Call: (623) 715-4777
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Meet the Founder & Professional Dog Trainer Behind FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ

Looking for a professional dog trainer in Glendale, AZ who delivers real results in real-life situations? You’re in the right place.

Kristie Halverson is the owner and founder of FurBabies & Friends, a trusted, licensed, bonded, and insured pet care company offering dog & puppy training, pet sitting, dog walking, and dog grooming services across the Phoenix West Valley. With over 200 5-star reviews and multiple local awards, Kristie leads a highly rated team while personally specializing in force-free, positive reinforcement dog training that creates lasting behavior change, not quick fixes.
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.

Why Pet Parents Trust Kristie

FurBabies & Friends is a verified member of the Glendale, AZ Chamber of Commerce.
*  7+ years as a professional dog trainer in Glendale, AZ
*  200+ 5-star reviews from real pet parents
*  20+ years working with dogs, including rescue and rehabilitation
*  Over 70 foster dogs trained and supported
Licensed, bonded, and insured pet care professional
*  Member of APDT, PPG, IAABC Foundation, IACP, and PSI
*  AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy & Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
*  Recommended trainer by Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
*  Approved trainer through programs developed by Dr. Ian Dunbar
*  Specializing in puppy training, obedience, and leash reactivity in real-world environments
*  Award-winning pet care business recognized across Glendale and Phoenix
*  Trusted by thousands of pet parents throughout the West Valley

When it comes to your pet's, experience, education, and accountability matter. Kristie’s background reflects a commitment to all three.

A Science-Based, Fear-Free Approach to Dog Training and Pet Care

Dog training is not about control, dominance, or forcing compliance. It’s about communication, clarity, and trust.

Kristie uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in learning theory and real-world application. This means your dog learns what to do, not just what not to do.

This approach is guided by the RESPPPECT framework, a philosophy that emphasizes reward-based training, consistency, patience, and trust. These principles shape not only training sessions, but every service offered through FurBabies & Friends, including pet sitting, dog walking, and grooming.

In practice, this means focusing on:

*  Teaching dogs how to make the right choices through reinforcement
*  Building reliability through repetition, consistency, and clarity
*  Developing calm, confident behavior in real-world environments
*  Strengthening the relationship between dog and owner
*  Ensuring consistency across training, pet care visits, and daily routines

Many training methods focus on quick results or suppressing behavior without addressing the underlying cause. While that may create short-term compliance, it often leads to confusion, stress, or behavior returning over time.

Kristie’s approach focuses on teaching, not forcing, and that consistency carries through every service. Whether your dog is in a training session, out on a walk, or being cared for during a visit, the goal is the same, clear communication, confidence, and long-term success.

Real-Life Experience That Shapes How I Operate & Train

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.
My approach to dog training and running FurBabies & Friends is shaped by both my professional background and my personal experience with dogs.

Before starting my business, I spent 14 years in a corporate career where structure, communication, and consistency were critical to success. At the same time, I was raising and working with my own dogs, gaining hands-on experience that taught me patience, adaptability, and how behavior plays out in real life, not just in controlled environments.

Today, those two worlds come together in how I train dogs, support clients, and lead a team.  Combining clear systems with a practical, relationship-focused approach that works in everyday situations.

Meet My Dogs, My Everyday Training Partners

These aren’t just my pets. They are the dogs that challenged me, taught me, and helped me refine the way I train in real-world situations.  Currently, I share my 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 me rehabilitate my clients dog and build empathy-driven training plans.

Nala, Stella, Baloo, and Zeke, my 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.
Each of my dogs has come with their own personality, needs, and challenges, from reactivity to confidence building to everyday life skills. Working through those experiences outside of structured sessions is what allows me to better guide clients facing similar situations with their own dogs.
Kristie's Current Furbabies (Left to Right):  Apollo, Mella, 2023 Family Picture, Tigger & Simba
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.
 Gone but Never Forgotten:  Nala, Stella, Baloo & Zeke
Positive reinforcement dog trainer and bully breed enthusiast, Kristie Halverson owner of FurBabies & Friends, and her first rescue Nala, an American Staffordshire Terrier.
Kristie and her first two rescue dogs.
Kristie Halverson, head of dog training at FurBabies & Friends, second dog Llasha Poo Stella doing tricks.
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 heart tie.

Rescue Work That Shapes How I Train

Rescue work has played a significant role in shaping how I approach dog training, behavior, and patience.

Through fostering and working with rescue organizations, I’ve had the opportunity to work with dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, reactivity, and major life transitions. These are not controlled, ideal training scenarios, they are real-world situations that require time, structure, and trust to navigate successfully.

Many of these dogs came with little to no training history, while others needed support rebuilding confidence and learning how to safely interact with people and other dogs. Working through these challenges has strengthened my ability to assess behavior, adjust training plans, and support dogs at every stage of their development.

