Call: (623) 715-4777
Email: [email protected]
Blog
FurBabies & Friends pink heart with a paw print logoKristie Halverson, professional dog training in Glendale, AZ is a proud member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Glendale, AZ with FurBabies & Friends

Looking for expert help with dog obedience training, leash reactivity, or puppy training in Glendale or the Phoenix West Valley? FurBabies & Friends offers custom force free dog training led by Kristie Halverson, a trusted local trainer with 20+ years of experience. Regardless if you’re dealing with everyday challenges or building your puppy’s foundation, our programs use reward-based methods that create lasting results.

Our dog training services include:

*  Private in-home puppy & dog training
*  Group obedience classes
* Puppy socialization & manners
*  Leash reactivity & leash manners programs
*  Day training and board & train options

Start with a personalized in-home evaluation to build your dog's custom training roadmap.
Do Not Wait - Schedule Your Evaluation Now
Kristie Halverson, FurBabies & Friends dog trainer, signed the shock collar free dog training pledge.Kristie Halverson, positive reinforcement dog trainer in Glendale, AZ.A positive reinforcement dog trainer lives by the mantra of no pain, no force, and no fear.FurBabies & Friends dog trainer Kristie Halverson does not use shock collars, choke collars, or prong collars for training.

Welcome to FurBabies & Friends Dog Training Services in Glendale, AZ

FurBabies & Friends trainer uses a force free, positive reinforcement dog training approach.

Building Confident, Well Behaved Dog Through Positive Reinforcement

At FurBabies & Friends, we believe good dogs are made through trust, never punishment. Our lead trainer and founder, Kristie, is a force free dog trainer that takes a positive reinforcement training approach, approach rooted in science, compassion, and real-life results. Above all, our programs span everything from early puppy training to advanced obedience and reactivity work.

So, whether you’re raising a new pup or trying to resolve frustrating behavior, we build a program just for you. Most importantly, you’ll gain practical tools that work in your daily routine, without ever needing prong collars, choke chains, or shock devices.

Why Choose Kristie Halverson for Puppy & Dog Obedience Training?

Trusted Local Trainer Committed to Compassionate, Custom Support

Kristie Halverson is the head trainer and owner of FurBabies & Friends. She is well-known across Glendale and the Phoenix West Valley for her calm, intuitive style and deep knowledge of dog behavior. Jokingly, clients often call her “the dog whisperer,” and for good reason, she meets every pet and parent with kindness, clarity and a deep understanding of canine behavior.

Key Differentiators of Kristie:  

*  7+ years of professional dog training experience
*  Member of PPG, IAABC Foundation, IACP, and APDT
*  Approved AKC STAR Puppy & CGC Evaluator
*  Over 70 foster dogs and 20 years in rescue
*  Thousands of local training clients helped
*  Leash reactivity & puppy training specialist

For these reasons, if your dog’s behavior feels overwhelming or your relationship is struggling, reach out to Kristie for help.   In the end, she will identify, address, and solve your issues ensuring your feel heard, supported, and understood.

Our Dog Training Process & Evaluation

Step-by-Step Guidance That Sets You Up for Success

Before we begin, it's important to understand that every dog is different. Due to this, before any training begins, Kristie prefers to start the process with a 60-minute in-home evaluation designed to understand your pet’s behavior and your household’s unique routine. The evaluation costs $75, and we apply $50 toward future training if you choose to proceed.

During the visit, Kristie will:

*  First, observe your dog’s body language, temperament, and routine
*  Second, discuss your goals and concerns in detail
*  Third, prioritize behavior challenges and build a training plan
*  Fourth, review your lifestyle and recommend the best-fit training services

After the session, you’ll receive a written plan with pricing, suggested programs, and realistic next steps. Unquestionably, you’ll know exactly what to expect before moving forward.
➡️ Ready to get started?

Schedule Your Evaluation Now

Positive Puppy Training Services

Start Your Puppy Off Right With Positive Foundations

Raising a puppy is exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, FurBabies & Friends makes it easier with tailored puppy training programs rooted in positive reinforcement. Every session builds confidence, trust, and early learning habits by a positive reinforcement,  force free dog trainer who's methods are both humane and effective.

