Owners
Stevie Fields, CBST
Hi my name is Stevie Fields!
I'm a Colorado Native and grew up in Falcon, Colorado, back when there was only a volunteer fire station and one gas station. I grew up surrounded by animals and had a neighbor with several horses that sparked my interest in the animals.
I have always had a dog in my life but they always stayed outside and were not perceived as family members. Now I have three dogs and they are my family!
As I got older I went to the University of Colorado Springs Colorado and studied Interpersonal Communications. I realized this was not what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted to work with animals but didn't know how to go about doing it. I was looking for an apprenticeship to become a dog trainer when I found Angie Neal, (CDBC). I became her apprentice in 2009 and completed the program in 2011. While learning with Angie, I also earned my Canine Behavior Science Technologist (CBST) certification in 2011 from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, while at the same time worked with and learned from several rescue dogs at Lucky Dog Rescue.
After that I realized getting a job as a dog trainer was near impossible, so I started House of Dog Training in 2012. I didn't have a facility and only did private lessons for two years. When I was ready to branch out, I contacted Allison and Astrid and we found the location where we are today and the rest is history
I currently live in Colorado Springs with the love of my life, George Fields, and my reason for living, George Joseph Fields. I have a beautiful White German Shepherd named Leela, a distinguished old German Short Haired Pointer, Zeek and my sweetest one of all, Peanut, a toy Rat Terrier.
Astrid Tryon, CPDT-KSA
Famous Austrian animal behaviorist Konrad Lorenz inspired me to want to understand animals better and to constantly search for ways to help animals and their owners. My winding road started in 2001 and leads from volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah numerous times, to attending a 5 day long intensive workshop there on “How to start your Own Animal Sanctuary”. This experience would later become crucial when I had an integral part of helping found Lucky Dog Rescue in July of 2010 where I was the Vice President and Secretary of LDR for almost 5 years.
My journey continued volunteering at Helping Horse therapeutic riding program, by helping children with various disabilities experience the magic of a horse and helping them learn how to ride, to working with the Animal Legal Defense Fund (A.L.D.F.) on a precedent setting puppy mill case, helping rescue, rehabilitate and place 400 dogs in new homes. After moving to Colorado Springs I completed certification for Pet First Aid through the American Red Cross and put my private pet care experience to good use, developing Lucky Dog’s at-home Pet Sitting Service. I started studying under Angie Neal, CDBC, in her training apprentice program in February 2010, where I have worked rescue dogs as well as my own dog Sierra in the Levels Program and started to assist with training in November 2010. I became an approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluator with the American Kennel Club in January of 2011 and began conducting tests in February of 2011. In October of 2012 I received my first Certification (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). With my second certification in June of 2013 (CPDT-KSA: Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge and Skills Assessed) I became the first in Colorado Springs to hold this certification. In October of 2014 I left Lucky Dog to open up my own dog training facility “House of Dog Training” together with two friends and colleagues. I am a professional premium member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) as well as supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) #849 and continue to educate myself by attending workshops and conferences with my next goal of achieving certification in behavior consulting.
In 2016, I became part of the pilot programme for the Pet Professional Guilds Pet Dog Ambassador programme. Ultimately I saw more value in this evaluation than in the CGC, because it puts responsibility on both the handler AND the dog. I immediately applied to become an instructor and assessor and passed. We are incorporating the assessment markers in our classes. After speaking to a troop of boy scouts about dog training, I realized that I would like to reach more children and thus became a licensed “Be A Tree Program” presenter, which teaches children about dog safety and how to prevent dog bites. My two dogs Moritz and Sierra have both passed but were Canine Good Citizens. My new dog Takoda is shaping up to be a decent demo dog and due to his laid back temperament, is a great "distraction dog" for reactive dog lessons. My menagerie is completed by cat Cedric, one of a sibling pair of three whose feral mother was smart enough to give birth to the kittens at the puppy mill shelter (see above) and who were subsequently adopted by me and my sister.
