TRAINERS | the-training-studio

THE TRAINING STUDIO

We do things differently at

Main Office | 469-236-0066

2765 East Trinity Mills Rd

Suite #102

Carrollton, TX

75006

The Training Studio does things differently. When it comes to our talented trainers, doing thing differently means helping pet owners understand that punishment and outdated “dominance”-based training is not the only solution for changing animal behavior and in fact, can be detrimental.

Training techniques based on the science of how pets learn have been around for a while. There is extensive, scientific research showing positive reinforcement produces long-lasting behavior changes. A recent surge in awareness is the result of more trainers and pet owners realizing they don’t have to hurt or scare their pets to achieve desired behavior.

The Training Studio instructors are all certified and adhere to the humane hierarchy. They teach classes ranging from private sessions to basic manners programs, K9 Nose Work®, Dig It (teaching dogs to file their own nails) and Relaxed Rover and Dog School Drop Out for dogs that can’t handle traditional classes due to reactivity or aggressive behavior. Click here to check out the classes and private training options.

Cathy Painter, LVT, CBCC-KA, Elite Fear Free Certified Technician, Fear Free Certified Trainer

Cathy Painter, is a licensed veterinary technician, a certified behavior consultant

(CBCC-KA) and a Fear Free Certified Professional. She is an APDT Professional Member and co-chair of the Education Committee for that organization.

Cathy started her career as a veterinary technician for the Dallas Zoo in 1996. In 2009, she was promoted to hospital manager. Working at the zoo channeled Cathy’s interest in animal behavior: While collecting a blood sample from a rhinoceros that stood calmly along a fence, Cathy had an “a-ha” moment. Why are dogs, cats and horses so commonly terrified during veterinary exams, when rhinos, tigers and elephants are routinely examined voluntarily? The answer, of course, is that the zoo uses positive reinforcement. By contrast, too often “force” is an accepted practice with our domestic friends.

At Veterinary Behavior Solutions and The Training Studio, Cathy is helping to close this gap and improve life for our furred, feathered and scaly pets.

Susan Geib, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Trainer

Susan started her dog training career conducting group classes and private lessons through a major pet care chain for three years. In 1999, she ventured out on her own to open Dog’s Play and Training Center. For seventeen years, she cared for thousands of dogs at her facility which offered training, daycare, boarding and grooming. In 2016, she sold Dog’s Play and opened Just Rewards Dog Training, allowing her the opportunity to concentrate solely on helping dogs and their owners with their training needs.

Susan is a certified professional dog trainer and a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She continues to update her education by attending training seminars by leaders in the industry.

Cheryl Woolnough CPDT-KSA, Fear Free Certified Trainer

Cheryl is a certified professional dog trainer with fifteen years of experience. She is a force free, positive trainer and believes that training is about communication and respect. She teaches a variety of group classes as well as in home consultations and private lessons. She presents webinars highlighting some of her favorite subjects such as enrichment and nutrition.

Cheryl spent seven years training service dogs for disabled veterans and other individuals with special needs. She comes from a teaching background; having taught both elementary and high school for twenty years. She has a passion for education; attending numerous seminars, conferences and workshops each year to keep abreast of current, science-based training methods and behavior modification techniques. Cheryl lives on two acres in the country with her husband, two greyhounds, a Berger Picard and two service dogs in training.

Jenelle Bell CTC, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Trainer

Jenelle started her career in behavior modification over 20 years ago when she began working with children with autism. After retiring from the field, she focused her skills on dog behavior and training. Upon graduating with honors from the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, Jenelle started Your Dog’s Champion which is dedicated to serving fearful and aggressive dogs in the Dallas area. Her commitment to continuing education led Jenelle to complete the Aggression in Dogs Master Course and Fear-Free Professional Certification.

When at Veterinary Behavior Solutions and The Training Studio, she enjoys teaching reactive dog classes and consulting with clients one-on-one.
Jenelle shares her home with her husband, Mike, and two English bulldogs, Lizzie and Winston.

Beth Berkobien, MS (Animal Behavior), Cert. SAPCT, FDM

Beth began her dog training career in Milwaukee, WI over 20 years ago after graduating with an MS in animal behavior and is also certified in separation anxiety. She started her dog training career working for a dog training school in Wisconsin teaching manners, puppy classes and competition obedience. Beth titled her Rottweiler, Elmo, to Utility Dog and her English Setter, Schmog, to master hunter using only positive reinforcement. Beth is passionate about continuing education and using modern science based methods. She owns Rehab Your Rescue behavior services where she sees clients virtually and in home. Beth specializes in aggression, reactivity and separation related behaviors. While Beth has a passion for the rescue dog (having 4 rescues of her own), she also works with dogs from breeders.

Jess Jones, LVT, CBCC-KA, Fear Free Certified

Jess Jones is a licensed veterinary technician who is fear free certified and a certified canine behavior consultant. While Jess primarily works on the VBS side of things with clients after a consultation with Dr. Florsheim, she has a passion for helping animals learn to tolerate vet exams and runs specialized private training and group classes to help them. Jess lives for the breakthrough moments when people rebuild and strengthen the connection with their pets t realize their dream of a healthy, happy relationship with their animals. Jess’ love for animals started in her hometown Garland, TX. She graduated with honors from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences. After working with a variety of animal species, Jess developed a passion for animal behavior. She is currently working towards earning her VTS in Behavior.

Jess has learned a lot from the animals in her life including current Lab-Whippet mix Ezzy and tenacious cat Minty Fresh.