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Meet the Founder of Dog Training, Kristie Halverson in Glendale, AZ

Looking to meet FurBabies & Friends owner and learn more about her approach to dog training? Congratulations, you’re in the right place. Kristie Halverson is a professional dog trainer in Glendale, AZ who believes in positive, force-free methods that work in the real world. As a fear free dog trainer, she focuses on building trust, not relying on physical control. Get to know the woman behind the pack and why so many pet parents trust her and her team with their pets.
Head of dog training at Furbabies & Friends, Kristie Halveson and her black pitbull Apollo.Kristie Halverson, positive reinforcement dog trainer in Glendale, Arizona, and her American Bully Puppy Mella.Kristie Halverson and her third foster failure, Tigger, a brindle pitbull cattle dog mix.Kristie Halverson, dog trainer in Glendale, AZ, and her American Bully Simba.

From Corporate Life to Canine Leadership

Photoshoot with Kristie and her training demonstration dog Apollo a black pitbull mix.
Kristie and her 3rd foster failure, cattle dog mix Tigger.
Kristie's birthday celebration with her 4th foster failure a pitbull mix Mella.
Glendale, AZ force free puppy trainer, Kristie Halverson, and her three bully mix furbabies.
Kristie halverson dog trainer at FurBabies & Friends and her XL bully Simba.
After a 14-year corporate career, Kristie Halverson made a life-changing decision in 2018. Following her third layoff, she traded business suits for leashes and started FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ which is a full-service pet care company founded on love, trust, and positive training.

Since the big life change, Kristie has now spent over 7 years as a professional dog trainer in Glendale AZ.  Also, she brings over two decades of personal dog ownership, 7 years of equestrian experience, and a lifetime of animal advocacy into her work. What's more is she brings this experience into her leadership of a bonded and insured team of pet sitters, dog walkers, and support staff caring for pets in the Phoenix West Valley.

Kristie's Fear Free Dog Trainer Philosophies

Due to her history and experiences, Kristie specializes in puppy training, basic obedience, leash reactivity, and in-home behavior modification. Unlike many other trainers, who push board-and-train programs, Kristie believes in teaching both the pet owner and the dog to ensure long term success.  Furthermore, her philosophy focuses on empowering dog parents to become confident, capable leaders, long after the training session ends.

Last but not least, as a fear free dog trainer in Glendale, Kristie uses only positive, force-free methods. Moreover, her programs are tailored to your dog’s needs and your lifestyle. When al is said and done, Kristie believes that real change comes from clear communication, patience, and consistency.  Never punishment or pain!

FurBabies & Friends Owner is a Professional Dog Trainer with a Mission

One of Kristie's primary beliefs is that education is the key to long-term success. Her role as the FurBabies & Friends owner means she does more than educate and train dogs. Similarly, she guides  families through lasting behavior solutions rooted in compassion. Meeting each dog where they are and building realistic training plans ensures a successful training journey.

lastly, as a fear free dog trainer, Kristie sees dog behavior as communication. While training, she actively works to bridge the gap between confused dogs and their humans. Unquestionably, this deep understanding sets her apart as a professional dog trainer in Glendale AZ who gets results through relationship-first strategies.

Credentials, Memberships, and Community Trust

Many people do not realize that the dog training industry is unregulated; meaning, there is no one governing board monitoring dog trainers.  With that said, Kristie continues to pursue continuing education and mentorship through leading organizations in the dog training industry. Below are are the professional organizations she actively belongs to:

>  Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

>  Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)

>  International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)

>  International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)

>  Pet Sitters International (PSI)

>  Mentor Animal Behavior College

To further garner trust, Kristie is also bonded and insured through Pet Sitters Associates and is an approved AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Finally, Kristie has worked with over 70 foster dogs and continues to support rescue organizations through evaluations, training, and behavior support for adoptive families.
Kristie Halverson, professional dog training in Glendale, AZ is a proud member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.Kristie Halverson is a member of the Pet Professional Guild, which holds it members to the highest standards of dog training that is based on science and usage of positive reinforcement techniques.Head dog training, Kristie Halverson at FurBabies & Friends is a proud member of the International Association Of Animal Behavior Consultants.
Kristie Halverson, FurBabies & Friends, positive reinforcement dog trainer, is part of the Pet Training Science Alliance.
Kristie is a proud member of Pet Sitters International.Kristie Halverson is a professional member of the IACP, the international association of canine professionals.
Kristie Halverson is an approved AKC Star Puppy and CGC Evaluator.AKC's Canine Good Citizen CGC logo.FurBabies & Friends proudly offers an AKC S.T.A.R Puppy group training class in Glendale, AZ to help pet parents get their puppy started off strong to be great canine citizens.
Kristie Halverson, FurBabies & Friends dog trainer, signed the shock collar free dog training pledge.FurBabies & Friends dog trainer Kristie Halverson does not use shock collars, choke collars, or prong collars for training.

