Ann Christmas
, CPDT-KA, FDM, has been working in the veterinary field for over 30 years. She is currently a Fear Free Certified hospital manager at North Paw Animal Hospital in Durham, NC. She started Souly Dog in 2022, making a commitment to advocate for dogs, and promote the human-animal bond.
Training Philosophy
Ann believes that every dog deserves an opportunity to just “be a dog”. She advocates for ethical, science-based professional dog training and promotes the human-animal bond.
Services
Souly Dog offers a variety of services, including:
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Puppy Life Skills:
Private coaching for new puppy families, as well as group puppy classes.
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Souly Out & About:
Classes that work collaboratively with dogs in various environments, such as local parks and pet-friendly locations.
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Intro to Cooperative Care:
Techniques that empower dogs to be willing participants in their own care, such as veterinary and grooming procedures.
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Deaf Dogs:
Training for deaf dog families to strengthen their communication and relationships.
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Australian Cattle Dogs:
Understanding the breed’s natural instincts and learning how to fulfill their needs.
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Family Dog Mediation®:
Moving beyond dog “training” and getting to know your dog as more than just a “pet”.
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Beyond Fences:
No cost dog training and behavioral support to families and dogs served by Beyond Fences.
Certifications
Ann is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), a Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM), and a student at The Academy for Dog Trainers.
Specializations
Ann specializes in ethical, science-based professional dog training, with a focus on:
- Puppy training
- Deaf dog training
- Australian Cattle Dog training
- Family Dog Mediation®
Training Methods
Ann uses force-free training methods, which are based on positive reinforcement and reward-based training. She believes that punishment and aversive methods are not effective and can be harmful to dogs.
