Meet Kristie Halverson: Glendale Dog Trainer & Owner of FurBabies & Friends

Head of dog training at Furbabies & Friends, Kristie Halveson and her black pitbull Apollo.

Kristie Halverson, dog trainer in Glendale, AZ, and her American Bully Simba.

Welcome! We’re so glad you stopped by to learn more about Kristie Halverson, the owner of FurBabies & Friends and our lead in head dog training services across Phoenix and Glendale. With heartfelt care and a five-star reputation, Kristie brings both experience and passion to every pet and dog she meets.

A lifelong animal lover, Kristie shares her home with four beloved rescue dogs. Each one has overcome behavior challenges, shaping her personalized, force-free training approach. Over the years, she has also fostered more than 70 dogs of all breeds and sizes, always giving extra love to misunderstood bully breeds and puppies in need.

These hands-on experiences fuel Kristie’s work every day. Her mission is to help pet parents feel confident, supported, and empowered to build stronger bonds with their dogs. Whether you're looking for dog training, behavior help, or just some encouragement, you’re in the right place.

Kristie Halverson, positive reinforcement dog trainer in Glendale, Arizona, and her American Bully Puppy Mella.

Kristie Halverson, owner & Positive Dog Trainer at FurBabies & Friends and her 4 bully mixes in dog grooming bath tub.

Kristie Halverson and her third foster failure, Tigger, a brindle pitbull cattle dog mix.

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How Kristie Halverson Became the Head Dog Trainer at FurBabies & Friends

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.

Kristie Halverson’s journey to becoming the head dog trainer and FurBabies & Friends owner began long before the business launched in 2018. Her passion for pet care started in childhood when she worked at an equestrian stable in exchange for riding lessons. Surrounded by horses, barn dogs, and cats, she developed riding skills and a deep respect for animal communication, responsibility, and well-being.

From Corporate Life to a Career in Dog Training

After a 14-year corporate career, Kristie realized that her heart belonged elsewhere. Following her third layoff in 2018, she decided to turn her lifelong passion into her life’s work. That decision led to the founding of FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ, a trusted pet care service offering everything from dog walking and in-home sitting to grooming and positive reinforcement dog training.

Today, Kristie leads a bonded and insured team of local pet care experts. They are all committed to compassionate, customized care. As both the head dog trainer and FurBabies & Friends owner, she brings heart, professionalism, and hands-on experience to every pet family she serves.

My Personal Dogs & Their Inspiration To Become FurBabies & Friends Owner

Llasha Poo, Stella, Kristie's second rescue dog.

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

Kristie’s experience as a dog trainer is shaped not just by professional education, but also by decades of hands-on rescue and rehabilitation work. Over the years, she’s fostered more than 70 dogs. Many of these had behavior or medical challenges requiring patience and customized care.

Lessons from Her Own Pack

For example, her current pack includes four beloved bully mixes: Apollo, Mella, Tigger, and Simba. The last three were all foster dogs who became permanent family members. Each dog came with unique behavioral hurdles, from leash reactivity to fear-based aggression. These real-world challenges fuel Kristie’s empathy, problem-solving skills, and passion for positive reinforcement training.

Kristie’s first rescue, Nala, was a fearful pit bull mix once used as a bait dog. Through structured training and gentle guidance, Nala became a breed ambassador and sparked Kristie’s love for dog training. Today, Nala's legacy lives on in Kristie’s forearm tattoo and the core values of FurBabies & Friends.

My First FurBabys- Nala Am Staff & Stella Llasha Poo

Nala and Stella celebrating New Years Eve.

Kristie's Permanent Ink Tribute to her past red nose pit bull Nala.

Kristie's Current FurBabies (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.

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.

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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

Kristie’s path as a pet caretaker and trainer began long before she launched FurBabies & Friends. Her formal rescue work began in Duluth, MN and continued with Canine Cupids in Milwaukee. This organization pulled foster dogs from county shelters, and Kristie helped rehome 13 dogs while adopting one, her heart dog Baloo.

Ongoing Community Work

These early 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. She cared for dogs with kennel cough, mange, and orthopedic injuries. Simba, her 17th foster, arrived with parvo and partial paralysis. With consistent care, he recovered, and when no one else would adopt him, Kristie made him a permanent member of her pack.

Today, Kristie continues collaborating with local rescues. She provides training evaluations and behavior support for adoptive families in Glendale and the greater Phoenix area.

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The Head Dog Trainers Approach to Dog Behavior & Training Philosophy

Kristie believes that great behavior starts with trust, not fear. Her force-free, positive reinforcement dog training programs reflect this philosophy at every level.

As a member of the Pet Professional Guild, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and Pet Sitters International, Kristie follows the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) approach. She’s also an approved AKC STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

Force-Free Training That Builds Confidence

Kristie does not use prong collars, shock collars, or choke chains. Instead, she focuses on motivation, relationship-building, and real-world results. Pet parents consistently say their dogs are more confident, better behaved, and happier after working with her.

Training isn’t just about obedience, it’s about building trust and harmony between people and pets. Kristie’s approach centers on respect, communication, and empathy.

Head dog training, Kristie Halverson at FurBabies & Friends is a proud member of the International Association Of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Kristie is a proud member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Kristie Halverson is an approved AKC Star Puppy and CGC Evaluator.

Kristie is a proud member of Pet Sitters International.

FurBabies & Friends dog trainer Kristie Halverson does not use shock collars, choke collars, or prong collars for training.

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

Behind every great dog trainer is a pack of incredible pups, and for Kristie Halverson, dog trainer and owner of FurBabies & Friends, that couldn’t be more true. Her current crew includes four rescued bully mixes: Simba, Tigger, Apollo, and Mella. Each dog has a unique personality and story, making them ideal partners in her work as a trainer and educator.

Together, Kristie’s dogs help her provide real-world training experiences rooted in empathy, clarity, and patience. As the head dog training professional at FurBabies & Friends, Kristie credits her pack for shaping her understanding of what dogs need most, consistency, compassion, and a strong relationship with their people.

Brief Overview of Kristie's Current Furkids

Simba, a resilient American Bully, was Kristie’s 17th foster and third foster “fail.” He survived a fractured back and parvo as a puppy, but with time, love, and structured training, he now thrives. Today, Simba helps demonstrate calm behavior during leash reactivity training.

Tigger, a brindle pit/cattle dog mix, brings goofy energy and sensitivity to the team. He’s often used in desensitization exercises for shy dogs or those needing slow introductions.

Apollo, a sleek black American Pit Bull Terrier, is Kristie’s go-to assistant for advanced dog training sessions. His Canine Good Citizen skills make him the perfect model during group classes and socialization sessions.

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.

What It’s Like to Train with Kristie Halverson, Glendale Dog Trainer

Kristie’s training style combines science, compassion, and real-world practice. Every program is customized based on your goals and your dog’s behavior. Whether you're managing reactivity, raising a new puppy, or building obedience skills, she meets you where you are.

Her sessions feel approachable and collaborative. Kristie offers clear feedback, step-by-step homework, and ongoing support. She makes learning easy and enjoyable for both pets and pet parents.

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.