Jodi Kellar, Certified Dog Trainer, Bergen County New Jersey, Kellar's K9 Academy Dog Training

About Us...

Philosophy of Training

Our techniques are based on the belief that dogs learn by earning what they like, such as food, praise, and play. Much of what we ask of dogs is simply communication, for example, dogs know how to lie down; we want to teach them to lie down when we give them a particular cue (verbal or hand movement). Training can include teaching the dog self control, confidence, or how to navigate through a task properly (such as safely walking over an A-frame or jumping through a tire). Our methods do not include causing discomfort or pain to any animal. Although others use these methods of pain avoidance, we have been very successful in building a trusting relationship between dogs and owners. Dogs will perform behaviors to avoid pain (such as a shock collar or leash correction), but this can damage the trust a canine should have in humans and that trust is paramount.

Jodi Kellar

Jodi@KellarsK9Academy.com

Lead trainer and owner Jodi Kellar is an exceptional positive motivation trainer. Jodi holds a BA in Psychology and a MA in Education (graduating both Summa Cum Laude), where she extensively studied educational and behavioral theories and published three of her own studies. Following her MA, she graduated from Animal Behavior College (ABC) becoming a Certified Dog Trainer, and now mentors future trainers for ABC. Jodi is a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, a provisional member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, a certified evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen & AKC STAR Puppy Programs as well as a certified Pet Partner Therapy Dog Team member for the Delta Society with her Beagle, Sweet Jellybean. She is also a proud member of The North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC), Canine Performance Events (CPE), Skyline Agility Club and competes regularly in AKC, NADAC and CPE agility events. Jodi received the Readers' Choice Award on 2008 by NYC 's City Tails Magazine.

Jodi believes in continuing education. She attended the Clicker Expo in Rhode Island in March of 2009 and a shaping workshop with Pam Dennison in September of 2009. She has had the privilege of working with the gifted positive motivation trainer Pam Dennison, who taught her techniques for helping reactive/aggressive dogs, shaping and clicker training, as well as Rally Obedience. Jodi also learned handling techniques from Arlene Spooner, who is phenomenal on the agility course. Other than these hands on learning opportunities, Jodi's training techniques are influenced by her studies of DVDs, recorded conferences and books of renowned trainers such as Dr. Ian Dunbar, Terry Ryan, Karen Pryor, Pat Miller, Brenda Aloff, Emma Parsons, Susan Salo and many others.

Marie Warniaha

Marie@KellarsK9Academy.com

Marie has worked with dogs her entire life. In 2009 Marie gained certification from Animal Behavior College, after mentoring under Jodi Kellar. Her previous education includes classes at Skyline Agility Club and experience with personal protection canine training.

With her own dogs she has become fluent in obedience, agility, showing, and hunting. Caymin, her Vizsla, received the Canine Good Citizen Award and successfully earned certification from Therapy Dogs International. She is scheduled to perform the Delta Pet Partners Test, along with Jodi and Casey Mae, in December. Caymin and Marie have successfully competed in AKC Hunting Tests, earning the AKC Junior Hunt Title in 2006. The team is also preparing to compete in agility trials.

Marie maintains memberships in Connecticut Valley Vizsla Club, Greater NY Vizsla Club, and the Vizsla Club of Northern New Jersey. Her breeding experience with Vizslas and German Shepherds has enhanced her understanding of canine behavior. She is an excellent resource when looking for a responsible breeder. Marie has volunteered at several shelters and currently volunteers her training services to homeless animals at Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in Middletown, New York.

Dedicated to Canine Companionship

Kellar's K9 Academy proudly donates annually to the Humane Society of the United States, is a sponsor (monthly contributor) for the ASPCA Angels and offers a discount to animals adopted from animal shelters. We are dedicated to canine companionship and facilitating the human-canine bond and look forward to opportunities to help others in this endeavor.