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Melanie Gantt
Owner & Trainer
Lynde Nanson
Trainer
Laura Kuhn
Trainer
I wasn’t always a dog trainer. I entered the field of Medical Assisting in 1999, specializing in Orthopedics, Trauma, and Pediatrics. Reading human body language and empathy became a crucial part of helping my patients that I easily transferred to dog training later. In 2010, my husband and I adopted our first puppy, an 8 week old female border collie, named Sadie. I started taking Sadie to training classes at Lucky Dog, which is where I met Angie Neal, CDBC and Astrid Tyron, CPDT-KSA. In 2013, we adopted our first rescue dog, a 4 month old male Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd Mix, named Radar. I loved dog training classes with Sadie, but couldn’t find anyone willing to help Radar through his behavior challenges, except “balanced” trainers. After they tried prong and shock collars on him, his behavior had escalated so much that regular neighborhood walks were not even an option. In 2014, I decided to take matters into my own hands; I attended the Animal Behavior College and became a Certified Dog Trainer. Part of Animal Behavior College’s program was to have students volunteer at a local rescue, so in August 2015 I started volunteering at All Breed Rescue & Training. I finally was finding answers to so many unanswered questions I had about behaviorally challenged dogs. I taught private lessons for behavior modification and co-taught/assisted with obedience, WallFlower (Shy dogs), and Reactive Dog classes.
I also tried fostering dogs, but failed by adopting two of my foster dogs, Jackson (October 2015) and Piper (January 2016), but took in several temporary foster dogs until 2018. I stayed on volunteering at All Breed Rescue & Training until 2019, but left due to my dogs’ and my personal medical issues; occasionally I still go in to walk/train the dogs temporarily living at All Breed Rescue & Training and take classes with my dogs.
I and my 4 dogs continue to learn and train with Meg Brubaker (Behaviorist) for their Behavior Modification, since between my 4 dogs, we currently have almost every behavior issue in one household.In 2019, I passed my Certified Professional Dog Trainer: Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) from Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. (CCPDT). I have been a supporting, now Affiliate member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
I am a Fear Free Certified Dog Trainer and completed the Aggression in Dogs Master’s Course. I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen & Trick dog evaluator. I am also a Certified Canine Conditioning Coach (CCFC), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), and Stunt Dog Judge (SDJ) for Do More With Your Dog. I have a background in Clicker/Event Marker training, BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training), Nosework (Scent Detection), Canine Enrichment Activities, and Certified in Canine CPR/First Aid. I still continue to retain my Certified Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist (CMA), even though I don’t use it that often anymore.
Melanie Gantt
Owner & Trainer
ABCDT, CPDT-KA, CCFC, CTDI, SDJ
Pet First Aid Certified
Lynde is a Fear Free Professional, a Certified Professional Trainer through the Karen Prior Academy (cert # 47188) and a Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach through NC State’s Department of Veterinary Science’s Continuing Education Program. Lynde is also certified in Canine Wilderness First Aid.
She began her professional career with dogs at Rockstar Pets in Chicago, starting as a dog handler, and ended up coordinating their puppy day school. Since moving to Colorado Springs she has worked as a trainer at Pinecone Pups.
In her previous life as a high school math teacher, Lynde was known for her ability to match her instruction to the needs of each student. She is very experienced in meeting students where they are and providing tailored support, a skill which translates well to helping clients reach their goals.
Lynde is passionate about helping clients satisfy their dog’s instinctual, mental and physical needs in ways that both dogs and owners can enjoy. She loves seeing the look of understanding in both her client’s and their dog’s eyes when something really clicks.
Lynde’s commitment to canine fitness stems from her own fitness journey. She progressed from couch to 5k to trail ultramarathons, even completing the Pinhoti 100 in 2014. The process taught her a lot about training progressions, the importance of proper form and strength training, and, unfortunately, injuries and how to try to avoid them. The Canine Strength and Conditioning Program she completed made effective use of her background, expanding her understanding of the more technical side of movement patterns as well as canine specific and canine sport specific concerns.