Allison Paugh, CPDT-KA
I have always loved animals, especially dogs. As a teenager, I became a Puppy Raiser for Canine Companions, training service dogs. The experience gave me a lifelong passion for dog training.
I studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and graduated with a bachelor's degree in English Literature. I never forgot my love of dogs and stayed busy working at kennels, doggy daycares, and veterinary offices, as well as volunteering at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
In 2009, I became an apprentice trainer under Angie Neal, CDBC working with rescue and client dogs and learning the building blocks of positive reinforcement-based training. I was the Training Coordinator for Lucky Dog Rescue and a trainer and manager at Lucky Dog Daycare and Boarding. I earned my CPDT-KA certification in 2012. I have continued developing my training skills and behavioral knowledge with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG). There is always more to learn, and I am devoted to attending conferences and professional development courses to be the best I can be for you and your pets.
In 2014, I took the leap with Astrid and Stevie to open our dog training facility, House of Dog Training. However, my life changed, and I got married to a soldier. In 2016, the military sent us to North Carolina for five years. Astrid and Stevie kept killing it, and House of Dog Training grew in their capable hands. In 2021, I returned to Colorado Springs to pick up where I left off, my love of dogs and training.
I am a Colorado native, born and raised in Colorado Springs. I am happiest in the mountains or having adventures with my children, Lincoln, Lenora, Sam, and my husband, Jake. I have three four-legged loves, two dogs Whitman, a fluffy Akita mix, Jeanine, a Labrador, and Theo, the cat of the house.
Brian Moore, PCT-A
Lead Trainer
As a positive reinforcement trainer, Brian has been using ancient Tai Chi principles in his training of dogs and puppies. With over 20 years of experience in the healing and martial arts principles of Tai Chi, Brian is able to connect with animals on a deeper level, and to better communicate with them through body language. Using safe and easy to follow techniques, he is able to develop a more harmonious relationship that will help a dog better understand, and follow his guidance.
Brian has studied animal behavior for the past 15 years including 4 years of working with Angie Neal, CDBC. He has been training dogs and helping owners learn to listen (Ting Jing) and to be more sensitive to each dog’s unique "chi" -- thereby increasing the spiritual connection between them. He also helps owners analyze a pet's nutrition and how it can impact behavior and health.
Brian offers a wide variety of options for you and your dog's needs, including puppy classes, basic obedience training, pet behavior and/or aggression consults, and a variety of private lessons specifically tailored to your dog's unique needs. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge and passion for dog training to better and strengthen your bond with your cherished dog(s).
A devoted husband and father of two young children, Brian loves to snowboard, hike, and mountain bike with his family.
Trainer
Angie Neal, CDBC
Angie has over 27 years of experience as a trainer and behavioral consultant. Her long career began as an apprentice under Joan Guertin, founder of Common Sense Dog Training in Sacramento California.After her apprenticeship she opened her own business, Manners by McGuire, and was certified as an instructor for Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael California. After returning to Common Sense Dog Training (which later became 4 Paws University)
she spent 7 more years teaching puppy classes, advanced obedience, and doing private client sessions for dogs with behavioral problems.
Angie was the first trainer in Sacramento to become a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), making her one of a select group of trainers certified in California, joining the ranks of elite dog trainers Ian Dunbar, DVM and Jean Donaldson.
n 2006 Angie moved back to her native Colorado Springs. With her experience in operant and classical conditioning, agility, fly ball, tricks, clicker training, and canine nutrition, she was immediately hired as the Director of Training at Lucky Dog Resorts. At Lucky Dog Angie began teaching basic obedience, puppy classes, family dog agility, and doing private consultations. She developed a canine “levels” obedience course, which allows dogs to work their obedience program at their own pace of learning, and provides more flexibility for her clients’ schedules. Angie also began “Lucky Dog University” which offered an apprenticeship program for those desiring a career in dog training. Her mentorship so far resulted in 5 certified trainers. She was a founding member and part of the Board of Directors of Lucky Dog Rescue, and oversaw the entire training program for the dogs rescued by that organization. In 2011, 2012 (both gold), 2013 (both silver) and 2014 (bronze) Angie was voted “Best Dog Trainer in Colorado Springs” by the Colorado Springs Gazette. In 2013 Angie published her first DVD with Tawzer Dog, an in-depth look at Flirtpoles. Angie is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
Testimonials
Thank You Angie!
