Trainers who Participate in Socialization Parties (TPSP) aka "The Puppy Socialization Parties": TPSP Members

Karen’s training career began at the tender age of seven. Mom & Dad said, "Train Sparky or she's off to the shelter." ... they were simply fed up with the chewing, barking and peeing in the house. Sparky, a Pit Bull mix, was going the way of many other, so called, untrained and unruly dogs; shelter bound with no chance of a full life! So she and Sparky joined a 4-H Junior Dog Obedience Course and the rest is history!

As a teen, Karen stayed out of trouble by training neighborhood stray dogs and placing them in new homes. From that point forward her mission was clear... TEACH DOGS TO RESPECT THEIR OWNERS AND THEY WON'T END UP ON THE DEATH ROW! Simultaneously, Karen began studies in horsemanship and eventually worked at various breeding, riding and boarding stables in Maryland training and exercising horses. Karen also took numerous Dog training courses with the Montgomery County Maryland Recreation and Parks Department, with Dog Sense Unlimited, and the Montgomery County Maryland Humane Services organization. She then began college at North Carolina State University to pursue a Veterinary Career ... but, alas, the scholarship ran out! As a young U.S. Navy wife, she moved to Florida and found herself training dogs with Five Flags Dog Training Club in Pensacola . With the support of her club and their dog show expertise she titled her Pomeranian, Frodo (see his picture in our Logo), in obedience and received the FFDTC's award for Highest Score in a trial! They were so happy they even let her teach! Shortly after moving to Los Angeles Karen split with her husband and returned to College to begin her studies in psychology and behavior. Being single, going to school, and keeping a full time job was taking it's toll physically and financially; so she finished her current courses and, at the urging of some friends who had just gotten puppies, started a small dog training class at a "pseudo" dog park in Venice, California.

Karen never really thought of herself as a dog expert or trainer, just a training hobbyist who liked dogs! But her students felt differently and sent their friends to Karen's class. Then, people who stopped just to observe asked to join in! Hundreds of happy, well trained humans and dogs later, Karen realized she had inadvertently come across her "calling" and made dog training and behavior a career. Of course, being an instructor is more than just having some knowledge and experience... Karen wanted a whole lot! So she started reading everything she could get her hands on, watched every video she could find, and joined the Society of North American Dog Trainers... and, later, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. These organizations regularly coordinate national and international speakers to provide continuing education for their members. Karen started MY BEST FRIEND OBEDIENCE in 1992 and is a member of the Los Angeles area Better Business Bureau.

Karen is currently a charter professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers , a member of the American Humane Association and a Member of the Southern California Better Business Bureau. In her limited free time, Karen can usually be found hanging out at home with her husband, Doug, Son, Bryce, her dogs, cats, fish and clients dogs who need a little extra training!

My Best Friend Obedience
818 996-DOGS (3647)
www.mybestfriendobedience.com