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 while creating sustainable solutions, deepen the bond between you and your dog, and engineer some optimism throughout your journey.

As a professional dog trainer, I am dedicated to bringing you the best, innovative, and most up to date training techniques via continued education. I am a graduate of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Trainers online program (VSA-CDT), Accredited Dog Trainer through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC-ADT), Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP-Trainer), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and Family Dog Mediator (FDM). You can view more about my certifications, professional memberships, and continuing education here.

Prior to becoming a dog training professional, I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s in both Engineering and Health & Human Sciences. From these other professions, I bring a unique approach by utilizing concepts of user-friendly design to create the best individualized solution for you and your dog’s unique needs in an organized and easy to follow way.

I am also a proud dog parent of two small dogs that have struggled with behaviors such as reactivity, fear-based aggression, vet office anxiety, and other behaviors that are often misunderstood. I have been where you are and can relate to the hardships that come along with it.

WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY...

Erin & Roscoe

"Mallory is one of the most skilled dog professional I've met. She knows what she's doing, and she brings a light heartedness to teaching that I appreciated so much."

Chloe & Claudette

"Mallory is more than a dog trainer; she's a mentor who has helped me through so many aspects of dog guardianship. She has helped me better understand my dog's needs, which has in turn reoriented my entire approach to training, care, and our daily lives. Claudette and I are both happier and even more bonded thanks to Mallory's guidance and suggestions."

Katie & Hazelnut

“Mallory is a fantastic, empathetic, and caring trainer! She's always been eager to find solutions that work for us and she's always met my dog where she's at. If you're looking for a positive reinforcement trainer, Mallory is the person you want to talk to.”

DOG TRAINER & TEAMMATE
for all of your dog training needs

We will work together as a team virtually via Zoom to create solutions that are sustainable for both ends of the leash. Meeting virtually allows your dog to learn in an environment that they are familiar with while giving you the hands-on skills and confidence to train your dog. During sessions, I will coach you through training and behavior modification plans that we form collaboratively so that they work for you. Training is an investment in you and your dog’s shared journey and life together. My goal is to help you feel feel you empowered & optimistic moving forward in that journey.

LET'S START TRAINING

THE ENGINEERING OPTIMISM TEAM

My team would not be complete without my 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, 2009 - 2023

Crazy smart and sometimes, just plain crazy
Embodied rainbows, unicorns, and sparkles
Badass cancer warrior
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, manage your dog's environment to prevent undesirable behaviors, and implement strategies that are backed by science to help you attain the results you are looking for.

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

SAFE SPACE FOR ALL

I welcome and celebrate individuals of all ages, gender, race, ability, and neurodiversity.

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