Hello, I’m Kella!
I’ve been working with animals for over ten years, earning my professional dog training certification in 2019. After receiving a degree in wildlife studies from UMass Amherst and working as a zookeeper in Springfield, MA, my lifelong interest in animals was fine-tuned to our canine companions. Dogs are the only species that have evolved side by side with humans - we’ve been together for over 30,000 years! I am fascinated by how well we communicate and how intertwined we have become.
I also see how easily overlooked dogs are and how frustration on both sides destroys our relationships. There is a major gap in what we know as an industry and what we implement as pet parents. A peaceful, cooperative relationship with a dog is a truly incredible thing. It is my goal to educate humans on how to get there through a humane, evidence-based approach.
Efficient, Ethical Training
Do you ever wonder how zookeepers manage to draw blood from tiger, or give eye drops to polar bears? You simply cannot force a thousand pound creature to do something they don’t want to do. Animal trainers in zoos use positive reinforcement to produce incredible results and the same exact principals work for pet dogs. With a bit of practice and a few enjoyable rewards, you can transform how your pet feels about nail trims, bath time, or even the dreaded mailman. That’s what I’m all about. No force, no fear.
Now, that doesn’t mean that I let my dog do whatever he wants or that there isn’t discipline when necessary. For the same reasons that corporal punishment for children is falling out of style, so too is punishment for dogs. Research shows that the fallout can be massive and the gain minimal. Whether this is your first dog or your fourteenth, there is always plenty to learn about training. Let’s continue evolving together, away from intimidation and compulsion, towards true cooperation and respect.
Who’s a Good Boy?
It’s Hoss! Hoss is a good boy! You’ll see this guy a lot and you’ll hear about him even more. Hoss is my big, goofy, naughty boy who struggles with some human fear aggression and reactivity issues. He is an excellent helper dog for other pups who are working on leash reactivity or socialization, but he finds people without dogs to be a bit suspicious. (So do I.)
While Hoss is certainly not perfect, he has come a long way in our three years together and he has taught me so much in that time. I am grateful for the lessons that Hoss has imparted on how to talk to dogs and how to be a good human. He is not just a good boy, he’s the best boy.