Meet Your Trainer

Debbie and Shadow

Debbie Nathanson, CPDT-KA

Owner and Trainer

Since a young age, Debbie has had an undeniable passion for working with animals.  As a child, she couldn't have dogs or cats because of family allergies, so she grew up with desert tortoises, hamsters, fish, and even a duck - in suburban Los Angeles!  While working for many years in the entertainment business, she nurtured her love of animals and love for learning by volunteering as a Docent at the Los Angeles Zoo, by earning a Certificate in Wildlife Studies at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and by volunteering with the dogs at the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center.

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Her journey with training and behavior truly took off, though, after adopting Shadow, an anxious mixed-breed mutt.  This led to years of learning and practicing training and management techniques with Shadow and other shelter dogs.  Debbie decided to share her skills and let her passion assist others who are on the journey to finding and developing greater communication and camaraderie with their canine companions.

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Debbie is a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the Animal Positive Coalition (APC), as well as a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).  She is a Pat Miller Level 1 Academy Graduate and a Pat Miller Behavior Modification Academy Graduate who holds her CPDT-KA certification through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).  She practices science-based, aversive-free, force-free, and rewards-based positive training and behavior methods.