Cheryl, CPDT-KA
Cheryl is a certified professional dog trainer with fifteen years of experience. She is a force free, positive trainer and believes that training is about communication and respect, not punishment. Cheryl spent seven years training service dogs for disabled veterans and other individuals with special needs. She comes from a teaching background; having taught both elementary and high school for twenty years. She has a passion for education; attending numerous seminars, conferences and workshops each year to keep abreast of current, science-based training methods and behavior modification techniques. Cheryl lives on two acres in the country with her husband, two greyhounds, a Berger Picard and two service dogs in training.
Karen, Professional Dog Trainer, ABCDT
Karen lives in Denton, TX with her husband and three children, her German Shorthaired Pointer and two cats. She is a Certified Dog Trainer through Animal Behavior College. Through education and a one-on-one mentorship, Karen has received extensive training, knowledge and hands-on instruction and experience in the field of dog training. Karen has a passion for keeping dog training fun, positive and rewarding. She enjoys seeing the relationship formed between a person and their dog!
Karen also volunteers and provides training support with IDEA Service Dogs in Keller, TX as well as the local animal shelter. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid. She continues to look for opportunities to grow in knowledge in the field of dog training and behavior modification through continued education that includes reading, workshops and seminars. Karen is currently taking private dog training clients through Dallas Dog Zone.
Courtney, Professional Dog Trainer
Courtney is based in Dallas, TX, but began her dog training career working with service dogs at Texas A&M University. She assisted in the raising and training of service dogs for four years, including one year serving as President of the organization. She actively trains and competes in a variety of dog sports, including schutzhund/IGP, mondioring, agility, competition obedience, rally obedience, scentwork, barn hunt, and dock diving. She attends seminars on competition training and dog behavior across the country, taking a special interest in building drive and motivation, proper toy play mechanics, and managing arousal in working and sport dogs.
Courtney provides training through board and train programs in her home, private one-on-one training in your home, day training and Reverse Board and Train.
Laura, Founder of Dallas Dog Zone 
Laura has had a passion for animals since childhood, particularly dogs. Laura began to rescue animals early in her life. As a teenager, Laura rescued a shepherd mix named Yogi who had severe food allergies and aggressive behavior towards strangers and other dogs. Yogi inspired Laura to educate herself and grow as a dog owner in all realms of care and behavioral knowledge. The next dog that had a strong impact in her life died of cancer at the prime age of 8 years old. These dogs would forever leave a stamp in Laura’s mind and heart to always pursue the best in training and care.
The premature death of her family pet caused Laura to spend years researching nutrition and wellness in dogs. She strongly believed that many pet owners are not properly educated on the fundamentals of dog ownership and was determined to help educate. This passion never left.
When Laura was in college, she worked for three years as a pet food nutritionist from 2006-2009 . She helped educate hundreds of pet owners on proper nutrition and care. Laura continues her education researching the latest medical care, holistic health, nutrition and behavior for our beloved canines. Her goal is to never stop learning.
While Laura was living in Texas, she fell in love with the state and wanted to create a place of education for dog owners in TX that was both fun and informative. Dallas Dog Zone was born! When you inquire about Dallas Dog Zone services, you will often hear from Laura first over the phone or by email. Laura frequently forms relationships with local dog rescue organizations with the goal of successful adoptions and placements through training.
Laura currently resides in another state because of her husband’s job, but frequently travels back to Texas. Laura lives with her husband Travis, their dogs, Rocky, Chip and Zoey, Emma and their cat, Duncan–a full house!