Bowling Green, KY
Canis Major Dog Training and Behavior Consulting
History
Ashley Parker, ABCDT, CPDT-KA is the founder and certified trainer for Canis Major Dog Training and Behavior Consulting. While Ashley has always owned and cared for dogs in her personal life, she got her professional start with dogs at Dog’s Day Out in 2013 when she was hired on as a kennel attendant. Ashley will tell you that being a kennel attendant is a very niche job! There are many people out there that like dogs, but there aren’t many people out there that like dogs to the degree at which they will gladly cater to, clean up after, and wrangle 50+ dogs on an average work day. However, Ashley found herself to be one of those “weird” people that loved it and excelled at it.
During her employment with DDO she progressed into different job titles and solidified her commitment to a lifelong career in the professional dog care field. Upon completion of her degree (Bachelor of Science in Biology) through Western Kentucky University she moved on to specialized education to become a certified dog trainer. Ashley completed her first dog training certification through Animal Behavior College in 2017, and immediately began managing the dog training programs at Dog’s Day Out.
“Dog’s Day Out was a great way of beginning my dog training career. Pam Brown, the owner of DDO, had multiple years of training experience and was always available to provide direction and advice whenever I needed it. As a fledgling trainer that was a huge asset!” —Ashley Parker
In 2019, with ambitions of continuing her education, Ashley achieved her second dog training certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and invested in a professional membership with the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the Pet Professional Guild.
Eventually, Ashley arrived at a point where she desired more flexibility in her work schedule and wanted to offer training and dog care services that she couldn’t provide at her current job. So, armed with years of professional experience and many hours of education she began Canis Major Dog Training and Behavior Consulting.
Training Philosophy
Canis Major wants to help owners see their dogs shine! We will help you and your dog develop a strong relationship based on trust, choice, and fun. We love to see owners and dogs working together as a cooperative team as opposed to the archaic master-dog dynamic. This is why Canis Major utilizes modern dog training methodologies rooted in positive reinforcement and promotes the belief that “a dog is not a robot to be programmed, but a sentient being that requires understanding and guidance”.
Services
Canis Major offers a wide range of services, including:
- Private In-Home Dog Training: Initial Interview, Private Lesson, Pack of 4 Private Lessons, Mini Private Lesson, Overnight Sitting
- High Intensity Dog Training Program: VIP Initial Interview, VIP Training Program (4 weeks), Owner Coaching Session, Unlimited Text Support, Maintenance Sessions, Overnight Sitting
- Professional Dog Training Forever: Forever Trained Program (Lifetime)
- Specialized Training Program For Fearful Dogs: Freaked Out to Chilled Out (12 Week Program)
- The Ultimate Puppy Training Program: Ultimate Puppy Program (8 Week Program)
- Live With The Trainer Program: Core Program (Two weeks, One month, Two months, Three months, Long-term options negotiable)
- Dog Daycare With Training: Initial Interview, Pack of 10 lessons, Supplemental lessons
- Dog Training With Grooming: Initial Interview, Pack of 4 groom & train visits, Supplemental lessons
- Group Class at Gasper Brewery: Brew Buddies
- Recreational Agility Class: Term 1, Term 2
- Basic Skills Group Class: Basic Skills Group Class (starting 6/10), Basic Skills Group Class (starting 5/8)
- Oops! All Games Series: Leash Walking: Oops! All Games Series: Leash Walking
- Professional Consulting: Boarding & Daycare Facilities, Vet Clinics, Grooming Salons, Dogs Sitters and Walkers, Dog Trainers
- Become a Canis Major Trainer: Become a Canis Major Trainer
- Professional dog walking and day sitting services: Meet & Greet, Drop-In Visits, Home Turf Leash Walks, Journey Leash Walks, Add-Ons
- Overnight Care Instructions: Overnight Care Instructions
- Training With Us FAQ: Training With Us FAQ
- Canis Major Dog Training, LLC: Payments, Cancellations, Late arrivals, and Absences, Expiration Dates
- Learn About Canis Major Dog Training: Learn About Canis Major Dog Training
- Free Dog Training Articles: Free Dog Training Articles
- Contact Us With Questions: Contact Us With Questions
- Group Classes and Events: Group Classes and Events
- Puppy Socials: Puppy Socials
- Nashville Dog Training: Nashville Region Training Programs
- Kentucky Dog Training: Kentucky Region Training Programs
Certifications
Ashley Parker, ABCDT, CPDT-KA is a certified dog trainer with certifications from Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA).
Specializations
Canis Major specializes in a variety of dog training areas, including:
- Puppy training
- Obedience training
- Fearful dog training
- Agility training
- Leash walking training
- Basic skills training
- Behavioral consulting
Training Methods
Canis Major utilizes modern dog training methodologies rooted in positive reinforcement. They do not permit the use of tools or tactics intended to scare, harm, or intimidate your dog.
Customer Reviews
“Ashley really helped me change my relationship with my dog; I felt like Bella was destined to live under a rock for the rest of her life, but now she’s actually excited to go on walks with me!
— Kayla
It has been 12 years since I had a puppy, I’d forgotten how exhausting it was… and being 12 years older than I was then, hasn’t made it easier. Ashley came into my home on day one, and was immediately able to take the stress off. It’s like I have a dog nanny, and I get to have all the perks of having a puppy without all the stress.
— Laura
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.
