Eileen Koval, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
I am an avid dog trainer, dog sports enthusiast, and proponent of relationship-based training -- building a deep personal bond with your dog by learning to clearly communicate to your dog what behaviors you WANT, not only what you don't want. My husband and I have three Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes (Bones, Beowulf, and Gilgamesh) that we enjoy training and competing with in dog sports, including agility and Barnhunt. I am third-party board certified by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). I previously taught agility classes at Doggrrrcise Agility, LLC. I previously served as a board member and Membership Outreach Committee Chair for the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA (AKC parent club), assisted A Path 4 Paws rescue group as a trainer/consultant, and volunteered at the Nevada SPCA.
I have a Master's of Science degree from the University of Arkansas's College of Engineering, and a Bachelor's of Arts from Northern Kentucky University Department of History and Geography. I am continuously enrolled in courses on ethology, behavior, health, and other dog behavior training with internationally renown behavior consultants and veterinary behaviorists to further my expertise in this field. I have also successfully completed Michael Shikashio's Aggression in Dogs Master Course.
Here are some recent continuing education courses I have completed on dog training and behavior:
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Aggression in Puppies -- Trish King, CDBC, CPDT-KA
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Bully Breeds -- Trish King, CDBC, CPDT-KA
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Ethology, Body Language & Observational Skills -- Amber L. Drake, EdD (ABD), Ed.S, M.Ed., BSc
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Canine Behavior Consulting Skills Best Practices - Chris Redenbach, CDBC, CBCC-KA
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Health, Development, & Life Stages - Dr. Amy Pike, DVM, DACVB
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Anatomy and Physiology -- Rachel Tiessen, RVT, BSc
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Canine Core Conditioning & Warm-ups/Cool Downs -- Kelly Straub, MPT, CCRP, APT
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Aggression in Dogs Master Course -- Michael Shikashio, CDBC
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Livestock Guardian Dogs -- Erin Williams, CPDT-KA
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Facilitating Safe and “Healthy” Dog Play in Shelters - Mara Velez
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Intro to Behavior Medications -- Dr. Jennifer Summerfield, DVM
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“Come!” The Art and Science of Recall Training -- Chrissi Schranz
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Concept Training: An Introduction & Overview -- Ken Ramirez, KPA-CTP
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Outdated, Outmoded and Misunderstood Behavior Science -- Dr. Susan Friedman, Ph.D
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Navigating Difficult Conversations -- Dr. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC
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Dog Bite Interpretation – Evidence and Behavior -- Jim Crosby, CBCC-KA
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Using the Control Unleashed Pattern Games -- Leslie McDevitt, CDBC, CPDT-KA
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Advanced Platform Training – Beyond the Basics -- Michele Pouliot
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Modifying Resource Guarding Behavior -- Michael Shikashio, CDBC
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The Play Way: Therapeutic Help for Fear, Anxiety and Stress -- Dr. Amy Cook, Ph.D, CDBC, CPDT-KA
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The Science of Semiochemicals -- Dr. Valarie Tynes, DVM, DACVB
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Loopy Agility Training -- Megan Foster
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Enrichment for Geriatric Dogs and Cats: Discovering the Fountain of Youth -- Steve Dale, CABC
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Desensitization and Counterconditioning -- Nancy Tucker, CDBC, CPDT-KA
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Anatomy of Attention -- Suzanne Clothier
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Impulsivity and Hyperactivity -- Dr. Kristina Spaulding, Ph.D, CAAB
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I became interested in advanced dog training and behavioral work years ago when our eldest dog, Bones, began to suffer from severe fear issues, including noise phobias. I realized that behavioral issues like these were common reasons why people surrender their dogs to shelters, but these issues often CAN be successfully addressed. We were lucky to find a wonderful dog behavior consultant who helped us address these issues. This experience piqued my interest in understanding canine psychology and learning theory. I continue to take classes and network with other respected behavior consultants to maintain working knowledge of the newest techniques and ideas on canine psychology and learning.
I help clients communicate more effectively with their dogs to solve issues, whether it is motivating and training a new puppy in the basics of obedience; working with fear-aggressive dogs; destructive or problem behaviors in the home; or helping an agility team smooth out communication on the course to reach that next level of achievement.
Let me help you build a deeper, more brilliant relationship with your dog...today!

This hierarchy model was presented in a Raising Canine telecourse by Dr. Susan Friedman, psychology professor at Utah State University.