Ann Golding KPA-CTP
Bio:
After graduating from college with a bachelor of fine arts degree with
certification to teach art K-12, Ann taught for a few years before moving to
Massachusetts. There, professional dog training happened purely by accident.
Unable to find work in her field, Ann took a position at a local kennel. At the
time, she owned two Shelties that she began training at a local training club-
her eventual goal was to compete in obedience. At her new job, Ann's training
skills and confidence grew. In addition to her other kennel duties, she was
given the responsibility for training dogs in the board-to-train program.
In 1980, Ann returned to school, and the following year, graduated as a licensed
practical nurse. Although her employment at the kennel had been brief, the
experience was invaluable and laid the groundwork and passion for training.
Between 1979 and 1997, Ann earned multiple AKC and UKC obedience titles with her
dogs, and became involved in breeding Shelties. She experimented, showing a few
in conformation, but knew she was not cut out for the breed ring.
After moving to Cape Cod in 1990, Ann continued to train her own dogs, ran a few
classes at various locations, trained dogs privately, groomed dogs and ran a
small pet-sitting business, all the while working as a nurse part-time. She got
her first Belgian Tervuren, Kayla in 1992. Kayla earned a CD (Companion Dog),
CDX (Companion Dog Excellent), UCD (United Companion Dog), HIC (Herding Instinct
Certification), CGC (Canine Good Citizen), ATT (American Temperament Test) and
later became a certified therapy dog. Ann and Kayla were working on UD (Utility
Dog) certification when Ann became disillusioned with "traditional training" and
took a break from training. A cross over period came soon after that, but when
Ann resumed training Kayla's age and health became issues, and so Kayla was
retired.
In 2004, Ann changed breeds and acquired the first of many Pomeranians. Positive
reinforcement training, particularly clicker training, became Ann's only method
of training. Although Ann has respect for competition obedience, her interests
have led her away from formalized obedience to agility and canine freestyle. She
loves to shape new behaviors. Her positive, creative approach lends itself
perfectly to agility and especially, canine freestyle. Ann has now left the
field of nursing completely, and dedicates her time to teaching and training.
Ann has attended numerous camps, workshops and seminars over the years and has
been a member of many clubs and organizations. At present she is a member of
APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and PSI (Pet Sitters International) and
is a graduate of Karen Pryor's Academy's Dog Training Program.
Ann uses only positive reinforcement training and enjoys helping others
transition from traditional, to marker based clicker training. With more than 30
years experience in dogs, her knowledge is broad and varied. A firm believer in
keeping training fun and interesting, Ann has a positive approach to life and a
healthy sense of humor that make her classes enjoyable for both dog and handler.
Dog ownership is a serious responsibility. and Ann believes that owning a dog
requires more than just feeding and housing. An owners solid commitment is
necessary to ensure that each dog is trained humanely, have the necessary skills
to offer good manners in the community, and is kept mentally stimulated,
physically fit, and well socialized.
Volunteer activities have always been important. Volunteering at a small shelter
as a teen led Ann to her lifelong commitment to rescue and animal welfare. She
is active with two rescue organizations, often fostering a dog or two and
offering her expertise in many areas such as training. Ann also volunteers her
time with pet therapy groups.
Ann is active in the sport of canine freestyle, and trains and competes in
agility. She is a member of Capering Canines of Cape Cod, a local freestyle
group that provides entertainment in the community and promotes a respectful
canine/human relationship, positive training, and teamwork.