TRaining Methods you can trust
Certified Expertise
Unlock Your Dog's Potential with Certified Training
Behind every dog is a dedicated trainer. At Diana Simonsen Dog Training, we combine our years of experience with credentialed expertise to bring out the best in your canine companion. Discover why Diana's multifaceted background and formal certifications make her the choice trainer in Carnation, WA.
Diverse Career
Diana's quest for knowledge and passion for behavior shaped an eclectic career path, merging creative insights with psychological understanding. Her unique journey spans:
Film and TV Production/Psychology, BFA: New York University – A blend of creativity with a deep dive into both human and animal behavior, equipping Diana to approach dog training with a unique perspective on behavioral modification.
Technology and Management Roles: Across the US and Europe, her time in corporate environments refined her problem-solving skills and managerial capabilities, ensuring every training session is well-structured and adaptive to you and your dog's needs.
Professional Certifications and Training
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants - Accredited Dog Trainer
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants - Accredited Dog Trainer
Diana has an Accredited Dog Trainer certification with the IAABC, demonstrating knowledge of science-based training, various training scenarios, interpreting behaviors and body language.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants - Accredited Dog Trainer
Diana is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). To attain this certification, she taught over 300 hours of classes, received recommendations from veterinarians, clients, and colleagues, and passed a three-hour exam demonstrating knowledge in Instruction Skills, Animal Husbandry, Ethology, Learning Theory, Equipment, and Business Practices & Ethics.
Fear Free Certified Professional
Diana completed the Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification Program, whose mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating those who care for them.
AKC CGC, Trick Dog, and Temperment Evaluator
Diana is an AKC Approved Evaluator and can administer the Canine Good Citizen (CGC), AKC Community Canine (CGCA), and AKC Urban Canine (CGCU) evaluations.
Diana is also approved to conduct AKC Trick Dog evaluations, AKC Temperament test (ATT), and Virtual Home Manners (VHMP/VHMA)
Certified Trick Dog Instructor
Diana is certified as a Trick Dog Instructor through the Do More With Your Dog Trick Dog program.
In 2018, Diana earned "Trainer of the Year" after training teams to over 100 titles!
Pet Professional Guild Member
Diana is a member of the Pet Professional Guild, representing dog training professionals who are committed to scientifically based, force-free training and behavior change methods. Force-free means that PPG members will never employ shock, pain, fear, physical force, physical molding, or compulsion-based methods when training or caring for a pet.
Our Commitment to Professional Development
Always Learning
Diana is dedicated to her ongoing education in animal behavior and training, consistently seeking new and compassionate techniques. Some highlights of her professional development include:
- Completing Dr. Kristina Spaulding's 12-week Unlocking Resilience course on canine stress.
- Participating in Professor Mary Hunter's Shaping Skills Workshops to sharpen her training and behavior modifications skills.
- Completing Dr. Susan Friedman's Living and Learning with Animals course on ethical training strategies.
- Attending annual hands-on training sessions with Ken Ramirez at The Ranch, which included training Beso, the Llama!
- Continuously engaging with the latest training methods at Clicker Expo for over ten years, both as a participant and mentor.
Additional qualifications
- Trained with Pet Harmony on Canine Enrichment, Relaxation Protocols, and dog business development
- Working on the Master Course - Aggression in Dogs from Michael Shikashio.
- A Master Certification in Canine Nutrition from Linda P. Case.
- A Low-Stress Handling Silver Certification.
- TAGteacher Level 1 Certification, highlighting innovative training techniques for humans.
- Ongoing training in Pet First Aid
Memberships
Diana is a member of the Seattle Positive Dog Trainer Group, a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and a member of the German Shepherd Club of America.
Community Supporter
Sponsor of the Carnation Farmers Market
Member of the Carnation Chamber of Commerce
Member of the Duvall Chamber of Commerce
