Learn about the Chipper’s Board & Train approach and education background
Hi, I’m Chip!
I love connecting with people who are interested in learning more about dog training. It's so fulfilling to see a dog become calmer and happier, and then to share that positive experience with their owner. My goal is to work alongside you and your family to achieve the training goals we set together. Ideally, you're someone who enjoys spending time with their furry friend and wants to learn ways to strengthen your bond.
Board and train programs are a great way to give your dog a head start on their training journey. Think of it as building a strong foundation. We'll work together to create a personalized plan that empowers you to continue training your dog at home. Your program's cost reflects the individualized attention I provide to ensure your success. You'll gain the knowledge and tools needed to build a happy and harmonious relationship with your dog.
Learn about my approach
My Bookshelf
My education background
I take great pride in my continued education journey. Browse below to discover some of the industry leaders who have established my dog training knowledge, philosophy, and values.
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Graduate of the Dog Trainer Professional Program
Animal Training Expertise
This certification comes from a respected academy that trains animal trainers and coaches aspiring animal trainers. Similar to a diploma, KPA certification signifies a high level of achievement in the field. My KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP) program, which took nine months, included comprehensive education and testing (both written and hands-on) for working with various animal species and training humans. I earned a distinction upon completion, and it profoundly impacted my worldview.
Lifelong Learning for Effective Training
Just like any skill, animal training requires a combination of education and experience to excel. To become a well-rounded practitioner, I believe in constantly challenging myself with new concepts and activities that put this knowledge into action. This continuous learning process allows individuals to grow and gain the confidence to effectively support both people and their animals. Many academies, including the one that issued my certification, require ongoing education to maintain their standards. I share this commitment and continuously strive to expand my knowledge and qualifications. This pursuit of knowledge, fueled by the joy of understanding and a desire to be the best I can be, motivates me to engage in challenging learning experiences.
Fear Free Force Free Certified Professional
The Fear Free movement combines education with a certification process achieved through testing. While many of these concepts are covered in the KPA CTP program, the Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification Program excels by specifically incorporating veterinary care at home and in the clinic. This program stands out as one of the most recognized movements for anti-aversive training methods and certifies individuals in this positive reinforcement approach.
Living and Learning with Animals
Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D. teaches this life changing class that everyone should take. I've included the class description from the website and there is lots more to learn at her website BehaviorWorks.org. I have attended 2 times (once as a student, second as auditor) and want to attend again as there is always a new concept to grasp at a deeper level. This class helps us understand who we are, our relationship to animals and the intersection of culture and behavior.
The eight-week on-line course "Living and Learning with Animals." LLA Professional is designed to be a first course in behavior analysis for veterinarians, animal trainers, behavior consultants, and other animal professionals. The principles and procedures of behavior analysis are general in nature, that is, they apply to all species and situations. Thus, LLA Professional provides a robust, general foundation for all behavior-change applications, including training, behavior assessment and problem behavior resolution, with a high standard for effective and humane interventions.
Master Course - Aggression in Dogs
Michael Shikashio specializes in helping dogs with fear and aggression through positive reinforcement. His master course holds a wealth of practical information for professional dog trainers that goes beyond the basics. I took this class to further learn what to do to help people and dogs that are experiencing aggression or potential of aggression in dogs with positive reinforcement. I am better equipped to identify a potential for injury and help all involved increase safety with troubled dogs.
Deep Dive: An Advanced Animal Training Course
This is an amazing packed lecture plus animal time with Ken Ramirez at his home in Washington State at “The Ranch”. This one-week, 10-hour day left me amazed at the depth of knowledge Ken Ramirez has in so many areas of focus for all species. I was able to score high during the hands-on activity performing a chin rest with a donkey. Advanced animal training topics include working animal challenges, scent detection, non-food reinforcers, aggression-treatment protocols, research training, conservation training, an introduction to concept training, behavior chains, people skills, advanced training games, and more.
Chicken Camp withTerry Ryan
Terry Ryan is such an amazing teacher with a lifetime of experience and it was an honor to be a part of her class. I want to be the best trainer I can be and one way this is improved is by working with as many species as possible. When we apply concepts learned to a variety of applications we gain better skills and understanding. Training a chicken is a stretch and a boost to mechanical skills. The average chicken is faster than the average dog, providing the opportunity to improve coordination and timing. Unlike dogs, you will know immediately if you are taking advantage of a chicken or pushing too hard, too fast. Chickens don’t give their trainers second chances as often as our dogs do. Chickens will freeze or fly away if they don’t like the way they are being trained.
KPA SkillCheck: Snake Avoidance
This incredible course teaches a positive reinforcement approach for snake avoidance using SkillCheck™, a formalized KPA method for teachers to provide feedback to students on the skills taught. I received an assessment of my skill progress on the Snake Avoidance protocol and earned the SkillCheck designation for Snake Avoidance.