About | Engineering Optimism Dog Training

ABOUT ME

Mallory Kratimenos, VSA-CDT (she/her)

A photo of a woman with brunette hair with a small tan dog with pointy ears and a white chest behind her looking at the camera.

My goal is to help you discover the joy in training, deepen the bond between you and your dog, and engineer some optimism throughout your journey.

Welcome! I am truly so grateful that you're here and interested in getting to know more about me.

My journey to where I am now has not been a short one. While my love for animals and behavior has always been interweaved throughout my life, I started out on a different career path than I am today. After graduating from Purdue University with a B.S. in Engineering and a B.S. in Health & Human Sciences, I spent six years working at a consulting firm as a business and technology integration consultant. However, I left that behind to find a career that combined my love of science, helping others, and animals. I am so grateful to have found a career that does just that.

As a professional dog trainer, I take education very seriously. I am graduate of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Trainers (online) as well as a IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer, Do More With Your Dog Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer, and Family Dog Mediator. I strive to be a lifelong learner so that I can always bring the best to my clients. You can view more about certifications, professional memberships, and continuing education here.

I am also a proud dog parent of two small dogs that have struggled with reactive behavior, fear-based aggression, handling issues at home and at the vet, and other behaviors that are often misunderstood. I have been where you are and can relate to the hardships that come along with it. My goal is to help you discover the joy in training, deepen the bond between you and your dog, and engineer some optimism throughout your journey.

DOG TRAINER & TEAMMATE
for all of your dog training needs

We will work together as a team in virtual private dog training sessions to help you create sustainable solutions for both ends of the leash. By learning how to effectively communicate with your dog, teaching you the skills to reduce and prevent undesirable behaviors while teaching more desirable ones, I help you feel you empowered & optimistic moving forward in your life with your dog.

LET'S START TRAINING

THE ENGINEERING OPTIMISM TEAM

My team would not be complete without my two pups!

Photo of a dog with pointy ears and a docked tail. The dog is tan with a white chest, multi-colored eyes, and a grey and black merle pattern on his back. He wears a aqua blue leather collar with an aqua Fitbark to the side. He stands on a blue sofa with is front paws on the back of the seat.

Ollie

Full of spunk and goofy antics
Sensitive with lots of big feelings
World's best cuddler
Rat Terrier Mix
Adopted in 2015
Trick Titles: NTD, NTD-M, ITD, ITD-M, ATD, ATD-M, ETD, ETD-M

A white dog with one pointy ear and one folded. She lays casually on one hip on a green picnic table outside. She is wearing a balance harness and a multicolored collar with a purple fitbark off to the side.

Gracie

Crazy smart and sometimes, just plain crazy
Embodies rainbows, unicorns, and sparkles
Fetch is life
Badass cancer warrior living her best life
Russell Terrier Mix
Adopted in 2010
Trick Titles: NTD, NTD-M, ITD, ITD-M, ATD, ATD-M, ETD, ETD-M, TDCH, TDGCH

TRAINING METHODS

I am committed to force-free, science-based, positive dog training methods.

My goal is to empower dogs and their guardians by utilizing their strengths to help achieve success in an environment where all feel safe. We will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors, learn how to manage your dog's environment, and implement strategies that redirect behavior onto a more desirable one.

You and your dog's emotional wellbeing is of the utmost importance to me. My training methods follow those recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and Dr. Susan Friedman's Humane Hierarchy.

TRAINING TOOLS

WHAT WE WILL USE:

Clickers or verbal markers
Treats & treat pouch
Toys & play
Harness, long lines, and leashes
Strategic rewards using snuffle mats, lick mats, etc.
And more!

WHAT WE WILL NOT USE:

Prong or pinch collars
Shock or e-collar
Slip leads
Choke chains
Verbal or physical punishment/corrections
Fear or force

SUBSCRIBE TO MY EMAIL LIST

Stay up to date with the latest at Engineering Optimism Dog Training!