About Us: Trainer/Owner: Kim Downing, CPDT-KA

Who is the trainer of Your Best Dog?:

I have been working with dogs the vast majority of my life. As a young baby and child, my trusted babysitter was the family German Shepherd Dog, Erich. Despite my grandmother's worries he would eat me, my parents knew far better!

For over 30 years my parents successfully showed German Shepherds. They were active in both local and national breed clubs, and my father is still a licensed judge. I was certainly immersed in dogs.

I began training for hobby with an interest in the performance side. I currently train my dogs in obedience, rally, agility, and tracking, but I always work with my dogs in what they enjoy the most!

In early 2005, I combined my love of dogs and my training skills to offer group classes and instruction to the public. I currently am able to offer these classes in three locations with a focus on multiple levels of manners and obedience work as well as preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test (although I am no longer an evaluator). In addition to group classes, I also offer private training and behavior consultations.

I was a Professional Premium member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) for 12 years. I'm a member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA). I was also a certified dog trainer and passed the test to obtain the CPDT-KA. This means that I must pursue continuing education to keep my skills current. I was certified for many years, but I recently decided not to renew the certification. My training skills for you and your dog remain the same.

My training background includes some work as an evaluator of shelter dogs for potential working careers with US Customs as well as a former service dog trainer with the organization Paws for Freedom which was based in Overland Park, Kansas. Until its closure, this organization specialized in training dogs for service dog careers as mobility assistants.

My book, Animal Planet Dogs 101: German Shepherd Dog was a finalist for the 2011 Maxwell Medallion for Excellence from the Dog Writers Association of America!

My love for working with dogs has expanded into writing about them too (and let me use that Journalism degree from the University of Kansas while I'm at it)! When I'm not actively training, you're likely to find me working on freelance writing projects about dogs and training. I'm the author of Animal Planet Dogs 101 German Shepherd Dog (pictured at right), and I've written many articles (see a few on our resources page and freelance writing pages), reports, etc. for clients all over the world that focus on creating and maintaining positive training relationships with dogs. I am a former member of the Dog Writers Association of America.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

 

Last Updated: March 11, 2020
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