“Our expectations of our dogs and their roles in our families have changed- so must our training. That is the foundation of Modern Dog Training RI: Training People for their Pups. ”
Kristen Noel BA CBCC-KA FDM CPDT-KA FFCP CTP; Certified Behavior Consultant, Certified Family Dog Mediator, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Reactivity Specialist, Certified Puppy Specialist, Certified Children & Dogs Specialist, Certified Canine Body Language Specialist, Canine Training Professional, Owner
Kristen grew up in the sticks of Foster-Glocester where they actually did go to school but they didn't: walk their dogs, train their dogs or pick up after their dogs. The transition from growing up in the country on 18 acres of land to her first job in the “city” forever changed her idea of what a pet dog was. While waiting for her first job interview at Petsmart, Kristen remembers wandering over to the store’s training ring to watch the class. It was there that she realized dog training was a “real job” that she could make into a career.
Kristen has come a long way from the makeshift backyard agility courses she would design for her aging Jack Russell Terrier;she has now spent more than half her life learning, building and enhancing her skills in the industry.
This is more than a side job or a hobby- it is all she has ever done; her past, present and future is dedicated to the hundreds of clients and dogs she has worked with and continues to serve every day. Her experiences in this industry, both good and bad, have shaped and continue to strengthen her decision to provide behavior consultation services to the public as her career..
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Kristen has worked as a Pet Care Specialist, Companion Animal Specialist, Operations Support Specialist, Puppy Preschool Teacher, Livestock Manager and Dog Trainer at pet specialty establishments around the state. She became a trainer through the Petco Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP) in the summer of 2010. After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Rhode Island where she studied Animal and Veterinary Science, she became the Operations Support Specialist at Bow chika Wow Town Indoor Dog Park and Dog Daycare, where she created and ran the first Puppy Preschool Day Training program in Rhode Island. She sought out and went on to be mentored by two outstanding local trainers.
Kristen is now an internationally Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CCPDT is the only independent, standardized certification for dog training professionals that confirms and awards credentials based upon a rigorous examination and thorough verification of the skills and knowledge a professional has attained through education and experience. The CCPDT is unlike certificate programs, which can be offered by any individual or organization and award certificates upon graduation.
Kristen is one of the first 50 internationally Certified Family Dog Mediators (FDM) through industry expert and Applied Animal Ethologist Kim Brophey. Family dog mediation is dedicated to bridging the gap between people and dogs, between the sciences, between the history of humans and dogs and our modern dog world.
Kristen is one of four Fear Free Certified Professionals (FFCP) Trainers in Rhode Island and a Canine Training Professional (CTP) with The Pet Professional Guild- the organization for force free pet professionals.
Kristen is a Certified Reactivity Specialist as well as a Certified Puppy Specialist, Certified Children & Dogs Specialist and Certified Canine Body Language Specialist though the Dog Training College.
She is also certified by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor and Evaluator, STAR Puppy Instructor and Evaluator and AKC Trick Dog Evaluator. She is a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the international Initiative for Force-Free Dog Training and the AKC Dog Training Community. She has completed instruction in Suzanne Clothier’s Treat-Retreat certificate course and Dr. Amy Cook’s “Play Way! For Reactivity and Aggression Challenges!”
Kristen has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course by Michael Shikashio (CDBC) and attended the 3-day Aggression in Dogs Conference in 2022.
Kristen has also earned the Canine Good Citizen title with her dog, Ryder, as well as Novice and Intermediate Trick Dog titles (TKN and TKI). She is also certified in Pet CPR & First Aid through the Pet Emergency Education program.
Kristen believes that continued education is a necessity for those in the dog training profession. She devotes herself to staying up on the latest advancements in dog training and is committed to training with force-free training techniques.
Kristen specializes in puppyhood coaching; she will help you and your pup get started on the right paw while guiding your relationship and helping it grow. She will work tirelessly with you to prevent future behavior problems- including things you may not even think of! Kristen has a special talent (and patience) for puppy problems such as nipping, jumping, barking, crate training, potty training, proper socialization and communication. She also specializes in puppy and adolescent resource guarding cases.
Kristen will guide you through the dog training process with honesty and integrity. Training will be tailored to your lifestyle and goals, but more than anything to your dog as an individual. Our expectations of our dogs and their roles in our families have changed- so must our approach. That is the foundation of Modern Dog Training RI: Training People for their Pups.
