Who We Are

My name is Kris Hale, CPDT-KA, and I am a certified professional dog trainer in Marietta, GA. I am a certified dog parkour instructor with the IDPKA, a member of the Pet Professional Guild and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. I have volunteered and fostered dogs with several local rescues and I currently volunteer with Fulton Animal Services, which is part of the Lifeline Project in Atlanta, GA. As a former high school teacher with AP and IB Psychology teaching experience, I am able to bring my instructional expertise and the science of psychology into my training when working with dogs and their people. I'll be the one guiding and helping you with training and matching services.

My husband Stephen is also a dog lover, rescue lover, and former foster parent, as well as my business partner. He helps with the administrative side of things: maintaining the website, often helping me at home with our dogs (see below for more info on each of them), and occasionally answering phone calls and responding to emails. He also gives guitar lessons.

We currently have three dogs, all of whom came from a local (metro Atlanta) rescue organization.

First came Dezra, our high energy, social butterfly who loves to play. She is a foster sister extraordinaire, who has helped many puppies and shy dogs develop their canine social skills. Dezra is also very bright and loves to learn. She has her novice "trick dog" certification. Dezra's favorite enrichment activities including playing with other dogs, digging, and shredding.

Then came Hank. Foster fail number one is a mama's boy through and through. He is very attentive and a great listener. He has made great strides in overcoming separation distress as his confidence has grown tremendously over the years. He too has earned his novice "trick dog" certification as well as his "novice" parkour title—nice going, Hank! Hank enjoys anything to do with food and he loves smell games.

And last, but not least is Joanie, also known as Joan Jett. Unfortunately, foster fail number two missed the important puppy socialization period, as she was living in a rural shelter during those crucial months. She has come a long way in overcoming her fearfulness, and she continues to grow each day. Her favorite toy is a snuffle mat and she loves a good sniffari.

 

Kris' statement about rescue animals

I find that my heart is with rescued dogs and puppies. Unfortunately, more than three million dogs are surrendered to animal shelters every year, and many of those surrendered to shelters are ultimately euthanized. Many of these dogs lose their homes due to behavior issues, and many of those issues could have been solved through proper training and socialization. Whenever you are looking to adopt, let me know; I will help you find the best match, and help set you and your new family member up for success. Not only will training your dog help you to build a positive relationship between the two of you, but it is also fun! Let me help you make the transition between "homeless" to "homed" easier for you, and for your new best friend.