Meet Your Certified Dog Trainers

Hello, I’m Kim Silver, the proud owner of Building Bonds. My journey into dog training began when I helped my dog overcome behavior challenges. In 2012, I established “Kim’s Canine College,” later renaming it to “Building Bonds” in 2016. The shift in name reflects our core mission – it’s not just about sit and stay; it’s about fostering a relationship built on trust and effective communication.

Building Bonds aims to create a connection where your dog chooses you when faced with countless other options. You are their safe haven and their party central. We want you to adore your furry friend even when they are naughty. Our focus is on cultivating healthy relationships.

I strongly believe in humane treatment for dogs during the learning process. Dogs deserve environments that meet their needs as a species and breed, and my passion lies in setting them up for success. At Building Bonds, we act as translators for dogs, being their voice.

My qualifications include being a Professional Canine Trainer—Accredited through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB)—a Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner, a Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI-KSA), a Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer, a Licensed Family Dog Mediator, and more. I hold a master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and am continuing my education in canine nutrition. I am pursuing a behavior consulting accreditation through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB).

Whether through private or group lessons, I specialize in addressing behaviors associated with fear, anxiety, and stress in puppies and dogs. My commitment to using humane techniques and ensuring training is enjoyable for you and your dog sets me apart.

By choosing Building Bonds, you benefit from:

  • Training that is fun, engaging, and founded on sound and humane techniques.
  • Effective communication between you and your dog fosters success.
  • Peace of mind knowing I engage in quality assurance programs and continuous education.
  • A pledge to teach and train using force-free principles, building a strong bond without resorting to pain or fear.

Let’s embark on a journey where training is not just about results but also about building a lasting connection with your cherished canine companion.

For fellow professional trainers assessing my credentials, it’s important to note that I do not adhere to LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) principles. My training philosophy aligns strongly with being a force-free trainer, and I find my ethos best resonates with The Pet Professional Guild and the Pet Professional Accreditation Board.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into why I don’t advocate for the LIMA model, I recommend reading the article titled “The Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE) Model: A New Framework for Ethical Animal Training Practices” by Dr. Eduardo Fernandez. This piece provides insight into my approach to ethical animal training practices.

 

Separation Anxiety

 

Patti O’Farrell is a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), Karen Pryor Academy Training Partner (KPA CTP), a Puppy Start Right Preschool Instructor, a licensed educator with Family Paws Parenting Education, a certified Level 1 TAGTeach (Teaching with Acoustical Guidance), and graduate of Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) Training. 

Patti’s professional education and experiences in training people and dogs include:

  • Separation Anxiety
  • Behavior modification for dog reactivity, people reactivity, generalized fear, and resource guarding
  • Proficient in manners/obedience levels and ages 
  • Agility for fun, and a multitude of tricks
  • Apprentice service dog training for Tender Loving Canine Assistant Dogs, Vista, CA, and Wounded Warrior’s Freedom Dogs

Patti is a professional member of the Pet Professional Guild, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Karen Pryor Academy, Family Paws Parenting Education, Doggone Safe, and Society of Veterinarian Behavior Technicians.

Currently and for the past 9 years, Patti volunteers weekly training volunteers and the more behaviorally challenged dogs at Rancho Coastal Humane Society in, Encinitas, CA.  This includes assessing behavior, implementing training plans for specific individual dogs’ needs, and training the volunteers on how to work with the dogs (appropriate for their experience and skill levels), creating more adoptions overall.

 

Private Lesson & Group Class Instructors

In 2018, Danielle embarked on her journey of fulfilling her passion for working with dogs upon moving to Arizona. Offering services such as boarding, daycare, drop-in visits, and overnight pet sitting from her home, she quickly became deeply involved in the canine care community.

Danielle’s introduction to positive, force-free training and behavior modification came under the guidance of Kim Silver, whom she mentored with while volunteering at a local shelter. The experience illuminated the effectiveness and empowerment that force-free methods bring to dogs and their human companions. Motivated by this realization, Danielle assumed the role of head of behavior at the same shelter where she initially volunteered.

Specializing in shelter behavior, Danielle worked extensively with the facility’s most fearful and stressed dogs. Her responsibilities included supervising a dedicated behavior department staff and spearheading a program that taught incarcerated individuals how to train and care for dogs grappling with severe stress and behavior issues.

In recognition of her expertise, Danielle is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, certified by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. Beyond her professional pursuits, she integrates her love for dogs into her avid yoga practice and is currently undergoing training to achieve certification in this field. Danielle’s commitment to positive training methods and her comprehensive experience make her a valuable asset in the world of canine care.

 

Elizabeth Green is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer accredited by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Training (CCPDT). Additionally, she holds the title of Certified Family Dog Mediator – L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology. Her journey into dog training began with a quest for resources to help her fearful rescue dog. Through this experience, she discovered the transformative power of positive reinforcement and the significance of behavioral patterns.

Elizabeth is passionate about witnessing dogs build confidence as they navigate their world, fostering a stronger bond between humans and their canine companions. Beyond her expertise in dog training, Elizabeth is a PhD candidate in ecology, bringing a scientific approach to her training methods.

At Building Bonds, Elizabeth plays a vital role, leading classes such as Puppy Preschool, Puppy Kindergarten, and Manners and Life Skills. Her commitment to positive reinforcement and her scientific background make her a valuable asset in helping dogs and their owners thrive in their relationship and training journey.

 

Michele Almeida is on her journey to becoming a master-level dog trainer, currently holding the position of an apprentice-level trainer. She is actively pursuing certification through the Dognostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program, showcasing her dedication to honing her skills in the field. Michele’s passion for learning is evident as she consistently engages in educational activities focused on dog behavior and training, supplementing her formal certification program.

With a background in Elementary Education and experience as a former elementary classroom educator, Michele finds joy in teaching children, adults, and dogs alike. She extends her expertise to a local education co-op where she teaches children. Michele takes on various roles at Building Bonds, instructing Puppy Preschool, Puppy Kindergarten, and Tricks classes. Additionally, she serves as the administrative assistant for Building Bonds, guiding clients to the right path for fostering strong relationships and addressing behavior issues with their dogs.

As a committed member of the Pet Professional Guild, Michele brings a holistic approach to her training methods. Her multifaceted skills and genuine passion make her an invaluable asset, enriching the experiences of both clients and their furry companions at Building Bonds.

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