Rohnert Park, CA
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:
- Remote Consultations: Devan prefers remote consultations for behavior consultations and check-ins, providing convenient and accessible support.
- In-Person Training Sessions: In-person sessions are available for learning or refining kinesthetic skills, requiring a prior remote consultation.
- 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.
- Mentoring: Devan provides one-on-one coaching and mentoring for dog professionals, offering support and guidance on various aspects of dog behavior and training.
- 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)
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
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.
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.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
