Certified Dog Trainers in St. Augustine, Florida

Growing up in Connecticut, Christel Fleming joined the United States Air Force. After 14 years of committed service as a Radiologic Technologist, a medical separation prompted a significant career shift. Driven by her lifelong passion for animals and teaching, Christel combined these interests by becoming a dog trainer. In 2012, she graduated from her initial dog training program and established a business offering private in-home lessons. Seeking further expertise, Christel earned her Canine Training and Behavior Specialist certification from Starmark Academy in 2017. Later that year, she relocated to St. Augustine, Florida, to dedicate her skills to training service dogs for K9s for Warriors, a local non-profit. Within just three years, Christel's talent led to her promotion as Manager of K9 Training. She played a vital role in transforming the organization's training methods from the use of aversive tools to relationship-based approaches, collaborating with Precision Behavior to enhance staff expertise and prioritize canine well-being. During her time as Training Manager, Christel spearheaded the development of several key initiatives: a mentorship program for experienced trainers, a K9 Trainer Apprenticeship Program for new staff, a Prison Program providing inmates with valuable skills, a career progression path to improve trainer retention, and standardized training criteria with incremental testing to ensure consistency. Although she valued the opportunity to enact positive change, Christel missed working directly with dogs. In mid-2022, Christel transitioned from her management role to pursue opportunities that allowed for direct animal interaction and the coaching of training professionals. She holds certifications as a CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CBATI-KA, and FDM.

ABC graduate focusing on basic and advanced obedience. Balanced trainer focusing on positive, reward-based training. Private, in-home sessions, group classes coming in the Fall of 2021.

I am a graduate of Animal Behavior College as well as a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. I do private in-home visits and work with the owner to help solve the dog’s behavior problem(s) using positive reinforcement, patience and leadership techniques. I encourage the use of treats, toys and affection to help motivate the dog and also try to make training entertaining and fun for the dog owner. I work primarily in St. Augustine, Florida but also provide services in the Manistee, Michigan area a few months out of the year. The training equipment I prefer to use are the Control Ease and Holt padded head collars and the Herm Sprenger prong collar. I am very comfortable using these collars and have used them on all three of my dogs. On occasion I offer group classes through local rescues and shelter organizations in St. Augustine, Florida and Manistee, Michigan with part of the fee going to the rescue or shelter. Coming soon I will be offering small intimate classes at my home limited to six dogs. I also started a free dog walking club called Be A Pack Leader Dog Walking Club over 7 years ago and anyone is welcome to join us. It’s a great way to socialize your dog and get exercise too. In February 2012 I established a unique Be A Pack Leader Dog Training Scholarship Program to provide training for dogs and their owners who need a chance to solve behavior problems. In June 2012 we partnered with the St. Augustine Humane Society to issue these scholarships.

My 4-Ever Friend Dog Training Originally a horse trainer & riding instructor, I trained family and friends’ dogs for years. I wanted to be the best I could possibly be, so I turned to the Animal Behavior College to sharpen my skills. Now serving North Eastern Florida & Southern Georgia with punishment-free techniques. I am also an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Please contact me for more information on helping your canine to become a Canine Good Citizen!

I am a Certified Dog Trainer that has rescued and trained Labrador Retreivers for 15 years. I also have a Certificate of Completion in Pet Nutrition and Diet from Animal Behavior College. My dogs only eat my home made dog food and treats. They are in great shape with minor to no health issues. I love all dogs and will be happy to help with any of your needs.