About Us

Our mission is simple: to help dogs and their people live happy, fulfilled lives together.

Black dog with ball

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

Patrice & Finn enjoying his senior dog photo shoot
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

Bio and picture coming soon!


Let’s get started

Book a free discovery call now, and find out if we're a good fit.

In Good Paws Dog Training Logo

Proudly serving Colorado dog guardians in North Denver, Thornton, Brighton, Northglenn, as well as select parts of Westminster, Broomfield, Erie, and Arvada. *Photo of Patrice and Finn at top of homepage is by Paw Print Memories Photography 2024