trainer: I have earned my CPDT-KA credential from CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers), which is the leading independent certifying organization for dog trainers worldwide.

I'm a member of The Pet Professional Guild: I'm also a proud member of The Pet Professional Guild—No Pain, No Force, No Fear! (© The Pet Professional Guild)

I'm a member of the APDT: I'm a proud member of the APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers), where I served on the education committee.

I'm a Certified Dog Parkour Instructor: I'm certified as a dog parkour instructor and evaluator by the International Dog Parkour Association.

I'm bonded and insured: I'm covered by Business Insurers of the Carolinas.

I'm Pet First Aid/CPR certified: I received my certification from Pet First Aid 4U.

I'm a former public school teacher: I have more than 25 years of high school teaching experience; I most recently taught AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) Psychology.  I have a deep understanding of behaviorism and positive reinforcement, in both theory and application.

I have rescue experience: I work with both fosters and adopters to provide support in helping to manage and overcome problem behaviors. I conduct classes for volunteers, fosters, and adopters as well as work with individual dogs. (Lifeline Animal Project)

I'm a dog mom: I have fostered many dogs over the years, and I currently have three dogs—all rescues.  I have experience with puppies, teens, large dogs, fearful dogs, and hyper / over-stimulated dogs.

I value education, knowledge, and life-long learning. I continue to take courses to ensure I stay up to date on current best practices and approaches to dog training.

I teach continuing education classes for trainers, including webinars with Raising Canine and APDT (I presented a webinar on trainers supporting shelters, and also a webinar on adding enrichment to your training program). I have presented for NAPPS on dog behavior and enrichment to pet sitters. Recently I presented to dog guardians and trainers as part of the Pet Professional Guild's Celebrating Life Together.

I was recently interviewed by Arden Moore on Four-Legged Life Show, her national radio show.

I also enjoy writing and have written for the Pet Professional Guild, Fetch the Answer (also here, and here), and East Cobber (also here).

Interested in having me present a webinar, speak at your event/organization, or write an article? Please contact me!

                                 

What is dog training certification?

Dog training is an unregulated industry, meaning there are no licensing requirements or regulatory oversight. Literally anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. So how, do you, as a make the right choice when picking a dog trainer for you and your dog? One way is to look for independent certification.

I am certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the leading independent testing and certification organization for the dog training profession.

Being certified by the CCPDT means that I have:

• Logged hundreds of hours of hands-on dog training experience
• Passed a rigorous exam testing my dog-training knowledge
• Signed a pledge to follow a strict Code of Ethics for my personal and business conduct
• Demonstrated a commitment to continuing education and professional development
• Exemplified a commitment to professional excellence

What is the CCPDT?

The CCPDT is an independent, nonprofit credentialing organization. Its purpose is to assess, test, and evaluate dog training and behavior professionals through a set of standardized tests.

Thousands of dog trainers worldwide maintain the CCPDT's certifications to demonstrate their mastery of humane, science-based dog training practices. Learn more about the CCPDT.