A MESSAGE FROM KARI
In 2008, Critters was born in Forest Grove, Oregon. The previous three decades I was a professional trainer in Arkansas. That path began as a child and a circus of animals around me, continued through my education, and into various means of employment and volunteering, with pets and their humans. As a child I watched a neighbor prepare his field dog with abuse and harshness. I knew at that young age that I could accomplish more with kindness and patience than he could. I was lucky to live in Hot Springs, AR, where I could visit the IQ Zoo. Bob and Marian Bailey retired from military life of WW2 and were using Scientific Learning Theory (B F Skinner…see more HERE) with various critters to entertain the public with cute pet tricks and performances. As a child this inspired me to put on neighborhood shows for my friends and family with my family dogs. The next decades are filled with education, workshops, study and hands-on practice learning how to do this more effectively. The experience of adopting a reactive and biting dog years ago, gave me the opportunity to work alongside Cheryl Smith of Canada. She is a widely respected behaviorist around reactivity and problem behaviors. This is still my most challenging call, but it also tugs my heart the strongest. Even troubled dogs need a voice.
From competitor to volunteer to CEO, I’ve always remained the student. Open to learning more and sharing with as many as I can.
This last decade I’ve explored the latest in neuroscience, distress tolerance, effective living skills, mindfulness, diet, and exercise. I’m learning to integrate this incredible knowledge, typically applied to humans, to our dogs.
I and it has given most more compassion and understanding of this Divine relationship we have with our dogs. The perfect combination of Mental, Physical, and Emotional Needs of both you and your dog are considered.
No bootcamp here. No kennels, runs, or solitary confinement. NOPE. NONE. 
As you cross my threshold, there is a granite stone that reads” HAVEN IN A HEARTLESS WORLD”. Here, your dogs can learn from my pack and be part of a household. Some need alone time, and that is available too. They are never loose unsupervised. Each dog’s individual needs are considered.
I will share my heart, my home, and my compassion for your pets when in my care or training. I will never ask you to do anything that doesn’t feel right to you. I do use food, toys and motivators to build skills. I do teach the word NO.
You will both have fun.
