Canis Major Beginnings
Ashley Parker, ABCDT, CPDT-KA is the founder and certified trainer for Canis Major Dog Training and Behavior Consulting. While Ashley has always owned and cared for dogs in her personal life, she got her professional start with dogs at Dog’s Day Out in 2013 when she was hired on as a kennel attendant. Ashley will tell you that being a kennel attendant is a very niche job! There are many people out there that like dogs, but there aren’t many people out there that like dogs to the degree at which they will gladly cater to, clean up after, and wrangle 50+ dogs on an average work day. However, Ashley found herself to be one of those “weird” people that loved it and excelled at it.
During her employment with DDO she progressed into different job titles and solidified her commitment to a lifelong career in the professional dog care field. Upon completion of her degree (Bachelor of Science in Biology) through Western Kentucky University she moved on to specialized education to become a certified dog trainer. Ashley completed her first dog training certification through Animal Behavior College in 2017, and immediately began managing the dog training programs at Dog’s Day Out.
“Dog’s Day Out was a great way of beginning my dog training career. Pam Brown, the owner of DDO, had multiple years of training experience and was always available to provide direction and advice whenever I needed it. As a fledgling trainer that was a huge asset!” —Ashley Parker
In 2019, with ambitions of continuing her education, Ashley achieved her second dog training certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and invested in a professional membership with the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the Pet Professional Guild.
Eventually, Ashley arrived at a point where she desired more flexibility in her work schedule and wanted to offer training and dog care services that she couldn’t provide at her current job. So, armed with years of professional experience and many hours of education she began Canis Major Dog Training and Behavior Consulting.
Canis Major wants to help owners see their dogs shine! We will help you and your dog develop a strong relationship based on trust, choice, and fun. We love to see owners and dogs working together as a cooperative team as opposed to the archaic master-dog dynamic. This is why Canis Major utilizes modern dog training methodologies rooted in positive reinforcement and promotes the belief that “a dog is not a robot to be programmed, but a sentient being that requires understanding and guidance”.
Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page or contact us!
Continuing Education, Workshops, Seminars, and Literature
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Personal Dog: Multiple classes with Pam Brown
Completion of Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer Program (ABCDT)
Approved AKC Family Dog Evaluator (STAR puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, Urban Canine, Trick Dog)
Reactivity: A Program for Rehabilitation by Emily Larlham
The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell
Coaching People to Train Their Dogs by Terry Ryan
Gamify Your Dog Training by Terry Ryan
When Pigs Fly by Jane Killion
The Puppy Survival Guide by Sarah Whitehead
Adolescent Dog Survival Guide by Sarah Whitehead
Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training, and Finding Grace by Kathy Sdao
On Talking Terms with Dogs by Turid Rugaas
Barking: The Sound of a Language by Turid Rugaas
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Train Your Dog Like A Pro by Jean Donaldson
Mine: A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs by Jean Donaldson
Keeping the Peace: A Guide to Solving
Dog-Dog Aggression in the Home by Nicole Wilde
The Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears by Patricia McConnell
Feisty Fido: Help For the Leash-Reactive Dog by Patricia McConnell and Karen London
Off-Leash Dog Play: A Complete Guide to Safety and Fun by Robin Bennett and Susan Briggs
I’ll Be Home Soon! How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety by Patricia McConnell
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Completion of Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Awesome Obedience by Hannah Branigan
Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Next Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices by Malena DeMartini-Price
Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide by Brenda Aloff
Personal Dog: AKC TKN and TKI
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Understanding LIMA with Kristina Spaulding
Clicker Training 101 with Irith Bloom
Beware of the Dog (3 Part Series) with Pat Miller
Social Media 101 with Trevor Smith and Therese Kopiwoda
Canine Nail Care: Creating Cooperative Care Through Training with Lori Nanan
Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0 by Grisha Stewart
Personal Dog: Multiple Agility Classes with Sandra Edson
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Go to Station! How Utilizing Stations Can Help Your Clients Succeed with Jamie Popper
Selecting and Training Your Service Dog by Jennifer Cattet
Accelerate Your Business with Dog Agility with Trevor Smith and Gerry Brown
Understanding Dog-Dog Reactivity with Sue Sternberg
Efficacy and Preference for Different Human Interaction in Domestic Dogs with Erica Feuerbacher
Negative Punishment, Negative Reinforcement, and the Humane Hierarchy with Sharon Nettles
Master Course- Aggression in Dogs with Michael Shikashio
APDT Virtual Conference
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy Mentor
Personal Dog: AKC ACT Levels 1 and 2
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The Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification Course with multiple instructors
Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt
Personal Dog: NADAC IAC, NAC In-progress before dog’s retirement
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APDT Live Conference in Covington, KY
Voted Best Brochure Design with Feature in Chronicle of the Dog
Pet Tech CPR & First Aid Certification with Savannah Dillard
Hunting Together: Harnessing Predatory Chasing In Family Dogs Through Motivation-Based Training by Simone Mueller
Rocket Recall: Unleash Your Dog’s Desire to Return to You Through Motivation-Based Training by Simone Mueller
Puppy Nurture: Raising Your Puppy With Love by Shay Kelly
Dogs in Translation: A Unique Journey of Observation and Interpretation by Katja Krauss and Gabi Maue
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Approved AKC Fetch Judge
