Meet the Trainer

My name is Raven Aydt and I am married with three children, ages 9, 7, and 1. I graduated with a Merit Award from Conifer Canine in 2018. There I gained my certification in canine behavior, kennel management, and basic/advanced obedience. In July 2019, I graduated again from Conifer Canine with a Merit Award earning my Master Trainer certification. Areas of study include: detection, trailing/tracking, bite work, and service dogs. I am American Kennel Club CGC Evaluator, Association of Pet Dog Trainers C.L.A.S.S Evaluator, and Therapy Pet Evaluator. I am Search and Rescue K9 handler and my retired K9, Athena, was nationally certified in human remains detection. I have 2 other active K9s, Medea and JD. Medea is dual purpose in HRD and trailing. JD is in training for HRD. Lastly, I graduated from Ivy Tech Community College in December 2019 with an associates degree in Business Administration.

Why did I decide to train dogs?

It started as a hobby. As a little kid I loved teaching my dogs a new trick and creating my own agility courses. At 23 years old I joined a local Search and Rescue team. I absolutely fell in love with working dogs and seeing the loyalty, dedication, and discipline in the K9s was amazing to me. I wish pet owners would have the same in their dogs. I wanted to mash the working obedience / structure and the pet world together. Everywhere I went I saw dogs walking their owners and I wanted to help. As a novice "trainer," back then, I knew I had a lot to learn. Before offering services I enrolled into a dog trainer program and the rest is history.

What part of training am I passionate about?

Working K9s and Aggressive Dogs

My husband and I got involved in Search and Rescue in 2017 and I discovered a whole new world in dog training. Working dogs and pet dogs are two completely different worlds. I could work a dog all day every day and not get bored. The drive, seriousness, devotion, and capabilities a K9 and handler can do is amazing. One important aspect that K9s have that most pet dogs lack is the quality obedience training. I know what an obedient dog looks like and I want all pet dog owners to have a well-trained family companion that they have always wanted.

Aggression

Aggression is something that I see in almost every client case on some sort of level. Why do owners allow it to continue? Why do they wait years to ask for help? It's frightening honestly. I have seen more aggressive dogs than well rounded, social dogs. Whether your dog is aggressive towards people, dogs, or another animals I am here to help. I take aggression cases very seriously and I am determined to modify the dog's behavior. The first step is to recognize there is a problem. The second step is the family must want to change and not go back to old ways.

What type of training do I use?

Balanced training, focusing on positive reinforcement with a treat based reward system. Not every dog learns the same which means I have to change techniques in order for the dog to be comfortable, engaged, and eager to learn.

What are my favorite training tools?

TREATS and lots of them!! I also use prong collars, E collars (for off leash training), 6 foot leash, long lines, engagement toys, and a treat bag.

What tools do I not recommend?

Retractable leashes, bungee type leashes, choke collars, harnesses, and gentle leaders. If you want reasons why I will provide feedback.

What advice can I give to every dog owner, so they can have the obedient dog they have always wanted?

Stop being a pushover, create boundaries, TRAIN, be the pack leader your dog needs, and stop anthropomorphism.

If you have any questions feel free to ask!

Raven Aydt and K9 Athena