Amanda Cassidy AS ABCDT FDM FFCP; Associate in Applied Animal Behavior, Animal Behavior College Certified Trainer, Certified Family Dog Mediator, Fear Free Certified Professional, AKC Certified CGC and STAR Puppy Evaluator
Amanda found her love and passion for dog training at the age of 13. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Amanda found her way to Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole where she majored in Canine Science. She was the President of the school’s Kennel Club and taught dog training classes to children through the school’s summer camp programs. Amanda and her Whippet, Ripley competed at the school’s local dog shows where they achieved Best in Show and highest score in agility titles.
Amanda continued her education in Animal Science at the University of New Hampshire where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Applied Animal Science. She studied the health, behavior and anatomy of canines as well as small and large animals.
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After graduation, Amanda earned her National Dog Training Certification from The Animal Behavior College. She is a Fear Free Certified Professional as well as certified by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor and Evaluator, STAR Puppy Instructor and Evaluator and AKC Trick Dog Evaluator.
Amanda is an internationally Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) through industry expert and Applied Animal Ethologist Kim Brophey.
Throughout her adult years, Amanda has found success in many different animal occupations, but dog training has always been her passion. When she is not teaching training classes, Amanda works as a Veterinary Technician. Being a Vet Tech has taught her first hand the importance of basic training and socialization in dogs’ lives. Amanda has dedicated her life to helping people form a happy, healthy, life-long bond with their canine companions that every dog deserves.
Jennifer Whiteley CPDT-KA FFCP; Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Fear Free Certified Professional, CATCH Certified Pro Dog Trainer, AKC Certified CGC and STAR Puppy Evaluator
Jen has always had a passion and love for animals. During the pandemic she lost her 14 year old soul dog Coco to cancer, which led her to adopt her current rescue dogs, Ryder and Buddy. She began a dog training internship while taking her dogs to a dog training facility and fell in love with this new career. Jen left the medical field after 15 years to pursue her passion.
After obtaining her CPDT-KA through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), Jen found Modern Dog Training. She felt that Modern Dog aligned perfectly with her ideology of the dog training industry, offering a holistic approach to help people and their pups connect on a deeper level.
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Jen is an internationally Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and currently working towards becoming a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CCPDT is the only independent, standardized certification for dog training professionals that confirms and awards credentials based upon a rigorous examination and thorough verification of the skills and knowledge a professional has attained through education and experience. The CCPDT is unlike certificate programs, which can be offered by any individual or organization and award certificates upon graduation.
Jen is a Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP) Trainer through Fear Free Pets, which offers science-based, behavior-led strategies to prevent and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress for pets.
Jen is also a CATCH Certified Pro Dog Trainer through the CATCH Canine Trainers Academy. The CATCH Academy is based on the standards of the nationally respected Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the position statements of the leading organization in reward-based dog training, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
She is also certified by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor and Evaluator, STAR Puppy Instructor and Evaluator.
Jen is working on obtaining her Family Dog Mediation (FDM) certification through industry expert and Applied Animal Ethologist Kim Brophey. Family dog mediation is dedicated to bridging the gap between people and dogs, between the sciences, between the history of humans and dogs and our modern dog world.
Jen is also working towards her CBATI-KA Certification through the Grisha Stewart Academy. Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) was developed by Grisha to rehabilitate and prevent dog reactivity. BAT helps animals gain confidence and social skills. It is a natural method that creates an emotionally safe interaction with minimal intrusion.
Kayla Morin; Communications Coordinator
Kayla and her two dachshunds
Kayla studied communications and public relations at the University of Rhode Island with a concentration in digital marketing. She recently worked at a local doggy daycare where she learned more than she ever thought possible about dog body language and social cues. During her time at the daycare she took on digital marketing roles to help create social media content and organize their monthly activities.
Two years ago Kayla and her family rescued a senior dachshund, Lucy, who was surrendered by her owners. She grew up with dachshunds all her life and now has two miniatures at home. Kayla has enjoyed incorporating the methods and techniques she is learning at Modern Dog into her dog's daily lives!
Kayla has always loved animals and hoped to find a career that combined her passion for dogs with her marketing background. She is ready to answer your questions and get you started with Modern Dog Training RI. Whether you are looking for group classes, private training, or are unsure where to start, Kayla will point you in the right direction and help you book your next session with one of our trainers!
