Meet The Trainers
The
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers serves to establish and
maintain a series of standards for professional competence in professional dog
training by certifying dog training professionals. Standards are based
on humane practices and the latest scientific knowledge. Competence in
training practices is promoted through the re-certification of qualified professionals.
www.ccpdt.com
All of our trainers
are current members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and are accredited
pet dog trainers.
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Pamela
"PJ" Wangsness, PDT, CPDT-KA was the first trainer
in Northern Nevada to earn an international Level I certification
from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as a
Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) in September 2002. She is an Accredited
Professional Dog Trainer, an Animal Behavior Consultant, Professional
Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Member of the Association
of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors and Endorsed Professional
Dog Trainer of the Int’l Institute for Applied Companion Animal Behavior.
She is also an AKC CGC Evaluator. PJ is a training mentor for Animal
Behavior College, a "train the trainer" program. PJ is a
regular volunteer at local shelters, including the SPCA of Northern
Nevada, the Nevada Humane Society and High Sierra Animal Rescue in
Portola, CA. PJ volunteers her time for the Pups on Parole (PUPS)
Program for the State of Nevada, Department of Corrections in cooperation
with the NHS and SPCA. PJ is a regular speaker, presenter and educator
throughout the area on all things dog, cat, or horse. While always
creating, PJ enjoys creating and writing new innovative training programs
or curricula for the team of trainers at Dog Training by PJ. This
helps to ensure you as the owner receive consistency in the programs
while offering the best training in Northern Nevada. Pam is active
with her horses, dogs and one cat, regularly hikes, snowshoes, skis
and simply enjoys life. She'd kept by her wild horses, now
25 years old, her herd of Chihuahuas and her famous
Brittanys: Emme & Einstein. PJ says, "I'm passionate
about educating and assisting people with their pets, whether dogs,
cats or horses and yes, the occasion rabbit. Join a class today and
see why when asked about training, Dog Training by PJ is the first
mentioned." |
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Dale Rands, ABCDT, moved to Reno in 1996 with her Golden Retrievers Sunny and Sierra. For most of the 13 years she lived in the area she supported her little family working in the Megajackpots Department at IGT. In early 2007, Dale, dreaming of a more fulfilling career involving her passion for dogs, began studying Positive Reinforcement Based Dog Training at Animal Behavior College. She graduated with honors in February 2008. Equipped with her certificate from ABC and over 30 years of living with and training her own dogs she embarked on a new adventure training dogs with Dog Training by PJ. Dale continues her studies while she prepares for the examination and her certification as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Dale currently resides in Washoe Valley with her rescued Australian Shepherd, Jackson, and her SPCA puppy, Race. |
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Heather Robie, ABCDT moved to Fernley, Nevada in 1997 from Anoka, Minnesota to be closer to her family, who had moved to the Carson Valley from their hometown of Burbank, California. Heather’s love of animals began as a two year old. Her home in Burbank was the zoo every child dreams of, boasting a horse, two dogs, puppies, a cat (or three!), rabbits, rats, gerbils, parakeets, snakes, tortoise, chickens & ducks! As a 10 year old, Heather trained her first dog through a class given at the local park. She continued her education by assisting in the training of horses & mules through her teenage years, while showing in all categories, competing as a California Ranger, participating in parades and a couple of endurance rides. Her favorite memories are of riding in the Griffith Park Mountains with her dogs as company. Heather built a career within the Human Resource profession and in May 2007 began to pursue her lifetime dream of working with dogs and educating owners on the benefits and rewards of positive reinforcement training. She began studying for her dog training certificate through Animal Behavior College, graduating in May 2008. She will continue her education while preparing for her certification as a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT.) Heather lives in Fernley with her best friend Hawk, a 9 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback, Tucker an All American adopted from the Nevada Human Society and her cat Maggie rescued out of a corn field. Her horse, Charlie, and her donkey, Max, live in Paradise Valley, Nevada waiting for the time they can rejoin Heather in Fernley. Heather’s goal is to assist dog owners in building rewarding relationships with their dogs through positive behavioral training methods. Life is so much more fun with a dog sharing the adventure! |
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Paige Rice - My fascination with animals started at 6 months old when my dog, Rexy, allowed me to use him for balance as I learned to walk. For many years I worked in the corporate arena as a Sales and Marketing Executive, however, I wanted to follow my dreams to work with animals. I am a graduate from Animal Behavior College (ABC Dog Training) and belong to Association of Pet Dog Trainers and working towards my CPDT. I am delighted and honored to join PJ Dog Training Team, #1 dog training team in Nevada with PJ and her impressive group of professional trainers. I currently volunteer at the Lake Tahoe Humane Society, El Dorado Animal Control and at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care. My background includes living in Kenya on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy researching wildlife and developing community projects; studying at the Los Angeles Zoo and research/rescue of marine mammals in Southern California. Today when I am not training dogs I enjoy living in beautiful Lake Tahoe. I love to ski, golf, hike, kayak with my best friend Huckleberry (Golden Lab/ moose). I also operate Tahoe Best Friends, animal care services at the lake TahoeBestFriends.com. Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Now it's your turn. Please call us and let us know how we can assist you. ~Paige |
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Beth Williams, P.T., G.C.S., M.A., has been a physical therapist since 1985. In 1995 she became the first board certified specialist in geriatric physical therapy in Nevada. Since 1998 Beth has been treating 4-legged clients, upon veterinary approval after she successfully completed her education in veterinary rehabilitation sponsored by the American and Canadian Physical Therapy Association. Beth is a fitness instructor for animals and humans. She co-teaches the Fido 'n Me Fitness Circuit Class and other activity classes at Dog Training by PJ. Beth the owner and Physical Therapist at K9 Wellness Center located next door to Dog Training by P.J. The K9 Wellness Center was designed for physical conditioning and therapy, not limited to just veterinary referrals. The goals of K9 Wellness Center include, promoting health and well-being, prevent injury and facilitate healing through education, exercise and training. Of course, you can always bring your dog for SWIMMING LESSONS, use the treadmill and more. Do you have an active dog or puppy? Let Beth show you how to give that energy better focus and give you peace of mind! Call Beth today: 775-750-5087. |
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