I take great pleasure and enthusiasm to endorse Angie Neal’s training at .
My husband and I first worked with Angie when we took her basic obedience class with our puppy Smokey. During the course we were amazed at how knowledgeable Angie is, working many participants and a variety of issues between owners and their dogs. Angie went above and beyond what you would expect from a trainer, taking extra time to help you learn, even if it meant staying late after class.
Classes were fun, and always filled with a full hour of material to work on. Angie has excellent communication skills, easy to follow instructions, and always puts the well-being of your dog first. She helped us both feel like winners, as well as the other participants.
Angie is also responsible, calling everyone ahead of time if she has to cancel a session, she responds quickly to your messages, and she’s also courteous with a reminder call before classes start.
Since then we’ve attended more of Angie’s classes, and hired her for a personal evaluation when we got our third dog Sally. Angie was able to detect and help solve and prevent future behavior problems.
I urge you to consider Angie Neal for your training and dog behavior needs. I believe the amount of knowledge she offers for the cost of a class or private session is a tremendous value.
Sincerely,
Kris and “Smokey & Sally”
Stephanie Dowdell, PCT-A
My journey into dog training began with Sophie an 8 week old Heeler/Pitbull mix. The joys of puppy hood soon met with reality. Reactivity to other dogs, resource guarding behaviors, and relentless, abundant energy created a home with a wild and crazy puppy on the loose. This along with a neighbor's strong dislike to pit-bull breeds
roduced an interest to better understand dogs' behavior, a desire to raise a well mannered, happy pet, and establish respectful relations with neighbors. Searching for a qualified Trainer, I discovered Angie Neal CDBC, and promptly Puppy Kindergarten was scheduled. Sophie and I completed Lucky Dog's Beginning Obedience eight week classes in January 2009. We eagerly signed up for Levels Obedience Training, a six months program with Angie, enjoying every minute the wonderful world of dogs; so much so we completed the course twice. Obedience training led us to complete the Canine Good Citizen Program obtaining Sophie's certification in November 2009.
Opening the door to dogs' intelligence captured my interest to join Angie Neal's Lucky Dog University Apprenticeship Program in March 2014. I received my Trainer's Assistant Certification in September 2014. During the six month course I logged over two hundred and eighty hours walking, and training rescue dogs with various issues for placement in their forever homes and continue presently volunteering with rescues. I continue to attend educational seminars such as (Dogs - From Pups to Problems), with renowned author, Certified Dog Trainer, Trish King CDBC, Dr. Ian Dunbar's seminar (Dog Aggression: Fighting) and (Barking up The Wrong Tree) and Nando Brown's Aggression, Loose Lead Walking, Tricks and Puppy Foundation seminar. My experience includes assisting Angie Neal in classes accomplishing a working knowledge of dog training. The program provides the privilege to attend in home consultations, gaining a better understanding of learning principles when applied correctly and consistently resolves problems and issues creating happy dogs. In late 2014 I was promoted to a Trainers position through Lucky Dog University aspiring to follow in the footsteps of my accomplished mentor Angie Neal CDBC. Since then I have taught my own Puppy Kindergarten classes and Beginner Obedience Classes. My passion is to show you how to have fun with your dogs. I have developed a "Fun with your Nose" class that was launched at House of Dog in the summer of 2016 and I now have 4 levels of Nosework. In May of 2016 I achieved my Treibball Certification and have been teaching classes in that discipline when there is interest. I earned my Canine Nutrition Certification in 2018 and my Professional Canine Trainer - Accredited (PCT-A) through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board in 2019. Pet First Aid 2021
Melanie Gantt,
ABCDT, CPDT-KA, CCFC, CTDI, SDJ
Pet First Aid Certified
I wasn’t always a dog trainer. I entered the field of Medical Assisting in 1999, specializing in Orthopedics, Trauma, and Pediatrics. Reading human body language and empathy became a crucial part of helping my patients that I easily transferred to dog training later. In 2010, my husband and I adopted our first puppy, an 8 week old female border collie, named Sadie. I started taking Sadie to training classes at Lucky Dog, which is where I met Angie Neal, CDBC and Astrid Tyron, CPDT-KSA. In 2013, we adopted our first rescue dog, a 4 month old male Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd Mix, named Radar. I loved dog training classes with Sadie, but couldn’t find anyone willing to help Radar through his behavior challenges, except “balanced” trainers. After they tried prong and shock collars on him, his behavior had escalated so much that regular neighborhood walks were not even an option.