Foster Dogs and Real-World Experience

Each foster dog brings a different story, different needs, and different challenges. These experiences continue to shape how I approach training, giving me a deeper understanding of how behavior develops and how to support lasting change in a way that is realistic for both the dog and the owner.
This hands-on experience allows me to better support clients working through fear, reactivity, and adjustment challenges with their own dogs, using methods that prioritize trust, safety, and long-term success.

Over the last 9 years I have been fostering through the Arizona Humane Society.  Prior to that I was a volunteer at a Duluth, MN Humane Society and also fostered with Canine Cupids in Milwaukee, WI.

Professional Credentials, Standards, and Continuing Education

Dog training is an unregulated industry, which means anyone can call themselves a trainer regardless of education or experience. Because of that, choosing a trainer who follows established professional standards and continues their education is critical.

Kristie is committed to maintaining a high level of professionalism through ongoing learning, ethical training practices, and active involvement in respected industry organizations.

She is a member of organizations including the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Pet Professional Guild, IAABC Foundation, IACP, and Pet Sitters International. These organizations emphasize professional dog training, continuing education, and ethical responsibility to both dogs and their owners.

*  Member of APDT, Pet Professional Guild, IAABC Foundation, IACP, and PSI
*  AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy & Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
*  Licensed, bonded, and insured professional dog trainer & pet care provider
*  Ongoing continuing education in dog training, dog behavior & pet care
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 is a professional member of the IACP, the international association of canine professionals.
Kristie Halverson, FurBabies & Friends, positive reinforcement dog trainer, is part of the Pet Training Science Alliance.
Kristie Halverson is an approved AKC Star Puppy and CGC Evaluator.
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 is a proud member of Pet Sitters International.
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.
While dog training certifications can vary and are not required in the industry, Kristie prioritizes real-world experience, continued education, and proven results with clients. Her focus is on applying evidence-based methods that work in everyday life, not just in controlled training environments.

She continues to pursue advanced education and professional development opportunities to further strengthen her knowledge and skillset via industry conferences, online learning, & a network of mentors.

What It’s Like to Work With Kristie

Dog training should feel clear, supportive, and achievable, not overwhelming or confusing.

Whether you’re starting with a new puppy, working through reactivity, or building reliable obedience skills, Kristie focuses on creating a structured plan that fits your dog, your lifestyle, and your goals.

When working together, clients can expect:

*  A customized training plan tailored to your dog and your specific goals
*  Step-by-step guidance with clear expectations and practical exercises
*  Real-world training that prepares your dog for everyday environments
*  Support and communication throughout the training and pet care process
*  A focus on long-term success, building a trusting relationship, not quick fixes or temporary results

Training is not just about what happens during a session. It’s about what happens between sessions, at home, on walks, and in everyday life. Kristie works closely with clients to ensure they understand the process, feel confident applying the techniques, and can continue building progress long after formal training ends.

This approach works best for clients who are willing to be consistent, engaged, and committed to the process, because lasting results require participation, not just instruction.

Not sure where to start? The first step is a professional dog training evaluation or complimentary pet care meet and greet to create a clear plan moving forward.

Ready to Build a Better Relationship With Your Dog and Confident Care You Can Trust?

Choosing the right professional matters. You’re not just investing in dog training, you’re trusting someone with your pet’s behavior, daily care, and overall well-being.

With over 200 5-star reviews, multiple local awards, and years of hands-on experience, Kristie has built FurBabies & Friends into a trusted, full-service pet care company serving Glendale and the Phoenix West Valley.

Recognized & Trusted in the Community

Furbabies & Friends 2025 Glendale Community Votes Platnuim Winner for Dog Training in Glendale, AZ.
Furbabies & Friends 2025 Glendale Community Votes Platinum Winner for Dog Kennels in Glendale, AZ.
Furbabies & Friends 2025 Glendale Community Votes Gold Winner for Pet Sitters in Glendale, AZ.
Furbabies & Friends 2025 Glendale Community Votes Gold Winner for Dog Grooming in Glendale, AZ.
Furbabies & Friends 2024 Glendale, AZ Community Votes Platinum Winner Dog Training.
Furbabies & Friends 2024 Glendale, AZ Community Votes Platinum Winner Dog Kennels.
Furbabies & Friends 2024 Glendale, AZ Community Votes Platinum Winner Pet Sitters
Furbabies & Friends 2024 Glendale, AZ Community Votes Gold Winner Dog Grooming.
Backed by real client results, professional standards, and community recognition.

From puppy training and behavior support to pet sitting, dog walking, and grooming, every service is designed to provide consistent, reliable care rooted in trust, communication, and real-world experience.

Whether you’re looking to improve your dog’s behavior, find dependable care while you’re away, or create a more structured routine, the first step is understanding your dog’s needs and building a plan that works for your lifestyle.

Serving Glendale, Peoria, and the Phoenix West Valley with professional dog training and full-service pet care.
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FurBabies & Friends
    Phone #
(623) 715-4777
6339 W. Tonopah Dr.
Glendale, AZ  85308