Our organization holds a high standard of education and certification. Here our some of our most commonly used certifications held by Krystal Ellingson:

IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants is a multi divisional organization where members work with animals of all sorts. Krystal is a consultant of the dog division. Other divisions include cat, parrot, and horse. http://iaabc.org

CPDT-KSA: Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. The only independent and international psychometrically sound professional dog trainer assessment. This agency assesses knowledge of the science of dog training and has an experiential requirement. This certification requires continuing education to maintain – guaranteeing current knowledge of the latest and most effective techniques. http://www.ccpdt.org/

APDT Professional Premium Member: The Association of Pet Dog Trainers is a professional organization of dog trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education. Professional membership is only available to members who have earned their certification(s) from an approved organization recognized by the APDT Board of Directors. http://www.apdt.com/

SARA Service Animal Trainer: Service Animal Registry of America is the original service animal registry. Krystal is listed with this organization as an Independent Service Animal Trainer and trains service dogs for many different tasks.

ABC Mentor Trainer/Field Professor: Animal Behavior College requires all of its students to go through an externship with one of their Mentor Trainers before being able to graduate. As contracted by ABC it is Krystal’s job as a Mentor Trainer to make sure the students apprenticing her can relate their learning theory knowledge to applied learning. The Mentor Trainer’s approved evaluation of each students performance is required for them to graduate, this makes a passing score the final step in their process of becoming a dog trainer. http://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com

AKC S.T.A.R Puppy Evaluator: This is a program put forth by the American Kennel Club to start puppies off, in their homes, for success. Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsibility – don’t think your puppy will be the only one evaluated here. http://www.akc.org/starpuppy/

AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator: This is a program put forth by the American Kennel Club to encourage responsible dog ownership. Dogs who pass this 10 item test show they can be recognized as good citizens in public as well as at home. http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/

LOAL Therapy Dog Evaluator: The Foundation for Pet Provided Therapy also known as Love on a Leash is a not for profit, charitable organization that encourages volunteerism. Dog assisted therapy is not only something Krystal evaluates for, it is something she participates in. Both of her dogs are certified Therapy Dogs through LOAL, Shasta even has an advanced degree (ThD) involving children’s reading programs. http://www.loveonaleash.org/

Delta Society, Pet Partners Therapy Dog Handler: Delta society is another therapy dog organization. Krystal and her past dog Shasta were a registered therapy team through Delta society.

APDT C.L.A.S.S. Evaluator: This program is put forth by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers to promote training focused on the use of positive reinforcement and to strengthen relationships between humans and their canine companions. C.L.A.S.S. stands for Canine Life and Social Skills and is about teaching and appreciating real-life, practical skills, such as walking nicely on a leash, settling down, meeting strangers, table manners, attention, and coming when called, just to name a few.

Pet Nutrition Certification: Since Krystal works for a large pet supply store chain there have been opportunities for more specialized training. Pet Nutrition Certification is more than just helping someone select a food or treats. Krystal was assessed not only on ingredients and quality, but also on the components of nutrition and how they are used and absorbed in the body of dogs (and cats).

DTI & DTIP Mentor/Coach: Another certification from the large pet supply store chain; this certification allows Krystal to not only train dogs – but also the dog trainers in her area as well as surrounding areas. The Dog Training Instructor Program requires its own certification involving both workshop assessment and written assessment. Once again, Krystal is training dog trainers to be able to train dogs themselves.

Pet First Aid: This is another certification given by the large pet supply store chain Krystal works for. While it is not a veterinary certification the pet first aid training does specialize training to dogs (and cats) about what to do until you can get the pet to a veterinarian or vet technician. Some of the topics include splinting, wound care, poisoning, and other common issues.