Self-Control for the Modern Dog

Self-control is an extremely important skill for the modern dog. We have filled their world with things they never before had a reason to understand. They have to move a certain way, they can't eat wonderful treasures, they have to live largely by the way we choose for them. There are a growing number of dangers to the modern dog, and they sometimes have to be able to discern for themselves what are and are not good decisions. This webinar will explore why self-control is so important, and some easy ways to begin teaching it to your dog.

My name is Curtis Kelley. I am the founder and trainer for Pet Parent Allies. I have been training for nine years in Baltimore and now in Philadelphia. I am a certified CPDT-KA, and I primarily work with reactivity, aggression, and fear in dogs. I offer private training lessons as well as virtual consults.

I have always had a fascination with animal behavior. From my first dog Amber, I noted the spark of intelligence in her actions. I saw that she interacted differently with everyone in my family and wanted different things according to what we were most likely to give her. After learning more formally about animal behavior, I saw her in a new light. I could suddenly perceive her thought process and the ways she interacted with her environment.

As a dog trainer, my favorite moments are when a new understanding passes between dog and human. At that moment, everyone is on the same page about the objectives and the pathway to success. I have found that training and succeeding together helps to root the bond that people and dogs share more deeply. I strive to make my training an ingredient to connecting relationships between people and their dogs more profoundly and powerfully.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending my time hiking, gardening, and reading. I live in Philadelphia with my wife Karen and our Doberman, Vista.