Margarita Knowlton, RVT, KPCTP, UW-AAB

* 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 23 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.
* I am an accredited Canine Hoopers UK, Canine Hoopers World, All dog's  
  parkour and Wag it Games instructor.

Professional
​Education 
  • ​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 

 Margarita Knowlton with Karen Pryor
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.
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Position Statement on how to choose a trainer