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Certified dog trainer
Cinder J. Wilkinson-Kenner
Cinder J. Wilkinson-Kenner

Oroville, WA

Cinder J. Wilkinson-Kenner is a dog trainer and behavior consultant with a long history in the field. She has worked in both brick-and-mortar and emergency sheltering since 1991, starting as a veterinary technician and later transitioning to behavior consulting and training. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare in the Virginia Tech OMALs program. She has also worked as a Senior Manager, Behavior at the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center and as a Behavior Lead, Level 3, on the ASPCA Behavioral Sciences Team since 2010.


Training Philosophy
Cinder's training philosophy is based on science-based methods and positive reinforcement. She believes in building cooperation, communication, and social skills between dogs and their owners to create lasting relationships. She emphasizes the importance of early training and believes that it's never too late to learn the skills to have a well-behaved, happy family pet or competition dog.


Services
Cinder offers a wide range of services, including:


  • Early Animal Education: Science-based training for you and your pet, covering cooperation, communication, and social skills.
  • Behavior Consulting: Using an Applied Behavior Analysis approach to address behavior problems like aggression, fear, house soiling, and separation distress.
  • Shelter and Rescue Consulting: Helping shelters streamline their facility flow, integrate teams, learn safe handling techniques, create and implement in-shelter enrichment, training, and playgroups to improve the quality of life for animals in their care.
  • Group Classes: Offered in various locations, including online modules and Zoom sessions.
  • Private Training and Behavior Consultation: Including initial consultations, in-home lessons, behavior evaluations, walk and train services, and pre-puppy consultations.
  • Specialty Classes: Including American Treibball Association Treibball Classes, Canine Life And Social Skills (APDT C.L.A.S.S.) for dogs 4 months and up, and special topics classes.
  • Rescue and Foster Consultation: Remote consultations with adopters or foster homes via email, Zoom, or video review.
  • Shelter Consultation: On-site and remote consultations covering topics like intake and flow auditing, behavioral euthanasia, playgroup training, enrichment, risk assessment, team integration, safe handling, transport best practices, and more.


Certifications
Cinder holds numerous certifications, including:


  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
  • Certified Behavior Consultant-Canine, Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)
  • IAABC Shelter Behavior Affiliate, applying for Certified Shelter Behavior Consultant
  • Low Stress Handling Silver Certified
  • Multiple agency specific certifications (American Treibball Association, AKC Canine Good Citizen, APDT CLASS, etc.)


Specializations
Cinder specializes in:


  • Puppy training
  • Basic obedience training
  • Behavior modification for dogs with fear, reactivity, and aggression issues
  • Shelter and rescue consulting
  • Playgroup training and facilitation
  • Enrichment for shelter dogs


Training Methods
Cinder uses positive reinforcement methods, focusing on building a strong bond between dogs and their owners. She incorporates various techniques, including:


  • Clicker training
  • Shaping
  • Counterconditioning
  • Desensitization
  • Low-stress handling


Social Media Links
Cinder has social media profiles on:


  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram

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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