At Leap of Faith Dog Training LLC, they offer obedience and agility classes, as well as AKC and USDAA trial secretary services. Their training philosophy is based on reward-oriented methods, viewing all activities as games under their control. They utilize treats, toys, and other rewards tailored to the specific skill being trained.

Based in Mobile, AL, they have been involved in obedience and agility training since 1999, actively participating in these activities and herding. Their experience includes competing in AKC and USDAA Agility nationals multiple times, and they continue to refine their skills through lessons, seminars, and training camps with top competitors in the field. Additionally, they regularly attend online classes and watch training videos from instructors around the world.

Their current dog family consists of three border collies—Flash, Faith, and Joy. While Flash has retired, Faith and Joy are currently engaged in agility, obedience, and herding competitions. Over the years, they have welcomed various foster dogs into their household, providing assistance and training to help these dogs acclimate and find permanent homes.

They have achieved numerous titles from AKC and USDAA with multiple dogs, and their dogs have been certified therapy animals through organizations such as Pet Partners, TDI, and R.E.A.D. Notably, they hold the position of Treasurer and Agility Trial Secretary for the Mobile Bay Dog Training Club, where they have been a member since 1995. Additionally, they are a Licensed Agility Trial Secretary with the American Kennel Club and serve as the Trial Secretary for several training clubs in AL, MS, and LA.

Kirsten C. Kraljevic

Kirsten began her career as a dog trainer over 30 years ago, first learning more traditional methods which relied heavily on punishment and the use of equipment such as choke chains and pinch collars. She found many problems could not be solved using punishment and coercion and most dogs actually seemed to get worse. Thus her journey began researching and questioning alternative methods for changing behavior and improving the human animal bond.

Training Philosophy

Kirsten believes in continuing education and has attended many seminars most notably the benchmark in animal training, all 5 Chicken Workshops given by Bob Bailey in 2002 and repeating them again with Bob Bailey and Parvene Farhoody in the summer of 2015. She believes that using harsh corrections is not the most effective way to teach behaviors to a dog. Through understanding and applying the principles behind behavior and operant conditioning, she knows that old-style techniques aren’t effective and can harm the trust between you and your dog. She teaches you to use the principles of Operant and Classical conditioning to teach & reward the behaviors that you want from your dog and stop the ones you don’t.

Services

Kirsten offers a variety of services, including:

• Puppy Classes: For puppies as young as seven or eight weeks old.
• Adult Classes: For young adult dogs and recently adopted adult dogs.
• In Home Board and Train: An immersion program where your dog lives in home with Kirsten.
• Day Training: Intensive work on a very specific training challenge.
• In Home Schooling: Kirsten comes to your home and works with your dog in 1 hour sessions 3 times a week for 3 weeks.
• Consulting: Private lessons designed to focus on improving your mechanics and observational skills using whatever behaviors and cues you want to teach your dog.
• Individual Consulting for Behavioral Problems: Kirsten offers private behavior consultations for people seeking help with their dogs’ behavior that they believe is a problem.
• Dog Walking: Kirsten offers dog walking services, including manners training.

Certifications

Kirsten has earned her CPDT – KA, the first international certification for dog trainers in history. She holds a certificate of completion in animal behavior consulting: principles and practices.

Specializations

Kirsten specializes in obedience training, puppy training, and behavior modification.

Training Methods

Kirsten uses reward-based training methods, including clicker training and lure reward. She believes in building a positive relationship between you and your dog.

Customer Reviews

“I met Kirsten when I took her puppy training class. I thought there was nothing to training a puppy–I mean, how hard could it be? But I soon realized I needed help understanding why my puppy did the things she did. Kirsten helped me to see things from a 'dog’s point of view'. Now I understand my puppy better and have learned to teach her acceptable behaviors. I really enjoy my dog more since I took classes from Kirsten ”

“We really learned a lot in our few visits with you. Just being able to understand why Lexie did things she did was a great comfort and an eye opener to me. When I first contacted you I was really at my wit’s end and afraid you were going to tell me that we were in over our heads, but we have really seen a change in her and I thank you so much for that. She is actually laying at my feet and letting me pet her now. And earlier tonight she was sitting side-by-side with one of the cats, taking treats from Roland’s hand!! Can you believe that? Thanks for all your help and enlightenment.”

At Keen Canine, they work with all kinds of dogs, from puppies to adult dogs. They have a particular talent for guiding people through puppyhood. If a puppy jumps on every person they meet or loves to chew on everything, they can help. Their Day Training and Coaching programs are customized to a dog’s individual training needs and a busy schedule. They use only positive, effective methods to work with puppies and adult dogs, setting them up for a lifetime of good behavior.