In 2014, I decided to take matters into my own hands; I attended the Animal Behavior College and became a Certified Dog Trainer. Part of Animal Behavior College’s program was to have students volunteer at a local rescue, so in August 2015 I started volunteering at All Breed Rescue & Training. I finally was finding answers to so many unanswered questions I had about behaviorally challenged dogs. I taught private lessons for behavior modification and co-taught/assisted with obedience, WallFlower (Shy dogs), and Reactive Dog classes. I also tried fostering dogs, but failed by adopting two of my foster dogs, Jackson (October 2015) and Piper (January 2016), but took in several temporary foster dogs until 2018. I stayed on volunteering at All Breed Rescue & Training until 2019, but left due to my dogs’ and my personal medical issues; occasionally I still go in to walk/train the dogs temporarily living at All Breed Rescue & Training and take classes with my dogs. I and my 4 dogs continue to learn and train with Meg Brubaker (Behaviorist) for their Behavior Modification, since between my 4 dogs, we currently have almost every behavior issue in one household.
In 2019, I passed my Certified Professional Dog Trainer: Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) from Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. (CCPDT). I have been a supporting, now Affiliate member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). I am a Fear Free Certified Dog Trainer and completed the Aggression in Dogs Master’s Course. I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen & Trick dog evaluator. I am also a Certified Canine Conditioning Coach (CCFC), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), and Stunt Dog Judge (SDJ) for Do More With Your Dog. I have a background in Clicker/Event Marker training, BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training), Nosework (Scent Detection), Canine Enrichment Activities, and Certified in Canine CPR/First Aid. I still continue to retain my Certified Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist (CMA), even though I don’t use it that often anymore.
Abigail Wolf, MATP
Hey, I’m Abigail Wolf. I lived most of my life out in Reading, Pennsylvania, but in September of 2020, I moved out to Colorado with my cat, my two dogs and my two rats and although it was a crazy drive to get here, we have loved every moment of being here!
For me, my passion for wanting to work with animals bloomed when I was young. Growing up, my mother always loved animals and helped to instill that love in me as well. Animals were always a big part of my life, and my friends would fondly refer to our house as a little zoo because we generally had two dogs, two birds, a couple anoles, a cat, and a fish. For me, watching animals was a way for me to understand the world more fully and see things outside of my own perspective.
I graduated in the fall of 2016 with a bachelor’s in business and psychology and then went on to get my master’s in transpersonal psychology which I finished in June of 2021. While in my master’s program, I focused my work on how we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others through our connections to animals. In their natural state, animals represent all the characteristics that Vaughan (1985) described as being a transpersonal identity: compassionate, loving, wise, receptive, allowing, unlimited, intuitive, spontaneous, creative, inspired, peaceful, awake, open, and connected.
