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Certified dog trainer
Carrie Pierson
Carrie Pierson

Watkins, CO

Carrie Pierson, the owner and trainer of Ruff to Wags, pursued her formal education as a dog trainer in 2019. She has sought education through various entities such as CATCH Academy, an accredited Positive Reinforcement school as well as a multitude of resources, seminars and courses available under CPDT and IAABC. In order to obtain her CPDT-KA certification, she logged over 300 hours of private dog training with various clients and assisted many families transforming their dogs into well behaved canines, especially during the pandemic. She completed her mentorship with Sue Brown, MNM CBC CPDT-CA in 2021 and is currently pursuing her certification for Behavior Consultant Canine Knowledge Assessment.


Carrie believes in building a community of positive and responsible dog owners. Ruff to Wags uses proven scientifically positive reinforcement techniques and a fun unique approach to help pet owners train their animals. Carrie believes in providing excellent customer service, a positive learning environment and helping owners feel more confident in their training.


Ruff to Wags offers a wide range of services including:

  • private training
  • group classes
  • puppy training
  • basic obedience training
  • recall training
  • service animal training.

They also offer a Good Canine Citizen test and Pet CPR and First Aid courses.


Private Training

  • Watkins, CO: $75 for 1 hour
  • At YOUR home: $85 for 1 hour


Puppy Basic Training with Social Play

  • $210 for 6 sessions


Basic Obedient Training Class

  • $210 for 7 sessions. No Dog at first session.


Recall Training

  • $60 for 3 sessions


Carrie Pierson is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a certified evaluator for the American Kennel Club, and is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid. She has also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course (years 2021 & 2022) by Michael Shikashio CDBC, Grisha Stewart Courses (BAT 2.0 training), Building Canine Body Confidence with movement, Common Behavior Challenges inside the Home, How to Teach a Group Class for Dog Aggression using click to calm with Emma Parsons, Separation Anxiety in Shelters, Rescues and Newly Adopted Dogs with Melana DeMartini. She has experience in AKC Scent work and is a member of the CDTN (Colorado Dog Trainers Network) created by Sue Brown.


Carrie specializes in the following:

  • Puppy training
  • basic obedience training
  • recall training
  • service animal training
  • behavior issues such as excessive barking, chewing/destructive behavior, rushing doors, jumping, and aggression.


Her training methods include positive reinforcement techniques.

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

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