It's important to note that our gentle approach teaches puppies how to navigate the world with curiosity and good manners. From leash handling and potty training to crate comfort and early socialization, we help lay the groundwork for a happy, balanced dog.

In-Home Private Puppy Training
4 Sessions - $450

In the beginning, puppy training sessions take place in your home, where your puppy feels safe and ready to learn. As training progresses, we can customize training focus based on a puppy's age, breed, personality, and/or your family's needs.

*  Humanization don'ts & a puppy's foundational learning process
*  Proper socialization, experiences, & exposure
*  Outlets for both physical & mental stimulation
*  Housebreaking & potty training
*  Crate training, setting a schedule, & avoiding separation anxiety
*  Nipping, biting, & enforcing soft mouth/no bite
*  Tactics to avoid resource guarding including "Leave It" & "Drop"
*  Appropriate introduction to walking & grooming tools
*  Early leash walking skills & structure
*  Body handling for grooming and vet care
*  Name game for recall training

Best yet, every training program includes a printed training guide and FREE training treat bag
Curious For More Details then Visit Our Puppy Training Page

Puppy Day Training
 4 Weeks - $900

Busy schedule? Let Kristie handle the early steps! With our Perfect Puppy Day Training program, your pup receives lessons 3x/week while you’re at work. Then, each week ends with a personalized family review.

This program:

*  Covers all topics from in-home puppy training
*  Adds outings, confidence-building, and polite greetings
*  Gently introduces leash walking, basic cues, and social play
*  Builds structure and reduces unwanted behavior before it starts

🧸 Best for puppies aged 14 weeks to 8 months

Group Puppy Classes (Coming Soon)

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Group Class (6 Weeks) - $250

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class builds strong behavior habits while supporting healthy development. It’s ideal for puppies under 1 year old who are just beginning their training journey.  

Your pup will learn:

*  Sit, down, stay, and polite greetings
*  Confidence during vet and grooming handling
*  Potty training and crate comfort
*  Calm behavior around people and pets
*  Early leash walking and recall basics

What's more, is that Kristie, an approved AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator, will administer the official test at the final class. Passing puppies receive an AKC certificate and become eligible for CGC training.

Review Upcoming Classes

Start Date Start Time End Time Event Name # of Classes
September 27, 2025 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 9/27/25 AKC STAR Puppy Group Training Class 6
November 8, 2025 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 11/8/25 AKC STAR Puppy Group Training Class 6
January 3, 2026 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 1/3/26 AKC STAR Puppy Group Training Class 6
February 21, 2026 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 2/21/26 AKC STAR Puppy Group Training Class 6
Check Out Facebook for Upcoming Puppy Training ClassesVisit Our Training Classes & Events Calendar
Pitbull with dog obedience training graduation cap for FurBabies & Friends group classes or private in-home dog training around Glendale, AZ.Katie the Golden Doodle Puppy during some Puppy Basic Training in Scottsdale, AZDelaney the black pug celebrates graduation from beginner group dog obedience class with FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, Az.

Hourly Private In-Home Dog Training

Flexible Training Focused on Your Dog’s Specific Needs

Occasionally, you only need help with one or two behaviors. For that reason, we offer hourly private dog training sessions designed around your specific concerns and your dog’s lifestyle. No matter if you’re addressing leash pulling, confidence building, or preparation for a new baby, Kristie’s one-on-one sessions provide focused support with real results.

For added flexibility, each session takes place at your home or location of choice. After a quick phone call or in-home evaluation, Kristie will recommend the right approach for your dog’s age, energy, and environment.

Common Topics We Can Cover

*  Socialization & confidence-building strategies
*  Walking manners & leash walking techniques for pulling or distraction
*  Counter surfing & destructive behavior management
*  Vet visit & car travel anxiety reduction
*  Jumping on guests or excessive barking
*  Obedience skills like “Stay,” “Come,” and polite greetings
*  New baby introductions or family transitions

To sum up, these sessions are also perfect for owners who want to try in-home dog training before committing to a multi-session package.

