Hello! My name is Kalei Mayer, and I can’t wait to work with you and your dog.

I’ve had a great appreciation for animals for as long as I can remember, as I was very fortunate to have been exposed to the world of positive training and modern behavioral science since childhood, thanks to my stepmom.

In my professional life, I’ve had experience in doggy daycare, grooming assistance, pet supply, and my favorite: training! I’ve trained in a variety of places, from big, busy stores like Petco to well-respected, specialized training companies like My Best Friend Obedience, where I currently still teach group classes. Over the years, I have now trained with hundreds of dogs, and even some other animals like horses, guinea pigs, fish, and of course, people!

While experience is invaluable, I also believe that education and understanding of the science behind behavior is absolutely crucial in providing effective and reputable training. I have graduated from the Petco Positive Dog Training Instructor Program, have studied under the Karen Pryor Academy Professional Program, and have earned approval from the American Kennel Club as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. I am also a member of the APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers), which is just one of the many reputable resources I utilize to continue expanding my knowledge and keep my techniques and practices as up-to-date as possible. I also have my CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed).

Beyond my passion for training itself, I am also greatly interested in the other aspects that comprise a happy and healthy dog. Looking at the whole picture of a dog’s world to ensure their physical, mental, and instinctual needs are met are a significant aspect of my holistic approach to training. Having worked several years in pet supply, I love helping pet people select suitable chews, treats, equipment, and more for optimal care.

So, what is it like to train with me? I seek to provide an experience that is informative for potential training geeks like me, yet still approachable, personal, and fun for the more casual dog-enjoyer (or overwhelmed puppy parent. Trust me- we’ve all been there!). Most importantly, I extend my judgement-free attitude not only to the dogs, but also to their people.

When I’m not working with other people’s dogs, I’m most likely at home tending to my own pets: a cat, a fish tank, a ball python, and of course, a dog! I got my Finnish Lapphund, Aamu, as an eight-week-old puppy, and take great pride in what I’ve learned from raising and working with such a unique breed. As a result, I’m a lover of all kinds of quirks and challenges that make our dogs who they are.