Cinder J. Wilkinson-Kenner
is a dog trainer and behavior consultant with a long history in the field. She has worked in both brick-and-mortar and emergency sheltering since 1991, starting as a veterinary technician and later transitioning to behavior consulting and training. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare in the Virginia Tech OMALs program. She has also worked as a Senior Manager, Behavior at the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center and as a Behavior Lead, Level 3, on the ASPCA Behavioral Sciences Team since 2010.
Training Philosophy
Cinder’s training philosophy is based on science-based methods and positive reinforcement. She believes in building cooperation, communication, and social skills between dogs and their owners to create lasting relationships. She emphasizes the importance of early training and believes that it’s never too late to learn the skills to have a well-behaved, happy family pet or competition dog.
Services
Cinder offers a wide range of services, including:
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Early Animal Education:
Science-based training for you and your pet, covering cooperation, communication, and social skills.
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Behavior Consulting:
Using an Applied Behavior Analysis approach to address behavior problems like aggression, fear, house soiling, and separation distress.
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Shelter and Rescue Consulting:
Helping shelters streamline their facility flow, integrate teams, learn safe handling techniques, create and implement in-shelter enrichment, training, and playgroups to improve the quality of life for animals in their care.
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Group Classes:
Offered in various locations, including online modules and Zoom sessions.
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Private Training and Behavior Consultation:
Including initial consultations, in-home lessons, behavior evaluations, walk and train services, and pre-puppy consultations.
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Specialty Classes:
Including American Treibball Association Treibball Classes, Canine Life And Social Skills (APDT C.L.A.S.S.) for dogs 4 months and up, and special topics classes.
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Rescue and Foster Consultation:
Remote consultations with adopters or foster homes via email, Zoom, or video review.
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Shelter Consultation:
On-site and remote consultations covering topics like intake and flow auditing, behavioral euthanasia, playgroup training, enrichment, risk assessment, team integration, safe handling, transport best practices, and more.
Certifications
Cinder holds numerous certifications, including:
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Behavior Consultant-Canine, Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)
- IAABC Shelter Behavior Affiliate, applying for Certified Shelter Behavior Consultant
- Low Stress Handling Silver Certified
- Multiple agency specific certifications (American Treibball Association, AKC Canine Good Citizen, APDT CLASS, etc.)
Specializations
Cinder specializes in:
- Puppy training
- Basic obedience training
- Behavior modification for dogs with fear, reactivity, and aggression issues
- Shelter and rescue consulting
- Playgroup training and facilitation
- Enrichment for shelter dogs
Training Methods
Cinder uses positive reinforcement methods, focusing on building a strong bond between dogs and their owners. She incorporates various techniques, including:
- Clicker training
- Shaping
- Counterconditioning
- Desensitization
- Low-stress handling
Social Media Links
Cinder has social media profiles on:
- YouTube
