The Academy for Dog Trainers

10/14/2026

"Navigating this awkward and complex conversational habitat requires me to pull up and shake off a particularly emotional, but particularly useful, message: I’m sorry. I simply say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the terrible treatment my profession has unleashed upon you and your whole family. I’m sorry we did this."

From the archives, by Kristi Benson.

https://academyfordogtrainers.com/how-anthropology-work-informs-dog-training/

10/07/2026

"Evidence-based and well-vetted co-operative care dog training protocols allow dog professionals to take a seat at the table with veterinary professionals in following standard operating procedures. As full members of any dog’s care team, we can offer the same commitment to efficient, quality care. Dogs, of course, deserve nothing less."

From the archives.

https://academyfordogtrainers.com/co-operative-veterinary-care-professional-practices-and-dog-training/

10/05/2026

May we have your attention please!

Today we celebrate a new Academy Graduate!

Marilyn Gaupp is as dog-mad as they come. She's worked in daycare and boarding, has a crew of her own and now leads the behavior team at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter. We could not be more proud of the work she does for homeless dogs in their care.

Please join us in wishing her congatulations on achieving her CTC!

10/02/2026

May we please have your attention! We would like to celebrate a new Academy graduate, Becky Boss.

Becky works for Safe Pet Partners, a non-profit in New Mexico that helps at-risk animals via behavior help, fostering, putting up fencing and working with shelters. And yes, that is Cheddar you see upper right and lower left (immortalized for his "with his lemon" campaign in last year's Academy Awards)!

Please join us in wishing hearty congratulations to Becky on achieving her CTC!

09/30/2026

"The good news is that training dogs to like being handled and going to the vet – called husbandry training – can make a big difference."

From the archives, by Zazie Todd of Companion Animal Psychology.

https://academyfordogtrainers.com/the-difference-husbandry-training-can-make-to-vet-visits/

09/23/2026

"Academy graduate Suzanne Bryner of Lucky Fido Training & Behavior on San Juan Island, Washington runs a play group for large and boisterous dogs who need a bit of human intervention to bring their play styles more in keeping with canine norms."

From the archives, by Kristi Benson.

https://academyfordogtrainers.com/overcoming-fear-of-dogs-playing/

09/16/2026

Your attention please! There is a newly minted Academy Graduate in the house!

Emma Bourne went to volunteer and then work at The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County as a High School Student, adopted two dogs, and got the behavior bug. She is now their behavior specialist, teaching classes, helping adopters and educating the public about dogs.

She also now holds a CTC. Please join us in wishing her hearty congratulations on her graduation!

09/16/2026

"But when dog trainers are called in, we are called in because the humans need real help. We must help the dog and the humans in the family with efficiency and care. And although dogs do injure humans in some cases (and good training and good welfare can absolutely mitigate this), in many cases dog trainers are working with dogs who themselves are, quite literally, at death’s door."

From the archives, by Kristi Benson.

https://academyfordogtrainers.com/why-academic-standards-matter-in-dog-training/

09/14/2026

Academy founder Jean Donaldson is joining Companion Animal Psychology's Bark! Fest again this year to speak about the second edition of her classic book about resource guarding in dogs, "Mine!". She will be speaking with Academy graduates Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson about helping dogs who guard, writing about dogs, and revisiting such an important and useful book. Join her on Monday September 21 at 11am Pacific (2pm Eastern / 7pm UK time) -- this session is free but registration is required. Those who register will get a link to the recording.

Join Jean Donaldson to learn about resource guarding in dogs, why they do it and what we can do about it, and why she wrote a second edition of Mine!

09/11/2026

Next week, Companion Animal Psychology is kicking of their Bark! Fest with the authors of these two books. Rory Cellan-Jones’ "Sophie From Romania" tells the story of how Sophie arrived in his life—and then hid behind the sofa for weeks. Full of the ups and downs of life with a rescue dog, this book will restore your faith in humanity. Academy graduate Simon Wooler’s "More Than Just a Dog" is a must-read for dog lovers, full of wisdom, wit, and stories about the many dogs that Si has worked with—including Sophie. This session is September 14 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET / 6pm UK). Like all Bark! Fest sessions, this is a free experience, but registration is required. A recording will be available for those who register.

Join authors Rory Cellan-Jones and Simon Wooler to learn more about their books Sophie From Romania and More Than Just a Dog.