ABOUT
What we do:
We provide dog training in Georgia to help owners gain the ability to better communicate and strengthen their bond with their companions. We offer a balanced approach to training, with a focus on positive rewards and results. My methods are based on the scientifically proven principles of canine behavior. We give owners the proper tools to provide clear communication to their dog to achieve their desired training and behavior goals. The training techniques we teach are simple and straightforward. Dogs are first shown how to respond properly to each command without the use of force. Then owners are taught how to get their dogs to follow the commands consistently and promptly once the dogs have been given an opportunity to understand what is expected of them. All instruction is provided by experienced Certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialists.
A little about us:
Hello, my name is Kristie Walters. I have been working with animals my entire life. I grew up on a small farm in West Georgia where we raised and showed Quarter Horses. Dogs and horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Special needs have also played a big part in my life, as my older brother has Down syndrome. Through him, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Camp Big Heart in North Georgia as well as coaching Special Olympics in both Equestrian and Aquatics. My passion for animals led me to choose a career working with dogs, my favorite animal. I am a graduate from Triple Crown Academy, and am certified as a Canine Training and Behavior Specialist. I enjoy spending everyday working with my dogs, training obedience, sports, scent detection, and service work for allergen detection, special needs companions, and therapy.
Francis is from San Diego California. He has always had a love and passion for animals since he was a child. Growing up he owned an assortment of pets including dogs, cats, reptiles, and other cage animals. He holds B.Sc in Animal Science and Zoology from Massey University in New Zealand. After graduation, he decided to follow the passion his dogs reminded him of all the time and made his way to Texas to attend Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers and Canine Behavior Specialists. Francis got hired as a trainer upon completing the program where he trained and rehabilitated hundreds of dogs at Starmark Animal Behavior Center. He utilizes his science background and incorporates his knowledge on animal health, behavior and welfare into dog training. Francis has two dogs which he will train them for agility, competition obedience, disc and protection sports. His goal is to help people not only training their dogs, but to understand why their dogs do what they do. He enjoys educating and coaching clients to build a better line of communication and relationship with our furry friends!
Testimonial
After losing our dog Bo, our Golden Retriever Calie needed an activity. We started training with Kristie to polish up on Calie’s old skills and work on a few new ones. About 6 months later we adopted our Melvin. Melvin was a neglected rescue found in a crack house in Brooklyn during a drug raid. Melvin had never left his crate and knew how to do one thing and that was sit. As sweet as Melvin is, he developed a few quirks; such as light addiction. If it shined he was on it…relentlessly. Melvin would crash into glass doors and pounce on walls to chase the light. Thanks to Kristie he thinks about it now, but he has been able to get his addiction under control! Melvin is high energy and all ripped muscle so good manners are not an option. With Kristie’s guidance, we are working on his sporadic need to jump on visitors and we have seen a marked improvement in this area. She makes herself available even days when we aren’t training, but need her help. Kristie has the ability to tailor her technique to the dog she is working with at the time. She is gentle and firm with our Golden and tough when she needs to be with Melvin. Both of our dogs respect Kristie and she has become an extended member of our family.
- Nancy Walker
We took our one year old rescue, Murphy, for training. The BEST experience for him and for us. Francis made the learning productive and enjoyable over the two week period. We took a rambunctious puppy there and came home with a more disciplined dog who is a joy to be around. We learned how to work with him everyday. He still slips now and then but a review of our personalized video showing Murphy and Francis gets us back on track! We swear Murphy can hear his voice on the video and calms right down. Definitely recommend this program!
- Cynthia M.
“Our family got two German Shepherd puppies lately. They are littermates; roughhousing, whining, chewing, jumping and pulling were everything they cared about. We were having a hard time keeping the pups under control without losing our voices. It was frustrating. Francis is very knowledgeable and experienced in what he is doing. He has the patience of a saint. He trained our two crazy puppies to behave properly around people and dogs, or I should say, trained me and my wife well! I would recommend Francis to anyone that is looking for a professional and qualified dog trainer.”
- Joe Halstrom