FurBabies & Friends Owner Kristie is More Than Just a Trainer

FurBabies & Friends isn’t just a dog training company. Under Kristie’s leadership as a woman-owned business, it has grown into a trusted all-in-one pet care provider offering:

>  Private in-home dog and puppy training & group training classes

>  Cage-free, one-on-one dog grooming and de-shedding

>  Bonded and insured pet care services including pet sitting, dog walking, and house sitting

>  Specialty services like pet transportation, pet wedding attendants, and waste removal

Most importantly, no matter if you’re booking an evaluation for training or need a last-minute pet sitter, Kristie and her team provide peace of mind with every interaction.

Recognition and Awards

Passion, professionalism, and personality have earned Kristie and FurBabies & Friends numerous accolades, including:

>  Best in Phoenix for Dog Training, Grooming, and Pet Sitting

>  Community Votes Glendale Winner (2024 & 2025) in multiple categories

>  Glendale 2024 Best for Pet Care Services

>  Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave from 2023 through today

>  Recognized by Three Best Rated for both Dog Training and Dog Walking

In the end, these awards reflect the trust placed in Kristie by hundreds of loyal pet parents and her commitment to setting the standard in ethical pet care.

Get to Know Kristie’s Pack: Her Greatest Teachers & Training Partners

Simba, Kristie's oldest personal dog wearing Easter bunny ears for an Easter Photo Shoot.Kristie's personal dog, black pitbull Apollo, sitting nicely for a St. Patrick's Day Dog Photoshoot.Kristie's personal dog pitbull mix Tigger sitting for a Pride Photoshoot.Kristie's XL bully and youngest dog Mella wearing a tutu for a Veteran's Day Dog Photoshoot.
Currently, Kristie shares her home with four rescue bully mixes: Simba, Apollo, Tigger & Mella. Each dog has a unique story of resilience, reactivity, or medical need and each plays a role in helping her rehabilitate her clients dog and build empathy-driven training plans.

Nala, Stella, Baloo, and Zeke, her cherished furbabies that have passed, are honored as the original inspiration behind FurBabies & Friends.

Brief Overview of Kristie's Current Furkids

Simba, a resilient American Bully, was Kristie’s 17th foster and third foster “fail.” When he was a puppy, he had trouble walking for unknown reasons while also surviving parvo.  However, with time, love, and structured training, he now thrives. Today, Simba helps demonstrate calm behavior during leash reactivity training.

Apollo, a sleek black American Pit Bull Terrier, is Kristie’s go-to assistant for dog training sessions. His impeccable canine social skills and highly compliant obedience make him the perfect model during group classes and private trainings.

Tigger, a brindle pit/cattle dog mix, brings goofy energy while being a medical mystery.  During puppyhood, a mass was found in his neck, was removed, but his prognosis was bleak.  To everyone's amazement he has beat the odds and while his tumor returned, he brings life, energy and play to humans and dogs alike.

Mella, the youngest of the group, is a growing American Bully who is still learning the ropes, but already proving to be a quick learner and a joy to train.

Stella & Nala: Kristie's 1st FurBabies

Llasha Poo, Stella, Kristie's second rescue dog.
Kristie and her first two rescue dogs.
Kristie's first Christmas card, the one that started it all.
Nala, the American Staffordshire terrier, and Stella, the Llasha Poo, Kristie's first two dogs.
Nala, the American Staffordshire Terrier, posing beautifully in this black and white photo
Nala and Stella celebrating New Years Eve.
Kristie's Permanent Ink Tribute to her past red nose pit bull Nala.
Dog trainer Kristie Halverson and her first pitbull Nala
 Current FurBabies of Kristie (Left to Right):