When I first moved out to Colorado I was working for the local humane society as an Animal Care Technician to care for all the animals there each day and help them feel as though they were in a safe space full of love. Ultimately, the euthanasia side and working with the court hold dogs that pay the price for human error made me realize I wanted to be on the other side of things, helping animals to stay out of shelters and give animals the tools they needed to succeed in the world we’ve created. I wanted to be able to do more to help the fearful, reactive, high arousal and aggressive animals have a chance in our society.
Working with animals has helped me to look deeper at myself and it is a practice that I try and share with others. I believe that if we can work more frequently on stepping outside our own perspective and into that of someone or something else, we can see the world in a completely new way and possibly change the way we look at a situation. I’m all about building a deep connection with our animals and learning to see more clearly through their eyes. This practice of taking perspectives ultimately brings us closer to one another and helps us care for one another on a deeper level.
Jordan Fox, CTT-A
Hi, i'm Jordan Fox! I haven't always known I wanted to be a dog trainer, but I have always known I was going to work with animals in some capacity. I started by wanting to be a veterinarian, then I wanted to rehabilitate wild animals, like foxes, bears, and wolves. Those were my thoughts when I was young. I grew up, and decided I wanted to be a dog trainer, but before I finally got to this I worked as a veterinary receptionist, and I spent some time as a kennel technician in multiple facilities, running dog playgroups. Ultimately, every time I left one type of pet care job, I went back to the thought of being a dog trainer, and finally, here I am! I received my Canine Trainer Technician Certification (CTT-A) through the Pet Professional Guild in August of 2022.
I have 4 rescue dogs at home; Slate, a Parson Russell Terrier mix, Bo, a German Shepherd mix, Nora, a Pointer mix, and Raven, a Bull Terrier mix. I do not have any human children, as my dogs are my kids, and they're all I need. As I grow into my professional career, my passion is to one day become the go to trainer for blind and deaf dogs. Additionally, I love working with dogs who are fearful. I have been told all throughout my life that I have a special way of bonding with dogs who have a hard time trusting people, so it's incredibly important to me that I continue to help these dogs. I can't recall a specific time I was taught how to earn the trust of fearful dogs, it's just always been natural to me. To me, training dogs is not my job. It's my heart, and soul. I do this because every dog deserves someone who only wants to devote their time to them. This is what I was meant to do. My only regret is not figuring it out sooner. I hope to meet you and your family (human and canine) soon!
Emory Coston
Hi, I’m Emory. I grew up on a farm in Texas with my Grandmother, and it was there I learned to love and care for animals. As an only child, the dogs were my best friends and play mates. There I learned that a well trained dog is a proud member of the family. At 10 years old I received Shiloh the Golden Retriever. She showed me just how powerful and influential a dog's companionship can be. I credit her with giving me the gift to always be patient and kind with any creature I come across.
I chose to study biology in college as science has always been a passion of mine. I graduated in 2018 with a Bachelors in Wildlife Biology from Hastings College in Nebraska. Instead of going straight into the National Parks or zoo programs, I decided to explore my options. Dog training ended up being a great fit that blended my love of science with my love of animal care. In Texas, Petco provided me with a great mentor and start to my career. There I became CGC ( Canine Good Citizen) certified and learned the important foundations of positive reinforcement. After moving to Colorado in 2019, House of Dog was the next step in my dog training journey. Here I enjoy being surrounded by exceptional mentors that are making me a better teacher and trainer.
I believe life is better lived with a dog (especially a well behaved one). Keeping dogs out of shelters and in their forever homes is a rewarding experience that drives me forward. With enough patience and consistency you can also learn to better communicate with your fur family. This not only helps increase your quality of life, but also the community around you!
My current fur family consists of Sunny the puggle, and two cats, Bugzy and Pabu. Sunny loves training, as it not only unlocks some delicious snacks, but he gets to engage and play with me. The cats on the other hand, well… they do what they want.
