More than 15 years of professional animal care and training experience, shaped by science-led methods, high-touch client care, and a deep commitment to welfare.
About Courtney
More than 15 years of professional animal care and training experience, shaped by science-led methods, high-touch client care, and a deep commitment to welfare.
Courtney at a Glance
Years of professional animal care and training experience
Least invasive, functionally effective methods centered on welfare
Humane behavior support built around calm learning and trust
Professional Credentials
Courtney’s certifications, memberships, and continuing education support a practical, welfare-centered approach to dogs and the people who love them.
After graduating from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management in 2011, Courtney built a foundation in wildlife rescue, zoo care, and animal management through volunteer work, internships, and employment with respected organizations in Texas and Louisiana. Before, during, and after college, she also worked in restaurants, developing the kind of high-quality customer service experience that still shapes the way she supports clients today.
In May 2014, she began her professional dog training career and has not looked back since.
2014-2015: Petco Dog Trainer
2015-2016: Petco Dog Training District Mentor
2016: All Fur Fun Dog Sports Facility
2016-2018: Started Wag Works, Home For Hounds at Dallas County Jail, Camp Bow Wow Dog Trainer & Staff Education
2018-2019: PetCoach Services Manager
2019-2020: Wag Works, Carlsbad Pet & Feed, Rover, Dogs on the Run
2020-2022: Dogs Abound Training Manager
2022-2025: Alcala Country Pet Resort Training Manager
Current: Wag Works Dog Behavior & Training, Dogs on the Run
Certified Behavior Consultant Canine via CCPDT (pending)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed via CCPDT
Certified Family Dog Mediator via Kim Brophey’s L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Course
Fear Free™ Certified Professional (trainer, groomer, daycare/boarding)
Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Certified Trick Dog Instructor via Do More with Your Dog
Supporting Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Courtney continuously seeks collaboration with other high quality pet care companies to provide local pet communities with the highest quality education and support possible. She spends countless hours learning, practicing, and teaching least invasive, functionally effective (LIFE) training methods with a heavy emphasis on optimizing overall welfare. She regularly attends seminars, workshops, conferences, and webinars led by top industry professionals in order to provide clients with the most up-to-date advice and information available.
With positive reinforcement as the foundation, Courtney is passionate about educating clients and other pet care professionals on least invasive, functionally effective (LIFE) training methods and management practices. With a strong emphasis on overall welfare, she specializes in optimizing early development in puppies and supporting moderate to severe behavioral challenges stemming from fear, anxiety, and stress.
She is a proud advocate for errorless learning that uses thoughtful environmental management, fulfillment of individual needs, and positive reinforcement exercises to create lasting behavioral change.
“Errors are not necessary for learning to occur. Errors are not a function of learning or vice versa nor are they blamed on the learner. Errors are a function of poor analysis of behavior, a poorly designed shaping program, moving too fast from step to step in the program, and the lack of the prerequisite behavior necessary for success in the program.”B.F. Skinner, The Technology of Teaching, 1968
With her own dogs, Ted and Zeke, Courtney has dabbled in trick titles, obedience, and nose work. Her pack later grew to include her husband’s dogs, Lily and Karma, as well as their human addition, Sage, born in February 2022. Together they enjoy getting out in nature, hiking, camping, and traveling as often as they can.