Lisa Godfrey CPDT-KA KPA-CTP CNWI (Head Trainer/Owner)

I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP), a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a Fear Free Certified Trainer, as well as an AKC Canine Good Citizen, Puppy S.T.A.R. and Trick Evaluator. I am also a dog performance events Judge (AKC/UKC/CRO Rally and CDSP Obedience). I am a Certified Nose Work Instructor and ORT Certifying Official and Judge for the National Association of Canine Scent Work, as well as a Scent Work Judge for AKC, UKC, CWAGS and CPE. Recently I added AKC FIT Dog Instructor to my list!

Animal training is a constantly evolving area of research where we’ve only scratched the surface. As such, I am an enormous proponent for continuing education for ALL pet trainers.  Whether it’s early socialization or high level competition sports, there is always more to learn.

All of my certifications require continuing education to maintain them. This can be challenging to fit into my busy life, but I enjoy learning about different perspectives and new training methods. There are so many amazing minds out there and part of my job description is to listen and absorb their terrific research and methods.

In turn, I pass this knowledge along to my clients and their animal family members. I will show you how to apply new techniques immediately and practically, specifically geared toward your animal companions – whether you have a house full of dogs, a couple of cats or even fish!

Sally Krostal, Dancing Hearts Certified Partnership Lifestyle Method Coach

I have always had a connection with dogs and worked in a German Shepherd kennel as kennel help during Jr. High and High School. It was there that I began training dogs in Schutzhund (German obedience, tracking, and protection).

While in High School, I taught the 4-H obedience classes in my home town. I owned and trained German Shepherds for several years until I met my first Borzoi and began showing in the conformation ring. Over the years, I have shared my life with several German Shepherds and Borzois, a Westie mix, a Basset mix, a Doberman Pinscher, a Chinese Crested and now American Hairless Terriers.

Each dog has helped me to evolve my training methods and philosophy from the Schutzhund military-style to the fully Fear-Free and relationship-based approach that I use today. I taught puppy classes and levels 1&2 at Town & Country Kennel Club from 2008 to 2014 . I was the owner of The Urban Carnivore Proactive Pet Health Center from 1999 until 2015 and did both private and group classes there between 2012 and 2015 under the name Gently Educated Dogs.

I have been studying cognitive dog training methods under the mentorship of Kathy Kawalec for the last five years and applying these methods to help rehabilitate shelter dogs. I am currently playing Agility, FastCAT, Conformation, and Terrier Drag Racing with my AHT, Poni, and we are having the time of our lives!

It is an honor to be able to share my experiences and help others build cooperative relationships with their dogs.

Kristin Heiden, DVM

I have had the pleasure of being around dogs since I was born. Growing up with dogs brought my family into the world of dog sports, and at the age of 10 I started showing in conformation and junior showmanship. I have been blessed to have won Best Junior Handler at not only the inaugural AKC National Championship but again at the second one. Additionally I handled the dog that won Best of Breed at the Bloodhound National Specialty in 2009 and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who won Best of Breed at the AKC National Championship in 2011. Since then I have continued to show limitedly in conformation, when my schedule allows.

After Graduating form the University of Missouri with my DVM, I pursued advanced training in veterinary chiropractic care. I became certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 2014. I have a passion for sports medicine which I find greatly aligns with my history in the sport of dogs. I love working with canine athletes and their teammates.

In my down time I have picked up in training and competing in the performance world of dogs. I currently am competing at the elite level in Nose Work, the elite level in Rally, and just beginning in Obedience in various venues. I am having a great time becoming a better trainer and learning from my dogs through this journey.

I am a certified CWAGS Scent Work and CPE Scent Sport Judge, CGC Evaluator and working toward becoming an AKC Junior Showmanship Judge.
I look forward to meeting everyone and working with your pets!

Becca Evans

I know firsthand how nose work can change a dog! In 2013, with only minimal dog experience, I rescued a scared hound mix. However, with help from a family friend and the great trainers at Kudos, Tilly and I earned our AKC Canine Good Citizen 9 months later. Tilly then began accompanying me to my job as an occupational therapist at a nursing home. The residents loved Tilly and I learned a lot from that extra time spent with her.

In 2015, we signed up for “just one nose work class”, but after those 6 weeks, I eagerly signed up for the next class to keep us busy during the cold winter… And then the next and the next, including tricks and Treibball classes. Soon we were traveling around the Midwest for nose work seminars to continue learning.

We are now close to our NACSW Elite Champion title and hope to earn that by the end of the year. We also have earned titles in AKC, UKC, CPE, CWAGS scent work, as well as AKC trick titles. Meanwhile, I have been the volunteer coordinator the past 4 years for Kudos for Canines nose work trials, helped plan several other events, and continue to volunteer at trials regularly. I am also a CWAGS Scent Work Judge and Advocate. I have had the privilege of caring for numerous foster dogs.

I have seen a significant amount of overlap with my skills and education as an occupational therapist and nose work/canine learning. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology, and a Master’s degree in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. My understanding of cognitive training, behavior modification and motivation in humans as an occupational therapist has been an asset in my training my dog.

I am excited to help teams learn to better understand the communication between dog and human, while problem solving any barriers, and celebrating all their successes. Nose work, and the people at Kudos, have completely changed my and my dog’s life and I’m excited to help be a part of that for other teams!