Apollo, Mella, 2023 Family Picture, Tigger & Simba

* Gone but Never Forgotten:  Nala, Stella, Baloo & Zeke
Apollo, Kristie's devoted training demonstration dog, holding hands with his owner Kristie Halverson, head of dog training of FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ.
Head of dog training, Kristie Havlerson & FurBabies & Friends owner, training a watch cue with her pitbull mix puppy Mella.
Glendale, AZ force free puppy trainer, Kristie Halverson, and her three bully mix furbabies.
FurBabies & Friends owner Kristie Halverson kissing her 3rd foster failure, Tigger during a holiday photoshoot.
XL Bully simba, Kristie's 2nd foster failure shows nothing but gratitude with a big kiss.
Kristie's first rescue dog, a red nose American Staffordshire Terrier.
Stella, a Llashapoo, was Kristie's second dog, wearing a big red Christmas bow.
Peoria, AZ 5* Pet Service Provider for Dog Training, Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, Basic Dog Grooming and More!
Kristie's third dog and rescue, Baloo, the blue nose pit bull.
Head dog trainer, Kristie's second small dog, a white terrier mix named Zeke wearing a cute hear tie.

Rescue History & Collaborations

Early on in her adult life, Kristie began volunteering with local rescues and made the leap into becoming a foster mom.  From her early time at the barn riding horses, to her own dogs, to her rescue work, Kristie’s path as a pet caretaker and trainer began long before she launched FurBabies & Friends.  Rescue work started with the adoption of her first dog Nala, followed by dog walking with Wag in Duluth, MN, to becoming a foster with Canine Cupids in Milwaukee to today as an AHS Foster mom.

Ongoing Community Work

Early rescue experiences helped Kristie learn how to manage complex behavior issues and adoption transitions. Baloo taught her that with patience and commitment, even the most misunderstood dogs can thrive.

After moving to Phoenix in 2017, Kristie joined the Arizona Humane Society as a medical foster. Most of the dogs she took in as fosters had kennel cough, mange, orthopedic injuries or a mixture of a few issues. Both Simba and Tigger, due to medical conditions, were deemed unadoptable thus their future looked short.  Since both were fostered for a few months, Kristie didn't want their lives to end so early leading to her "foster failing" of both of them becoming permanent members of her pack.

Overall, Kristie's passion and love of rescue spurs her continued volunteer work.

Ready to Build a Better Bond?

Quick fixes in dog behavior modification doesn't exist.  This knowledge is something Kristie understands and works hard to educate others about. Over time, Kristie learned and saw that lasting change in dog training only effectively happens through relationship-based training with the right education, tools, confidence and support for both the owner and the dog.

Following the in home evaluation, a customized training plan is created as a guide for both the pet parent and Kristie.  A combination of science, compassion, and real-world practice are the tactics Kristie's uses when training dogs and included in the training plan.  So no matter if you're managing reactivity, raising a new puppy, or building obedience skills, she meets you where you are.

Above all, Kristie strives to make dog training sessions feel approachable and collaborative. Offering clear feedback, step-by-step homework, ongoing support and a listening ear are all part of Kristie's training style. Additionally, she makes learning easy and enjoyable for both the dogs and dog parents.

To sum up, if you’re looking for a professional dog trainer in Glendale AZ who understands behavior, communicates clearly, and puts your dog’s wellbeing first, you’ve found her.

Why Pet Parents Choose Kristie

If you're looking for a professional dog trainer in Glendale who offers more than just obedience classes, Kristie Halverson delivers. Real-world experience, force-free methods, and client-centered approach allow Kristie to help dogs thrive in every stage of life.

Kristie knows that being a fear free dog trainer means focusing on the emotional needs of dogs as well as behavior. She ensures each client feels supported, understood, and part of a training journey that strengthens trust.

Real Results, Real Relationships

Kristie uses only reward-based techniques. You’ll never see force or punishment in her programs. Dogs learn better when they feel safe, understood, and respected.

Choosing Kristie means:

*  Prioritizing your dog’s emotional well-being

*  Setting realistic goals for lasting change

*  Enjoying nonjudgmental guidance

*  Building a deeper connection with your dog

Ultimately, Kristie’s mission is to help every dog and human build a relationship rooted in trust, patience, and joy.

Galleries of Kristie's Furbabies & Foster Dogs

Personal dogs of Kristie
Past Foster's of Kristie

See Other Photo Galleries of Our Happy Pet Care Clients

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(623) 715-4777
6339 W. Tonopah Dr.
Glendale, AZ  85308