Pricing & Packages for Hourly Dog Training Assistance

*  Single session: $130/hour
*  4 sessions: $450
*  6 sessions: $675
*  8 sessions: $900
*  12 sessions: $1300

In short, no matter what challenge you're facing, our private dog training sessions give you tailored strategies, expert guidance, and compassionate support. What are you waiting for, let’s work together to build lasting behavior changes that improve life for both you and your dog.
Kristie, positive reinforcement dog trainer in Glendale, AZ, teaching her dog Stella how to dance.Kristie training her XL Bully the Stay Cue.Kristie Halverson, a force free dog trainer in Glendale, AZ, training her XL bully Baloo to heel.

Find Dog Obedience Training Option That Is Right For You & Your Furbaby

Build Everyday Manners with Positive, In Home Dog Obedience Training

Are you embarrassed by your dogs behaviors be it jumping on guests, pulling on walks, or ignoring basic cues?  Look no further as our dog obedience training programs can help. With a wide variety of dog training services, Kristie offers in-home and group dog obedience training packages that create clear communication and respectful behavior between dogs and their people. Most important to note, is that because sessions take place in your home, your dog learns in a familiar environment with fewer distractions, making it easier to learn & succeed.

Explicitly, each program is built around force-free, reward-based training, and every skill is taught with your family’s goals in mind.  What's more is you’ll also receive a step-by-step training guide and a FREE training treat bag to keep things on track between sessions.
Want More Details About Our Dog Obedience Training, Click Here

At Home Dog Obedience Training Pricing

Beginning Obedience (4 sessions): $450
     >  Sit, Down, Stand, Watch, Off (people & things), Stay & Release, Come, & Leash Manners

Intermediate Obedience (4 sessions): $450
     >  Place & Release, Heel & Reel, Front, Middle, Touch, Wait, Pivot, Back, Back Up, Orbit, Weave, Spin, Twirl, Off Leash Recall, Focused Heeling & Advanced Leash Walking with Directional Changes

Advanced Obedience (4 sessions): $450
     >  Coming Fall 2025

Without further ado, let’s help your dog become a well-mannered member of the family, right in the comfort of your home.

Group Dog Obedience Training Classes

Train Together. Learn Together. Succeed Together.

Searching for group dog obedience training in Glendale that uses force free, positive reinforcement methods? Search no father as our group dog obedience training classes help dogs and pet parents learn together in a fun, supportive environment. Another key point and differentiator is that each class focuses on real-life skills out in the real world improving your dogs behavior in total.

To point out, all dog obedience training sessions include step-by-step guidance, hand signals, a detailed training guide, and plenty of encouragement. In fact, group training also offers a safe space to work around distractions while deepening your bond with your pup and increasing their socialization and exposure to people, places and things.

Dog Obedience Class Levels

Level 1 Obedience Group Class  (8 sessions) - $350
     > Sit, Down, Stand, Watch, Off (people & things), Stay & Release, Come, & Leash Manners

Level 2 Intermediate Obedience Group Class (8 sessions) - $350
     > Place & Release, Heel & Reel, Front, Middle, Touch, Wait, Pivot, Back, Back Up, Orbit, Weave, Spin, Twirl, Off Leash Recall, Focused Heeling & Advanced Leash Walking with Directional Changes

Level 3 Advanced Obedience Group Class (8 sessions) - $350
     > Expect Fall 2025

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Group Class (6 Weeks) - $250
Want your dog to earn a nationally recognized behavior title? This 6-week class prepares your dog to pass the AKC CGC test, administered during the final session by Kristie, an approved evaluator. Dogs will master 10 polite behavior skills to demonstrate they’re well-mannered in public and at home.

Skills include:

*  Calm grooming and handling
*  Reliable recall and stay
*  Polite leash walking through crowds
*  Friendly greetings with people and dogs
*  Separation and distraction tolerance

Passing dogs earn their CGC title and become eligible for advanced AKC training programs.

Added Bonus: Every group class purchase includes one free retake of the same class in a future session, perfect for reinforcement!

