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 dog training services, including:
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Private In-Home Dog Training:
Initial Interview, Private Lesson, Pack of 4 Private Lessons, Mini Private Lesson, Overnight Sitting
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High Intensity Dog Training Program:
VIP Initial Interview, VIP Training Program (4 weeks)
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Professional Dog Training Forever:
Forever Trained Program (Lifetime)
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Specialized Training Program For Fearful Dogs:
Freaked Out to Chilled Out (12 Week Program)
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The Ultimate Puppy Training Program:
Ultimate Puppy Program (8 Week Program)
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Live With The Trainer Program:
Core Program
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Dog Daycare With Training:
Initial Interview, Pack of 10 Lessons, Optional: Supplemental Lessons
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Dog Training With Grooming:
Initial Interview, Pack of 4 Groom & Train Visits, Optional: Supplemental Lessons
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Professional dog walking and day sitting services:
Meet & Greet, Drop-In Visits, Home Turf Leash Walks, Journey Leash Walks, Add-Ons
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Group Classes and Events:
Brew Buddies
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Puppy Socials:
Weekly puppy socials and skill development sessions
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Professional Consulting:
Boarding & Daycare Facilities, Vet Clinics, Grooming Salons, Dogs Sitters and Walkers, Dog Trainers
For detailed descriptions and pricing of each service, please visit the Canis Major website.
Certifications
Ashley Parker is a certified dog trainer with the following certifications:
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ABCDT (Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer)
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CPDT-KA (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed)
Specializations
Ashley Parker specializes in a variety of dog training areas, including:
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Puppy Training
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Obedience Training
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Fearful Dog Training
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Behavior Modification
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Leash Manners
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Nuisance Behavior Training (e.g., jumping, mouthing)
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Grooming Training
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Socialization
Training Methods
Ashley Parker utilizes modern dog training methodologies rooted in positive reinforcement. She does not use aversive tools or techniques such as choke collars, prong collars, or shock collars.
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
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