American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Position Statement on how to choose a trainer

Margarita Knowlton, RVT, KPCTP, UW-AAB

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  • I am a professional dog trainer (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Absolute Dogs PRO Trainer) and a Registered Veterinary Technician.
  • I have been working in the animal field for over 17 years. I have held positions as a veterinary technician, animal shelter worker and a professional dog trainer. As a military spouse, I have also had the opportunity to reside in different states as well as Europe, gaining experience working in a variety of animal related environments
  • I am knowledgeable of fear and force free husbandry techniques for dogs and cats
  • ​I completed the requirements  for a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior program from the Professional and Continuing Education departament, University of Washington 

ProfessionalEducation 
  • ​Certified Training Partner, Karen Pryor Academy for Training and Behavior
  • Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior, University of Washington​​
  • Living and learning with animals professional course, with Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D.
  • PRO Dog Trainer, Absolute Dogs
  • ​Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology, Columbia State Community College​
In order for you to have the latest, most effective techniques available; I am committed to stay current with developments in my field, as I continuously build my education in animal training and behavior by attending classes, courses and seminars (online and in person) with the very best professionals. 
  • The aggression in dogs conference (2021)
  • Control Unleashed (2021)
  • Clicker Expo Live (2021)​
  • ​​The 'Lemonade conference,' virtual conference by IAABC and FDSA (2020, 2021)
  • ​Clicker Expo, Portland, OR (2017)
  • The Academy for Dog Trainers, online course (2015)​​​
  • Dangerous Dogs Conference, Davis, CA (2014)
  • ​Veterinary Behavior Technician  Internship with Dr. Melissa Bain, DVM (2014)
  • Clicker Expo, Nashville, OR (2012)
  • Clicker Expo, Portland, OR (2010)
  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers Conference, Oakland, CA (2009)
  • Meet your Match Safer, ASPCA (2009)

Karen Pryor Academy, the standard of excellence 

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Karen Pryor Academy for Training and Behavior Certified Training Partners participate in an extensive educational program culminating in a detailed assessment of their technical ability and hands-on skill teaching pet owners and training pet dogs. 

Successful candidates must complete the program, earn the equivalent of an A on each component of the assessment, and pledge to uphold the high standards and practices of Karen Pryor Academy.