Quick Overview of Upcoming Classes

Start Date Start Time End Time Event Name # of Classes
September 27, 2025 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9/27/25 Beginner Obedience & Manners Group Dog Training Class 8
September 27, 2025 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 9/27/25 Intermediate Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
October 25, 2025 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 10/25/25 Intermediate Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
October 25, 2025 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 10/25/25 Beginner Obedience & Manners Group Dog Training Class 8
January 3, 2026 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 1/3/26 Beginner Obedience & Manners Group Dog Training Class 8
January 3, 2026 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 1/3/26 Intermediate Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
January 3, 2026 12:30 PM 1:30 PM 1/3/26 Advanced Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
February 28, 2026 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 2/28/26 Beginner Obedience & Manners Group Dog Training Class 8
February 28, 2026 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 2/28/26 Advanced Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
February 28, 2026 12:30 PM 1:30 PM 2/28/26 Intermediate Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
Start Date Start Time End Time Event Name # of Classes
September 27, 2025 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 9/27/25 AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class & Test 6
January 3, 2026 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 1/3/26 AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class & Test 6
April 11, 2026 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 4/11/26 AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class & Test 6
Go To Facebook to View Upcoming Dog Training ClassesView Our Training Classes & Events Calendar
Molly the hound mix was so excited to wear her graduation cap after completing beginner dog obedience training class with Furbabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ.XL Bully Simba posing for a dog obedience training photo shoot.Golden retriever Luna leaped for joy after graduating intermediate dog obedience training class with FurBabies & Friends in Peoria, AZ.

Leash Reactivity Training & Leash Walking Assistance

Take Back the Walk .... One Step at a Time

Does your dog pull on walks, react to distractions, or make outdoor time stressful? You’re not alone. As a matter of fact, many pet parents face these challenges. Given that, we offer two structured leash training programs using only force free dog training techniques. For what ever the reason be it becoming easily distracted or deeply reactive, we’ve got solutions that work.

Perfect Exercise Pal – Leash Manners Program 
2 Weeks – $350

This two-week leash training program is perfect for dogs who pull, zig-zag, or ignore cues during walks. 

Key Focus Areas:  

*  Loose leash walking techniques
*  Engagement and focus in mild distractions
*  Establishing walk structure and redirection cues

In total, your dog receives seven walk-and-train sessions with Kristie, plus weekly reviews with your family. This helps everyone stay consistent and successful. If you're struggling with leash pulling or general walk frustration, this program offers immediate, manageable improvement.

Generally, this is an ideal program for dogs without major reactivity but who still need guidance and structure when walking.

UnReactive Rover – Leash Reactivity Training
 4 Weeks - $900

If your dog lunges, barks, or spins at the sight of other dogs, people, or moving objects, leash reactivity may be the root cause. This four-week intensive leash reactivity training program provides expert support through:

*  Threshold management and trigger recognition
*  Counter-conditioning and desensitization exercises
*  Confidence building with positive reinforcement

For clarification, each week includes three structured training walks plus a full family coaching session. To emphasize, this program is designed to help both you and your dog feel safer and more confident on every walk. It’s not just leash reactivity training, it’s a mindset shift.

Friday Night Pack Walk & Socialization Events - $10

Struggling to find for real-world leash reactivity training or leash manners practice with guided support from a pro? Well, your wait is over.  Join our Friday Night Pack Walks, open to all pet parents working on leash manners or socialization. 

Structured group walks help you:

*  Practice leash skills around other dogs
*  Safely build social confidence
*  Get hands-on coaching from Kristie

📍 Held during fall and spring at various Phoenix West Valley parks
🕡 Time: Fridays, 6:30pm–7:30pm
💬 Locations and RSVP info: Check our Facebook Events Page

