Shelley Pryor
Shelley Pryor is a lifelong animal lover and ardent rescuer. She was a director and is a lead trainer at the Greater St. Louis Training Club, the area’s largest and oldest dog training club and its only 100% force-free training club. She is a volunteer at the Humane Society of Missouri. Shelley was a Director of Midwest Akita Rescue Society (MARS) and Akita Club of America Rescue (ACAR). She has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed dozens of Akitas – and provided guidance and support to many owners on behavior issues.
Training Philosophy
Shelley knows that a pet’s behaviors sometimes cause frustration. Her goal is to help owners find effective ways to improve behavior problems and bad habits. She uses only positive methods – no punishments or corrections. Her methods are force-free, backed by research, and recommended by veterinarians.
Services
Shelley Pryor offers three types of private lessons: Skills and Manners Lessons, Behavioral Support, and On-Boarding for New Puppies and Older Dogs. All lessons begin with an initial consultation to discuss the client's situation and goals. Private lessons are one-hour in length and $120 each.
Certifications
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP), with Distinction
- Fear FreeSM Certified Professional Trainer
- Lead Trainer and Former Director at Greater St. Louis Training Club
- Volunteer in Behavior and Education at the Humane Society of Missouri
- Volunteer at Midwest Akita Rescue Society (MARS)
- Board member, Akita Club of America Rescue (ACAR)
- AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Tricks Evaluator
- AKC Canine Ambassador, with Kiku the Akita
- Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
Specializations
Obedience training, puppy training, behavior modification, fear and anxiety management, socialization, and rescue dog rehabilitation.
Training Methods
Shelley Pryor uses positive reinforcement methods, which are force-free and backed by science. She believes in building trust and understanding between dogs and their owners through positive training techniques.
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.
