Positive, force free
dog training and behavior, with methods backed by science.

Positive changes for
both ends of the leash.

Kristen Hanley dog trainer posing with dog

Why train with me?

As a Certified Family Dog Mediator I work with humans to help their dogs. Family Dog Mediation bridges the gap between humans and dogs. For many hundreds of generations, dogs have lived alongside humans - helping us hunt, herd, protect our homes and livestock, going into battle with us, or just sitting on our laps for company - helping humans survive.
Now they are “house pets” - and this is a hard lifestyle for many dogs. Helping dogs to adjust to a human world and helping humans to accommodate their dog’s needs is what my training philosophy centers on.

I am passionate about helping both the dogs and their humans - helping both to feel happy and satisfied in their lives and relationships with each other. To have that it means coming to a better understanding of each other, learning to communicate with each other, meeting needs, and getting to the bottom of unwanted behaviors.

Learn more about me here.

Click here for information about classes and private lessons.

Kristen Hanley dog trainer holding leashes of three dogs

Positive dog training to enhance the human - animal bond

I love showing humans how effective positive training (training without the use of punishment, force, or other outdated methods) can be to train their dog and build a better bond. Positive training can be used in everything from basic house manners and obedience, to dog sports, to more significant behavior concerns such as reactivity, fear, aggression, or anxiety.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends positive training for all types of behavior. “Evidence supports the use of reward based methods for all canine training. AVSAB promotes interactions with animals based on compassion, respect, and scientific evidence. Based on these factors, reward-based learning offers the most advantages and least harm to the learner’s welfare. Research supports the efficacy of reward-based training to address unwanted and challenging behaviors. There is no evidence that aversive training is necessary for dog training or behavior modification.” Read more here.

Group classes, private lessons, and virtual lessons available. Email me at dogologywny@gmail.com for more info or to register.

See Our Upcoming Dog Training Classes & Lessons

Certified Dog Training

The dog training industry is completely unregulated, and dog trainers are not required to have an education or any professional certification. I have both!
I am a graduate of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Trainers; I have a certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; and also am an Accredited Dog Trainer with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Both the CCPDT and the IAABC require experience hours, an exam, and then 12 hours per year of continued education, meaning I am required to stay current on changes and developments in training and behavior. I am also an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. In the past year, I have completed Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs Master Course and Kim Brophey’s Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation courses - two education opportunities that added a lot to my training toolbox and courses by two highly respected professionals in the dog behavior field.