Overview of Upcoming Pack Walks

Start Date Start Time End Time Event Name Address
October 3, 2025 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 10/3/25 Friday Night Group Dog Walk 83rd Ave and Bethany Home Road
Glendale, AZ 85303
United States
October 10, 2025 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 10/10/25 Friday Night Group Dog Walk 17642 N 40th St
Phoenix, AZ 85032
United States
October 17, 2025 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 10/17/25 Friday Night Group Dog Walk 6339 W Tonopah Dr
Glendale, AZ 85308
United States
October 24, 2025 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 10/24/25 Friday Night Group Dog Walk Rio Vista Skate Park
Rio Vista Community Park
Peoria, AZ 85381
United States
October 31, 2025 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 10/31/25 Friday Night Group Dog Walk - Halloween Costume Contest 8755 N 83rd Ave
Pionner Community Park Off-Leash Dog Park
Peoria, AZ 85345
United States
November 7, 2025 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 11/7/25 Friday Night Group Dog Walk 6477 West Tonopah Dr
Glendale, AZ 85308
United States
November 14, 2025 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 11/14/25 Friday Night Group Dog Walk 19055 57th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85308
United States
November 21, 2025 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 11/21/25 Friday Night Group Dog Walk 7130 W Potter Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
United States
November 28, 2025 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 11/28/25 Friday Night Group Dog Walk - Dress Your Thanksgiving Best 8742 W Mescal St
Peoria, AZ 85345
United States
December 5, 2025 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 12/5/25 Friday Night Group Dog Walk 9961 N 63rd Ave
Sahuaro Ranch Dog Park
Glendale, AZ 85302
United States
Fall & Spring Pack Walk Events on FaceBookSign up for A Pack Walk in Our Training Classes & Events Calendar
Glendale, AZ Best Dog Walkers Pet Sitters Services with Affordable PricesDog leash reactivity training for 3 huskies by Kristie, a positive reinforcement trainer in Glendale, AZ.Leash training help around Glendale, AZ by force free trainer Kristie to help you walk multiple dogs at one time.

Day Training & Board & Train Options

Professional Results Without the Time Crunch

Not everyone has the time or energy to train their dog consistently, and that’s okay. Which is why our day training and board and train programs offer immersive learning solutions for busy families. Altogether, Kristie handles the daily work while keeping you involved with weekly updates and coaching.

Delightful Dog
6 Week Day Training Program - $1250

For dogs 7 months and older needing better obedience and manners, this program blends structure, real-world exposure, and foundational training.

Your dog will learn:

*  Sit, stand, watch, down, stay & release, come, and recall
*  Front door etiquette and polite greetings
*  Basic leash walking skills
*  Confidence through social outings

✅ 3 trainer-led sessions per week
✅ Weekly family reviews to support learning
✅ All done using force free dog training methods

This option is perfect for dogs who need structure and consistency, but whose owners need flexibility and a little extra help getting their dog to be as delightful as they know she can be!

Perfect Pooch
10 Week Day Training Program - $2250

Would you like a dog you can confidently bring anywhere? This advanced day training program builds reliability under distraction and prepares your pup for additional freedom.

Over 10 weeks, your dog will master:

*  High compliances with basic cues, heel & reel, place & a few more
*  Leash manners in high-distraction areas
*  Obedience around strangers, crowds, and other dogs
*  Etiquette for public settings like patios, parks, or cafés

Includes 3 training sessions per week and 6 weekly family reviews to ensure consistency. This program is ideal for pet parents wanting the total package without having to manage it all themselves.

Immersive Board & Train Program
2 Weeks - $2500

Prefer to have your dog trained while staying with the trainer? Our board and train program offers round-the-clock structure and support in Kristie’s home environment.

Your dog receives:

*  Daily personalized training (90 minutes per day)
*  Constant supervision and home-based structure
*  Social exposure with Kristie’s well-trained demo dogs
*  A full handoff session to teach YOU what your dog learned

This immersive option accelerates progress and is great for dogs needing a reset or jump-start in behavior.
Columbus the Great Pyrenees Mix learned a lot during his Delightful Dog Day Training Program.Brie, the mixed breed, benefitted from the extra socialization, exposure and obedience training during FurBabies & Friends Dog Board and Train Program.Henry the labradoodle excelled throughout his Perfect Pooch Dog Day Training Program with FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ.

Specialty Dog Training Services

Targeted Help for Unique Training Goals

Every dog has a different story—and some need support beyond basic obedience. Our specialty dog training programs are designed for those looking to address specific challenges, improve behavior in real-world situations, or simply build new skills together.

Each of these specialty dog training programs is taught by Kristie Halverson, a positive reinforcement dog trainer in Glendale, AZ, with years of experience solving real-world behavior challenges.

