Meet the Trainer
Ali Johnson, owner/trainer
Ali has a BS in Biological Sciences and graduated with Distinction (top 15%) from Stanford University. Ali's first word was 'doggie' but despite this, she went on to a PhD program in Biochemistry at Duke University before coming to her senses in 2005. With the world's least efficient Biochemistry Masters degree (but plenty of teaching experience!), she took a job as the dog training program manager for the Animal Protection Society of Orange County in NC. Since then, Ali has not looked back and never been happier. She has earned the title Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) through experience (300 instruction hours required), letters of recommendation, and passing the 4 hour CPDT exam (see ccpdt.com for details). Ali is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, whose vision is to see that "dogs are effectively trained through dog-friendly techniques and therefore are lifelong companions in a relationship based on mutual trust and respect." She shares her home and life with four dogs and a very patient husband.
Ali has a BS in Biological Sciences and graduated with Distinction (top 15%) from Stanford University. Ali's first word was 'doggie' but despite this, she went on to a PhD program in Biochemistry at Duke University before coming to her senses in 2005. With the world's least efficient Biochemistry Masters degree (but plenty of teaching experience!), she took a job as the dog training program manager for the Animal Protection Society of Orange County in NC. Since then, Ali has not looked back and never been happier. She has earned the title Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) through experience (300 instruction hours required), letters of recommendation, and passing the 4 hour CPDT exam (see ccpdt.com for details). Ali is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, whose vision is to see that "dogs are effectively trained through dog-friendly techniques and therefore are lifelong companions in a relationship based on mutual trust and respect." She shares her home and life with four dogs and a very patient husband.
Ali works as a dog adoption counselor at Homeward Pet Adoption Center, teaches group classes at the Humane Society for Seattle/King County and Redmond Parks and Recreation, and gives private and semi-private lessons the rest of the time. Working with and training dogs is not a part time hobby for Ali. She has focused her full attention and energy on learning how to help dogs and people live better together. When you take lessons with Kinship, she will devote her full attention and energy to helping you and your dog reach your goals.
Dog Behavior/Training Seminars Attended
- 9/06 Association of Pet Dog Trainers annual conference
- 5/06 Terry Smorch: Novice and Masters Agility workshop.
- 3/06 Suzanne Clothier: For experienced trainers and shelter staff.
- 12/05 Emma Parsons: Click to Calm
- 9/05 Association of Pet Dog Trainers annual conference
- 6/05 Clean Run Agility Camp
- 5/05 Monical Segal: Canine Nutrition
- 3/05 Suzanne Clothier: If Dogs Could Speak
- 3/05 Mary Ellen Barry: Masters Agility workshop
- 9/04 Nancy Gyes: Novice Agility workshop
- 8/04 Pat Hastings: The Puppy Puzzle, Conformation and Structure
- 9/03 Leslie Nelson: All Positive Classes
- 8/03 Jennifer Merritt: Playing Well with Others, Canine social behavior