Meet Respectful K9's Head Trainer, Alina

My inspiration for becoming a dog trainer and behavior consultant

I have been an animal lover all of my life. I’ve never met a dog I didn’t love!

I also had never had a dog with behavior challenges before Chloe. Chloe was a “Dorkie” (yep that’s a thing!) She was a Dachshund/Yorkie mix. Full of love, energy and well, some issues. She became fear reactive toward all dogs after being attacked by a large dog.

I wanted desperately to help her but did not know how. I began doing research on how to help but it did not seem like enough information because there seemed to be other issues to address as well. She became my inspiration to become a dog trainer and most importantly a behavior consultant.

I wanted to know why things were happening so that I could find ways to help her. I then saw the need of many shelters and rescues that had dogs in similar and much worse situations than Chloe’s that needed help.

I decided I wanted to help those dogs feel better, more confident and learn to be well mannered so they could find their forever homes and know the love and security of having a home and family of their own!  Chloe passed in 2019 and is at the rainbow bridge now.  I continue my mission to help dogs in need of assistance, that are misunderstood or just need some help learning how to live and coexist in our human world.  I do it with kindness, compassion and love, all in her honor.  I hope she is proud of the work I do and the dogs and families I help.  

My background

I became a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant through the Misha May Foundation and recently completed the Dog Trainer Program through the Karen Pryor Academy, Professional Dog Trainer Certification.  

I am a huge proponent of continuing studies and am always working toward improving my knowledge and skills. If you want to learn more about my background and continuing education, I welcome you to review my curriculum vitae.