Trick Training
3 Private Sessions- $375

Wanting to boost your dog’s confidence while having fun? Trick training offers mental enrichment, a deeper bond, and reinforcement of obedience foundations.

Tricks include:

*  Sit pretty
*  Shake, spin, twirl
*  Crawl, bow, and roll over
*  Your choice

Confidence-building games are also integrated, making this perfect for shy or nervous dogs learning to trust.

Intro to Tricks & Freestyle Foundations Classes 
4 Sessions - $150

4-week in-person course is designed for dogs who have completed basic obedience training and are ready to learn 10 fun beginner-friendly tricks. Classes meet weekly at a West Valley park in Phoenix, AZ. We use force-free, positive reinforcement methods only, no choke collars, prong collars, scolding, or any aversive tools (only treats, praise, and clickers!). Trick training is a low-pressure, high-fun way to bond with your dog and provide mental enrichment.

Tricks include:

*  Wait
*  Touch
*  Middle
*  Orbit & Around
*  Weave/Figure 8
*  Spin & Twirl
*  Sit pretty
*  Rollover
*  Bow

Confidence-building games are also integrated, making this perfect for shy or nervous dogs learning to trust.

Door Manners & Threshold Control 
3 Sessions - $375 

If your dog gets overstimulated when someone knocks or darts out the door, this program creates calm, controlled responses using force-free behavior modification.

Topics for Training include: 

*  Calm behavior at doorbells and knocks
*  Boundary control at doors and thresholds
*  Polite greetings and impulse regulation

You’ll gain tools to help your dog stay grounded when excitement strikes while WOWING guests!

New Dog Introductions
3 Sessions - $375

Bringing home a second dog or introducing a new puppy to your current pack? A smooth start can make all the difference. Our structured, safe dog introduction service helps prevent tension and sets everyone up for long-term harmony.

Areas of Focus:  

*  Temperament evaluations
*  Step-by-step introductions in a neutral, supervised space
*  Real-time guidance and follow-up support

Safe introductions reduce conflict and lay the groundwork for a peaceful multi-dog household.
Start Date Start Time End Time Event Name # of Classes
September 27, 2025 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 9/27/25 Beginner Tricks & Freestyle Foundations Group Class 4
November 22, 2025 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11/22/25 Intermediate Tricks Group Class 4
February 21, 2026 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 2/21/26 Beginner Tricks & Freestyle Foundations Group Class 4
March 21, 2026 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 3/21/26 Intermediate Tricks Group Class 4
Three dogs sitting together after successful Dog Introduction Assistance help from positive reinforcement trainer, Kristie Halverson, with Furbabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ.Doorbell desensitization and boundary training is one of the specialty dog training services offered by Kristie Halverson, a force free dog trainer with FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ. Mini aussie Sidi mastered all of her dog training tricks, which were captured during a dog photoshoot.

RESPPPECT Training Philosophy & Kristie’s Credentials& Awards

Force Free Training Backed by Ethics and Expertise

As a force free dog trainer, Kristie Halverson believes that training should never rely on fear or intimidation. Instead, she uses the RESPPPECT framework—a guiding philosophy that stands for:

Reward. Exercise. Socialize. Positive. Punctual. Patient. Energy. Consistent. Trust.

These values shape every session and create lasting change built on mutual understanding.

 Why Force Free & Positive Reinforcement?

Force free methods rely on science and compassion.  The dog trainer at FurBabies & Friends, Kristie, never uses tools like prong collars, shock collars, or choke chains. Instead, she focuses on building trust through:

*  Rewards-based learning & positive motivation
*  Clear, consistent communication
*  Confidence-building without punishment
*  Safe emotional environments for dogs to learn

When dogs feel respected and understood, they thrive, and so does your relationship with them.
Scientific research proves this method not only enhances obedience but also supports your dog’s mental and emotional well-being.

Professional Credentials of Dog Trainer Kristie Halverson

To provide industry-leading dog training services, Kristie maintains active memberships in top dog training organizations and commits to ongoing education.

