Adrienne Kelenc has always loved dogs and has been involved with them since she was a young girl. She competed in 4-H with her dog and set up homemade obstacle courses. After high school, she joined the army and served overseas. Upon returning home, she attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. While in the army and nursing school, she was unable to have a dog. After finishing nursing school, she adopted her first rescue dog, Cloey.
She always knew she wanted to do more with dogs and learn more about dog training. She became a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College and completed an apprenticeship at Tails Humane Society. After becoming a homeowner, she adopted three more rescue dogs: Chica, Carley, and Casey. She furthered her dog training education and became a certified trick dog instructor with Do More With Your Dog. She started working with her Shepard mix Casey, who was dog reactive. Many local trainers advised her to use correction-based training, which made Casey’s aggression worse. She connected with a positive reinforcement-based trainer, and her training recommendations worked. This inspired her to learn more about positive reinforcement training. In July 2020, she completed the Karen Pryor Academy professional dog training program, which focused on science-based training and why positive reinforcement and clicker training work. Her business, 4 C Positive Dog Training, is named after her four rescue dogs who inspired her to learn more about dog training and science-based training.
Training Philosophy
Adrienne Kelenc believes in evidence-based dog training that is backed by science and uses positive reinforcement. She emphasizes that positive reinforcement is more effective than physical corrections in teaching dogs desired behaviors.
Services
Adrienne Kelenc offers a variety of dog training services, including:
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Group Training Classes:
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Trick Dog Training:
This class is open to dogs of any age and teaches a variety of tricks, from novice to expert level. Students have the opportunity to earn a trick dog title at the end of class.
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Beginner Dog Training Class:
This class is open to dogs six months and older and teaches foundation behaviors such as attention to handler, polite walking, recall, settle on a mat, self-control, and leave it.
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Canine Good Citizen Class:
This class is open to dogs six months and older and requires completion of two previous obedience classes. It reviews and practices the 10 skills for the Canine Good Citizen test, and students have the opportunity to take the test on the last day of class.
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K9 Nose Work:
This class is open to dogs of any age and teaches dogs to use their nose to hunt and search for their favorite toy or treat. The class starts with dogs finding a hidden toy or treat in boxes and progresses to searching larger rooms, outside areas, and vehicles.
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Introduction to K9 Nose Work:
This class runs for six weeks and teaches dogs to use their nose to hunt and search for their favorite toy or treat while building confidence, motivation, and independence in searching.
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Introduction to Odor:
This class runs for six weeks and teaches dogs to search for Birch, one of the first odors used in competition.
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Vehicles and Exteriors:
This class runs for six weeks and teaches dogs to search vehicles and outside areas. Additional odors, such as Anise and Clove, are introduced as dogs progress.
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Private Training:
Adrienne Kelenc also offers private training sessions for dogs of all ages and breeds. She can help with a variety of issues, such as aggression, anxiety, fear, and behavioral problems.
Certifications
Adrienne Kelenc holds the following certifications and degrees:
- 2020 Certified Training Partner, Karen Pryor Academy
- 2020 Stunt Dog Judge, Do More With Your Dog
- 2019 Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Do More With Your Dog
- 2014 ABC Certified Dog Trainer, Animal Behavior College
- 2011 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb IL
- 2011 Minor in Spanish, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb IL
Specializations
Adrienne Kelenc specializes in positive reinforcement dog training and has experience working with dogs with a variety of behavioral issues, including aggression, anxiety, and fear.
Training Methods
Adrienne Kelenc uses positive reinforcement training methods, including clicker training. She believes that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to teach dogs desired behaviors and build a strong bond between dog and owner.
