Owner/Founder of The Devoted Dog (April 2021). BS in Wildlife Conservation, MS in Animal Behavior and Neurobiology.
I started working with dogs as a young teen fostering shy, feral and reactive dogs that needed help building trust in people before they could be homed. I then worked with birds of prey as a volunteer at The University of Minnesota Raptor Center where I was introduced to clicker training. I took the training methods I'd learned working with the birds and my experience working with foster dogs to start training psychiatric service dogs while I was completing my graduate program in animal behavior and neurobiology.
When I founded The Devoted Dog, I partnered with Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue to continue working with dogs in need of rehabilitative training and with Woof's Play & Stay to work with dogs in a daycare setting. I am now completing my Karen Pryor certification and working toward other certifications in Fear Free training and Aggressive Dog training.
Certifications:
Pet Tech CPR & First Aid (May 2022), Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (May 2023), Karen Prior Certified Training Partner (December 2023)
Dog training services include
- Aggressive dog training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
- Agility training
- In home training
- Off leash training
- Puppy training
More info about Kai Murphey's dog training:
Obedience Classes, private in-home lessons, Agility Classes, daycare training, basic cues, advanced recall, service dog training, behavior modification, leash-reactivity training, anxiety/aggression in dogs, clicker training, distraction training, public access training
Behavioral issue focus:
leash-reactivity, resource guarding, people aggression, dog aggression, general anxiety, crate anxiety, separation anxiety, barrier reactivity, poor socialization
Dog training methods:
positive reinforcement training, clicker training, behavior consultations, training plans, counter-conditioning, behavior modification, exposure training
Why I became a dog trainer:
I saw a need in my community that I could fill. I already had experience as a trainer in a non-professional capacity thanks to my volunteer work with foster dogs, birds of prey, and service dog training, and I obtained a higher education in Wildlife Management and Animal Behavior that I had intended to put to use as an educator at a zoo, nature center, or university.
Instead, I started The Devoted Dog to help my local community. Columbia, MO is a very dog-friendly city, and we have many people who own dogs but need help training them. Most other trainers in the area follow the "dominance theory" which is based on a debunked scientific study that doesn't apply to dog behavior and can lead to behavioral issues that then need correction.
I want to spread an understanding of dog behavior and improve the bonds between dogs and their handlers, help dogs that have been rescued from abusive and neglectful situations, and provide training that can make the lives of dogs and people better!
My favorite part of being a dog trainer:
I love seeing dogs that were struggling improve! When I work with a dog that is too anxious to be around other dogs, highly leash reactive, or any other extreme behavioral issue, and over the course of our lessons we reach a point where they can walk side-by-side with another dog, or turn their attention to their handler without reacting as they see a trigger pass them, or accept a person into their home that they were previously fearful of or trying to attack, I feel fulfilled.
My #1 dog training tip:
One of the most important things to work on with a dog is their impulse control, and you can do this with "leave it" games. Present opportunities for your dog to make their own choice - to act on an impulse or not - and control the outcome of that choice. Ensure that a decision to act on the impulse is not rewarded (ex. if they try to grab food on the ground, they can't get it), but decisions to ignore what they wanted and instead pay attention to you DOES get rewarded.
See The Best Dog Trainers In Missouri
See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Cities Near Missouri
- Augusta, GA
- Boston, MA
- Frederick, MD
- Huntsville, AL
- Naperville, IL
- New York, NY
- Orlando, FL
- Peoria, IL
- Raleigh, NC
- Sparks, NV
Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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