She is a proud member of:

*  Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
*  Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
*  International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC Foundation)
*  International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
*  Pet Sitters International (PSI)

In addition, she’s also an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, offering these nationally recognized programs throughout Glendale and Phoenix.

Furthermore, Kristie signed the No Shock Collar Pledge, guaranteeing your dog will be treated with the care and compassion they deserve, every time.  As a positive reinforcement dog trainer in Glendale, AZ, she believes in the motto: no pain, no force, no fear. Instead of aversive tools, Kristie relies on science-based, humane methods, never using shock, prong, or choke collars.

Training Tips for Pet Parents

Support Your Dog’s Progress at Home

Even the best training sessions only go so far without consistency in your daily routine. While Kristie leads with expertise during appointments, the real transformation happens between visits. With the right mindset, your entire family can contribute to lasting success.

Daily Practice Makes the Difference

Every dog learns at their own pace. That’s why reward based dog training works best when paired with short, positive sessions at home.

To stay on track:

*  Practice skills for a few minutes each day
*  Use clear, consistent cues
*  Reinforce good behavior with praise and treats
*  Avoid overloading your dog, keep sessions upbeat and fun

Small wins, celebrated consistently, lead to big results.

Dog Training Homework: What to Expect

After each session, Kristie will assign customized dog training homework based on your dog’s behavior goals. These exercises are designed to fit your schedule and support steady progress.

Some tips for success:

*  Involve the whole family
*  Repeat commands in low-distraction environments first
*  Focus on one behavior at a time
*  Be patient, mastery takes repetition & consistency

Remember: dogs thrive on routine and encouragement. The more you engage, the more they’ll succeed.

Why Family Participation Matters

Training works best when everyone’s on the same page. When each family member uses the same cues, rewards, and boundaries, your dog learns faster and feels more secure.

Benefits of involving the whole household include:

*  Faster progress through consistency
*  Stronger relationships between pets and people
*  Fewer mixed messages or behavior setbacks

Even supervised young children can take part in games and reward-based reinforcement, turning training into a family bonding experience.

Your Commitment to the Training Process

Creating lasting behavior change requires more than lessons, it takes patience, structure, and family-wide commitment. Kristie’s goal is to teach you how to motivate and understand your dog while helping them thrive in your unique home environment.

To get the most from your dog training program:

*  Prioritize physical and mental exercise to reduce excess energy
*  Make schedule adjustments as needed to support consistent training
*  Stay honest about progress, setbacks, and where you need extra help
*  Dogs who receive regular attention, outlets for energy, and clear guidance tend to respond faster and retain skills longer.

Behavior Change Takes Time

While some skills click quickly, others take patience. Dogs, just like people, learn through practice and positive reinforcement. It’s okay to face setbacks. What matters most is that you keep showing up.

It's ok if you get frustrated, Kristie is here to guide, troubleshoot, and cheer you on every step of the way.

Kristie’s Favorite Dog Training Tools & Products

Tried, Tested, and Trainer-Approved Tools for Success

When it comes to choosing the right gear, the options can feel overwhelming. After more than 20 years as a dedicated dog mom, and 7 as a professional force free dog trainer, Kristie has personally tested hundreds of products. As a result, she’s created a trusted list of only the best dog training products that truly deliver results.

These recommendations include tools and supplies that make daily life easier, training more effective, and your dog happier overall.

Go-To Dog Training Tools from Kristie:

*  High-value training treats for different learning levels
*  Puzzle toys and enrichment games for mental stimulation
*  Cleaning products that actually work for pet messes
*  Grooming tools that reduce stress for dogs and owners
*  Safe, effective walking tools to support leash training
*  Calming aids for anxious or nervous pups

So, if you want to train like a pro, these tools are Kristie-tested and pup-approved.

Curious to learn more?
See Kristie's Favorite Dog Products Website

Unable to Assist with Dog to Dog or Dog to Human Aggression

Unfortunately, Kristie does not provide training for human or dog aggression cases. However, she’s happy to refer you to qualified behavior professionals when needed.
SiteLock
Privacy Policy
FurBabies & Friends
    Phone #
(623) 715-4777
6339 W. Tonopah Dr.
Glendale, AZ  85308