About Us
Our mission is simple: to help dogs and their people live happy, fulfilled lives together.
We help dog owners resolve behavioral issues through positive, force-free training methods that deepen their bond.
Why Positive, Force-Free Training?
The idea that we should treat our dogs like members of a pack who need to be dominated is based on bad science. Positive, force-free training is the most efficient (and fun) way to teach your dog—and learn right along with them. Our methods are proven to work for all kinds of dogs, from puppies and out-of-control adolescents to shy or reactive adults.
Behavioral science has proven that pain and coercion-based training often elicits aggression, fear, and anxiety as a side-effect—making many problems worse, not better. Fear and pain inhibit learning in both humans and dogs. Force-free, reward-based training yields maximum results without unintended side effects.
Our Methods
Our training methods are guided by modern behavioral science, which is why we are force-free trainers who exclusively use reward-based methods. We’re committed to helping you achieve results and enjoy the process.
Meet the Trainers
Patrice Kuiken (she/her) – CTC, CNWI
Photo by Paw Print Memories Photography
Founder / Dog behavior Consultant
Patrice fell in love with dogs as a little girl. While earning her BA in Psychology and volunteering for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, she learned that force-free dog training was the best way to improve behavior in shelter dogs, making them more adoptable. She wanted to do even more to help dogs live long, happy lives in their forever homes.
Today, she has over 13 years of experience working with a wide variety of dogs and their humans. Patrice’s specialty is young/adolescent and “out-of-control” dogs. (Her own former wild child, Finnegan the Australian Shepherd, was the best teacher she could have hoped for.)
Patrice is always seeking to further her knowledge of dog behavior, and holds the following professional certifications and memberships:
- CTC (Certificate in Training and Counseling)
- Graduate with Honors from The Academy for Dog Trainers (also known as the Harvard of dog training)
- CNWI (Certified Nose Work Instructor) through NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work)
- Pet Professional Guild Member (PPG)
Jenna Kile (she/her)
Office Manager / Control Unleashed co-Instructor
Jenna always loved dogs, in fact, her first word was “doggie”. She grew up with multiple dogs in her home as well as riding horses. Jenna also enjoyed volunteering at animal shelters in Missouri as well as therapeutic horse riding centers in Michigan. She has a BS in Psychology, the intersection of learning and genetics/neuroscience/biology continue to drive her to expand her knowledge.
Seven years ago, Jenna brought Cash home as a new sport dog prospect after a co-worker was looking to re-home him. He is a sensitive soul with big feelings and continues to teach her every day. Working to help him overcome the challenges the world presents, has driven Jenna to expand her knowledge about dog behavior. In fact, they joined In Good Paws’ Control Unleashed classes together and their success with these pattern games are one of the reasons she’s so passionate about them.
Jenna also loves training agility and nose work. Her current crew consists of her 14-year old BC/Sheltie mix Lola (now retired but earned her MACH in AKC Agility), 7 year old Australian Shepherd Cash, and her current agility companion – 7 year old Mini Golden Doodle Steve.
Jenna is currently working towards her CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) and her next goal is to become a CCUI (Certified Control Unleashed Instructor).