Lynde Nanson
Trainer
KPA-CPT, CSCC
...
Laura Kuhn
Trainer
Ruth Brunette-Means
MSW, CPDT-KA
I opened Two by Four Dog Training in 2014, but I have been training dogs since 2003. I taught group classes at All Breed Rescue & Training for 9 years, ranging from basic obedience, advanced obedience, dogs with leash reactivity and shy/fearful dogs. Since starting my own business, I have created programs aimed at continuing the education of people and their dogs. Programs include group walks, nose work events, pattern games and whatever services I feel will benefit my clients. I believe in community and continuing to give dogs and their people meaningful ways to connect with one another and have some fun.
My training methods include clicker training and lure/reward training, including using food and life rewards. Participating in group walks give individuals an opportunity to practice skills they have already learned with support from an experienced trainer. I love to incorporate patterns into training, utilizing Leslie McDevitt's Pattern Games. All training is science-based and force-free. I believe we are never done learning and strive to continue my education to better help dogs and their people.
I have a Masters in Social Work, with a certificate in Animal Assisted Therapy. I am passionate about pairing animals and people together in meaningful ways!
Megan A. Brubaker
Her experience with animals includes:
* Owning a Peruvian Inca Orchid from 1998-2006 (when she died of cancer); who earned an AKC, CGC title, and did multiple demonstrations in agility, advanced obedience, and tricks.
* Living with two wolf-mixes (85% & 98% wolf) from 1993 – 2007 (both died of old age); who performed frequently as ambassador wolves. Did demonstrations for obedience classes, helped train numerous puppies, rehabilitated dog-to-dog aggressive dogs. They made appearances on television news/educational programs, at the YMCA, at local parades, in elementary and high schools, and regular appearances for the Pikes Peak Library District.
* In addition to my canine behavior certification (1997) by 2005 I had completed over 10,000 hours of research on animal behavior with a large variety of species including: dogs, wolves, cats, parrots, horses, pigs, llamas, ravens, wallabies, sugar gliders, coatimundis, goats, and more.
* Creating canine culture in shelters, veterinary clinics, dog day cares and foster homes.
* The terms, meanings and use of scientific training methods including operant and classical conditioning as well as auto-shaping, bribes, motivators, reinforcers and punishments (I don't use any techniques that cause harm, mentally or physically).
* The use of purely positive methods for resolving aggression problems in and out of the family (for both common domestic, and exotic pets).
* How animals reason, communicate, correct, punish, & operate within family systems.
* How to use games for objective reliability testing.
* Creating positive responses to other animals/humans of all types and ages.
* Creating positive responses to a variety of stimulations such as thunder, water, vacuums, trucks, etc.
* Behavior and Temperament Problem Prevention and Rehabilitation.
* Animal nutrition & health: including handling and grooming.
* Working with disabled animals.
* And anything your animal can come up with to annoy, torment, disturb or vex you.
Any behavior problem can be resolved
…as long as it isn’t caused by a physical problem that cannot be fixed.
Contact for more information on Canine Group Relaxation Classes:
www.MeganABrubaker.com
Emily Carson
For almost a decade, Emily has been blending canine development, communication, learning theory, behavioral science, and neuroscience to understand how to help humans and dogs thrive together. Six years ago, she moved to Colorado Springs and began working professionally in the dog rescue and training industry. There, she found her true passion - empowering others (and their pups) with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as a family. Each dog, human, and household presents a unique puzzle with an individual path to success. Emily strives to tailor her services and continuing education to create positive change in the lives of her clients.
www.SmileAndWag.com
Miguel Gonzalez
CPDT-KA
At Tava Dog LLC, we strive to remain on the cutting edge of animal behavioral science. Offering the most effective, veterinarian-backed training methodologies in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. From basic manners to more complex behavioral needs, we are equipped to help you manage and achieve results through relationship and connection-based training. Resources and referrals to more specialized care are available as needed.
With 20+ years of training/behavior/shelter experience, as well as national certification(CPDT-KA), we can help.