 As members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, we are committed to positive, dog friendly techniques. Between us we have decades of experience in canine learning theory and behavior modification. Our methods are based on the most up-to-date scientific techniques and humane approach to training. We believe in using our brains rather than our brawn, brute force, fear, intimidation and compulsion and aversive physical methods to get the behaviors we want from our dogs. Simply put, consider us not only dog trainers, but you and your dog's relationship counselors! Laurie Williams CPDT BA - Certified Dog Trainer; Director of Training and Behavior Modification Counseling  Laurie has been training and serving as a dog behavior modification consultant since 1984. She has been a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog trainers since 2002 and currently serves as the organization's Member Relations Committee Chairperson. She was one of the first instructors in Virginia to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the first national and most recognized certification for dog trainers. Throughout the years Laurie has been a frequent dog show exhibitor and competitor at dog performance events, earning conformaton championships and advanced titles in obedience, rally and field events on Irish Setters, German Shorthaird Pointers, Miniature Pinschers, Irish Terriers, Dalmatians and Maltese. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, the area's only Delta Society Pet Partner Therapy Team Evaluator, and is a Rally Obedience Judge for the APDT. She currently shares her life and home with Tucker, her 9 year old Dalmatian, Moet, a 7 year old Standard Poodle, Maltese, Andrew, Leo and Geoffrey, Ramesses the Pharoah Hound, Arthur the Irish Terrier, and newest addition William, a 14 week old Dalmatian puppy. Her specialty is helping pet parents cultivate a loving, respectful and life-long relationship with their canine companions. Debbie O'Boyle - Trainer; Behavior Modification Counselor  Debbie took her first obedence class when she was in the 7th grade with her Keeshound puppy "Bruce" and has never stopped! Since then she has worked as a professional groomer,veterinary assistant/technician, and has continued to expand her knowledge by attending seminars, trainer conferences, and dog shows. She has earned conformation championships, obedience, rally and flyball titles on her dogs. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and an APDT Rally representative. She shares her life and home with Storm, a 10 year old King Shepherd, Piper, an 8 year old Beauceron, Maise, a 3 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Herbie, a 2 year old Papillon. Debbie's favorite moments are when she helps a student and his/her dog finally "click" and start working as a successful team. Chris Spangler -  Chris got bitten by the positive training bug after enrolling his dog Shelby in classes at Pup 'N Iron. He enrolled in our highly respected and intensive Canine Educator Apprentice Program and has continued to learn, grow and excel as an instructor. He and his family share their lives with two Golden Retrievers, a Rat Terrier and a Dalmatian. Jackie Pratt |