If you are thinking about training your dog just look for me and fellow trainers here at House of Dog Training! I can’t wait to help you and your fur family live happier, healthier lives!
Kirsten Mason
Hello, I’m Kirsten! Up until just last year, I never thought I was going to do dog training for a living. I grew up loving everything that had to do with animals from subscribing to Rocket the Raccoon magazine to watching Zoobumifoo on PBS Kids. I wanted to be a zookeeper, marine biologist, a pet store owner, and a veterinarian; however, it took a worldwide pandemic for me to finally come around to working in a field with animals.
I got accepted into CSU Fort Collins my senior year in high school. I originally wanted to enroll as an animal science major, but I ended up studying international relations and learning Japanese so I could study abroad. But after two years of studying, I just couldn’t find passion in what I was working towards.
I decided to take a leap of faith to work for a year and take a break from the stress of college. I got a job as a flight attendant working for Trans States Airlines. I told myself I was living my dream job and for a year I threw myself into flying all over the country, but I guess the universe had different plans for me because when Covid started to spread, the company’s contract was cancelled with United and all the employees working for Trans States Airlines were laid off indefinitely. I found myself jobless and isolated due to the pandemic’s stay at home order. My only solution I could think of was getting myself the furry friend i had always wanted to keep me occupied.
And so came Nimbus, my inspiration to change careers. He came to me as a very small puppy with an interesting way of walking. I came to find out shortly after getting him that he had a rare neurological disorder that affected his motor functions, making him “hop”. He seemed otherwise normal despite his disability.
I vowed I would never make this dog’s life harder than it already was. I looked up YouTube videos and found out I could train any dog to do anything without even ever saying the word “no”. Everyone around me questioned such mentally and told me my dog would run my life if I didn’t discipline him, but I stuck to my word. I enrolled in a puppy class at House of Dog training to socialize Nimbus. After just a few classes, I knew where my passion was.
I talked to my instructor, and started my apprenticeship with House of Dog Training. They have taught me everything I know and have fueled my dreams of learning more about canine behavior and training. My goal is to continue my education, but this time in psychology so I can learn how to better understand the minds of the brilliant creatures I work with everyday, dog and human alike. One day, I hope to be an expert in the subject, but I sure do have a long way to go.
Jovanna Payne
Pet First Aid Certified
Hi! I'm Jovanna Payne. I grew up on the East Coast, and spent most of my life in New York and Maryland. While growing up, my family and I moved a lot, and I wasn’t able to have a dog until I was 18. That’s when I got my American Eskimo, Zooey. She sure was quite the handful, and my mom and I had absolutely no idea what we were doing at all. I was so intrigued by my dog's behavior that I started researching a lot of her behaviors. That’s where it all started for me.
During Highschol, my love and passion was photography. I took classes in Community College, but then I moved to the big city, New York. I enrolled myself into Fashion Institute and took some courses, but after taking the course I felt I lost my passion & drive and saw it as more of a hobby.
In 2013, I was lost. I didn’t know where to go with my career. But, I started to meet people who would talk to me about their dogs and their issues. With a bit of my knowledge of having Zooey and watching "It's Me or The Dog" (Victoria Stillwell), I started helping people. I loved it! I started researching, making sure I was helping people to the best of my knowledge and learning about other informative dog trainers like Victoria & Susan Garret. I then decided to apply to my local Petco and became as a dog trainer. I worked there for four years. I had amazing mentors outside of Petco & inside, who drove me to learn about force free training.
Working with animals is what is drove me to enroll in Catch Canine Academy Program. I love my job, but I wanted more. I decided to leave New York & move to Colorado Springs to move forward with my career and be with like minded people, like my lovely co-workers at House of Dog . But I do miss New York, going to comic con every year, having the best pizza in the United States! Sorry not sorry. I thank of House of Dog for inviting me into their home & I can’t wait to meet you and your cute dogs.
Laura Kuhn
coming soon