Helping dogs and their families build a strong foundation for a fulfilling life together.

About Kali
 

Kali is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and behavior consultant from Salt Lake City, Utah, who relocated to Colorado in 2026. She specializes in behavior modification and training for anxious, fearful, reactive, and aggressive dogs with trauma and complex behavior concerns. She brings nearly two decades of experience helping companion and shelter dogs succeed. Her training career began in 1998 and evolved from traditional, compliance-based methods to an evidence based, humane approach grounded in positive reinforcement and the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) framework. Her training style incorporates relationship building, engagement-based learning, and thoughtfully designed games that promote confidence, emotional resilience, and positive associations.

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Since 2012, Kali has specialized in behavior modification and supporting dogs and their families through anxiety, fear, reactivity, and aggression, with a particular focus on complex and high-risk cases. She is known for building strong, trusting relationships with both dogs and their guardians, recognizing that meaningful, lasting behavior change begins with clear communication, empathy, and individualized guidance.

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Over the course of her career, Kali has worked with dogs of all breeds, sizes, temperaments, and drive levels, including working and sport dogs. She also has experience working with deaf and blind dogs and dogs with medical or other special needs. She has been a long-time advocate for bully breeds and volunteered as a trainer with a Utah community dog walking group that promoted responsible ownership and supported statewide efforts to successfully repeal breed-specific legislation.

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In 2011, Kali adopted her first shelter dog, an American Staffordshire Terrier named Millie, which inspired her long-standing commitment to shelter and rescue work. She has since fostered dozens of dogs and puppies and collaborated with shelters and rescues to help at-risk dogs with behavior needs successfully transition into permanent homes through training and behavior support. 

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Kali also brings extensive experience in canine development, social behaviors, cooperative care, task training and public access training for service dogs, facility management, and group instruction. She regularly supports groomers, shelters, and veterinary teams through low-stress handling techniques designed to promote safety and reduce fear during sheltering, medical, and grooming procedures.

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She shares her home with her Dutch Shepherd, Rip, and participates in conformation and dog sports. They love spending time exploring the outdoors together.

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Kali holds multiple professional credentials, including Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), Fear Free Shelter Certification, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and Canine CPR and First Aid. She is currently in the process of obtaining a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) certification and is committed to ethical, evidence-based training practices.