Choosing the right dog trainer is important!
However, a trainer can work hard and pursue a voluntary independent certification that proves knowledge and experience. It also shows that the trainer uses “positive reinforcement”, the best way to train.
I’ve been a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) since 2016
. . . and proud of it.
Your doctor, dentist, and nurse have licenses as does your hair stylist, insurance agent, and realtor. But, dog training is unregulated.
Anyone can claim to be a dog trainer, and an uneducated unproven “trainer” can hurt your dog and the bond between you.
Offering certified, positive, client-focused dog training
tailored to your situation and preferences.
Lisa Warden,
BSc, CPDT-KA
Owner & Trainer
Dogs are not only my profession, they’re my passion! My life with animals began at birth with my family's Beagles, and I grew up always having dogs, cats, and more. I’m currently the proud dog mom of two rescue pups.
When not training, I love spending time with my family and friends, and am involved with church and the Newcomer’s Club of Roanoke Valley.
“Achieving my certification was one of the toughest but best things I’ve done.”
As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer since 2016, I documented hundreds of lead trainer hours, passed a rigorous exam, was vet recommended, follow a code of ethics, and commit to continuing education. I hold a CPDT-KA level of distinction from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®).
“As a trainer, you should ALWAYS be learning and gaining expertise, and I love that!”
I’m a graduate of the Canine Behavior Academy and the Academy of Dog Behavior (advanced level) and have attended numerous seminars with renowned behaviorists. I continue my education via courses and conferences constantly. I’m active in two trainer groups and am pursuing a Fear Free certification.
“You learn an amazing amount being in the trenches, and I was in the trenches for a decade!”
With 10+ years of animal shelter experience, my roles have included animal care, adoption specialist, and manager. I trained at two humane societies and two training facilities.
“Every dog and every human is unique, and that makes training interesting and challenging, and I’m up for the challenge.”
Since starting my business in 2011, I’ve privately trained a variety of breeds, puppy to senior, on issues including house training, obedience, attention seeking, manners, fear, and reactivity. I’ve taught both puppy and adult classes as well as shy dog workshops.
Licensed, insured, and background checked too!
Positive Reinforcement Training Is
The Only Way To Go!
Upward Pup Dog Training practices “positive reinforcement” methods. This modern scientific way to train won’t scare or hurt your dog.
“I don’t use choke chains, pinch/prong collars, or shock collars. Such methods can lead to aggression and destroy the bond with your dog.”
Importantly, humane training organizations, including national and international ones, veterinary behaviorists and their professional association, the Humane Society of the United States, and local humane societies all strongly recommend positive reinforcement training. Sadly, there’s a vast amount of dog training information online, much of it wrong! That’s one reason to work with a positive certified professional.
As new owners of a rescue dog, we were totally in over our heads and needed some help. With just one coaching visit, Lisa was able to give us valuable, personalized training recommendations for him. After weeks of trolling the internet for 'how to get your dog to do X (or stop doing X)' and finding dozens of conflicting suggestions, it was such a relief to have Lisa come to our home, meet our dog, explain some of his behaviors to us and make recommendations that made a difference immediately. We recommend her highly and look forward to working with her again as she continues to train us. :)
- Chaney K. and Fezz.