Devan B. Amundsen
is a certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant with a wealth of experience in the animal welfare field. He has worked in various roles, including animal control officer, shelter manager, dog care coordinator, and kennel technician, gaining extensive knowledge of dog behavior and training. He is also an instructor at Bergin College of Canine Studies, where he develops and teaches courses on dog behavior, training, and shelter operations. Devan’s passion for animal welfare led him to establish Animal Welfare United, an organization dedicated to providing education and support to animal shelters and rescues.
Training Philosophy
Devan’s training philosophy emphasizes a positive reinforcement approach, focusing on building a strong bond between dogs and their owners through clear communication and rewarding desired behaviors. He believes in creating a safe and positive learning environment for both dogs and humans, promoting a humane and effective training experience.
Services
Devan offers a range of services, including:
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Remote Consultations:
Devan prefers remote consultations for behavior consultations and check-ins, providing convenient and accessible support.
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In-Person Training Sessions:
In-person sessions are available for learning or refining kinesthetic skills, requiring a prior remote consultation.
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Live Workshops:
Devan conducts customized workshops for shelter and rescue staff, covering topics such as dog handling and safety, evaluation and assessment, and dog training and behavior.
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Mentoring:
Devan provides one-on-one coaching and mentoring for dog professionals, offering support and guidance on various aspects of dog behavior and training.
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Online Dog Training Theory Evaluation:
Devan offers an online evaluation for dog training theory, covering topics like classical and operant conditioning, fear and aggressive behavior, and applied behavior analysis.
Certifications
Devan holds the following certifications:
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Behavior Consultant, Canine – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)
- Google Certified Educator
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute: Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness, Animals in Disasters: Community Planning, PC-832 Power of Arrest (completed in 2018)
Specializations
Devan specializes in:
- Dog behavior and training
- Shelter and rescue operations
- Problem-oriented behavior records
- Dog-dog interactions
- Functional rewards for everyday dog interactions
- Solutions for dogs with big feelings
- Building owner support programs
Training Methods
Devan utilizes positive reinforcement methods, focusing on rewarding desired behaviors and creating a positive learning environment for both dogs and humans. He emphasizes clear communication, consistency, and building a strong bond between dogs and their owners.
Customer Reviews
Devan has received positive feedback from clients and colleagues, including:
- “Devan was extremely knowledgeable, energetic and informative. We enjoyed his presentation, but wished it was longer. The hands on session was helpful as well. We’d certainly return to participate the next time Devan is at HSIMC!” – HSIMC attendee
- “This workshop was more than I expected! The lecture portion was fun and engaging and afterwards attendees were able to safely interact with the animals. Great care was taken to not stress the dogs out or put attendees or the dogs in a bad situation. This made it fun for everyone whether they were a seasoned volunteer or first timer at our shelter. The turn out was amazing and I think every attendee walked away with a new skill. If you are running a shelter I highly recommend offering these workshops to your supporters and community!” – Shelter attendee
- “Devan has been amazing to work with. He has immensely helped us with his behavior analysis and insights into our program. We highly recommend him for any program or person looking for unparalleled knowledge and insight.” – Client
- “Phenomenal presentation. He should definitely be asked back in the future for more shelter dog training sessions.” – Client
- “Very informative!” – Client
- “I really enjoyed this session! I’m fascinated by Devan’s integration of emotion as a cue and the relevance to The Body Keeps the Score. I look forward to learning more about Devan’s research and training applications.” – Client
Media Appearances
Devan has presented at various conferences and events, including:
- Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection
- Best Friends National Conference
- HSUS Pet Care Expo
- Maddie’s Fund Camp Maddie
- Community Building Dog Behavior Day (sponsored by Maddie’s Fund)
