Spring Training

Smith & Associates
 

Kelly saying goodbye to Lance --  her training partner for the Canine Behavior & Training Internship at Peaceable Paws. 

Photographed by Pat Miller

Photographed by Pat Miller

Spring Training is closed.

Regretfully, we are not able to schedule clients at this time. 

To find a trainer, please visit:

https://yourdogsfriend.org/we-recommend/positive-trainers/ 

or

https://peaceablepaws.com/find-a-trainer/

or

https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Zip-Code-Search

__________________________________________________________

Spring Training & Behavior Consulting is a veterinarian-recommended training organization serving dogs, cats, and their people in Northern Virginia.

We use force-free training methods based on the principles of animal learning and behavioral science -- so no outdated equipment or ideas like choke chains, shocks, or "dominance theory." 

Working in close collaboration with local veterinary behaviorists, we specialize in serious behavior issues, including aggression, reactivity, fears, and anxiety-related problems.

Owner, Kelly Spring, began her training career with her beautiful Shiba Inu, Kobe -- who was 20 lbs of trouble.  She taught Kelly her first lessons about living and working with a challenging dog and sparked her interest in training and behavior.  For 14 wonderful years Kobe kept her on her toes.  

Kelly is one of fewer than 100 people to have earned the CBCC-KA certification for behavior consulting. This certification requires at least 500 documented hours of behavior consulting, five letters of recommendation from veterinarians, colleagues, and clients, and passing a rigorous, independent exam on applied behavior analysis, biology and anatomy, ethology, health and development, and consulting skills.  The exam has a pass rate of only 56%.

Kelly is committed to professional development and advancing her education.

Credentials:

• Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA)
• Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
• Member of the Pet Professional Guild
• Operation Socialization Certified Trainer
• Supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
• Member of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional Positive Pet Trainers

Seminars, Internships, and Continuing Education:

• Certificate course with Brian Hare, Duke University "Dog Emotion and Cognition." 2015
• Certificate course with Ethology Institute Cambridge “Feline Behavior.”  2015
• Certificate course with Ethology Institute Cambridge “Dogs and Children.”  2014
• Internship with Sue Sternburg “Assessing Aggression.”  2013
• Seminar with Sue Sternburg “Dogs at Play.”  2013
• Seminar with Patricia McConnell “Dogs Have Owners, but Cats Have Staff.”  2011
• Internship with Pat Miller “Canine Behavior Modification.”  2011
• Seminar with Nicholas Dodman “The Well Adjusted Dog.”  2011
• Internship with Pat Miller “Canine Training and Behavior.”  2010

Kelly is also committed to serving the rescue and shelter community by offering pro bono behavior assessments, consultations, and presentations for the The Arlington Animal Welfare League, Washington Humane Society, and several local rescue groups.

Tallula

Serving Northern VA | 202.664.4206 | Info@SpringTrainingAndBehavior.com