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Get to Know Me
Hi! My name is Kelsey Klongland and I am the trainer behind Refined Canine Academy. I am 31 years old, born & raised here in Dallas, TX. I live and breathe everything dogs.
I have an 11 month old Belgian Malinois named Rip. He is currently training in bite sports, scent work and loves to swim (we will likely start dock diving next year). Together, we are currently training for our certification to work as an Explosive Detection K-9 unit. Weekly, we train alongside other experienced trainers and local police K9 units. In addition to weekly training I have completed 192 hours with Steven Antommarchi and Next Level K9 with a focus on K9 Instincts, how a K9 learns, K9 Care, K9 History, K9 Industry Standards, K9 Detection, K9 Patrol, K9 Tracking, K9 Case Law, K9 Court Testimony, K9 Physiology, K9 Psychology, K9 Safety, K9 Olfactory, Operational Readiness and Problem Solving. I have obtained majority of my knowledge from literature, colleagues, extensive research and hands-on experience.
When I am not training I enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Listening to music (I am ALWAYS listening to music), gardening, spending time outdoors, cooking and finding fun DIY projects.
My Methods
I use a combination of positive reinforcement and balanced training, incorporating a variety of techniques and tools to create clear communication and effective training. Slip leads, chain collars, prong collars, e-collars, and similar tools are just that—tools. When used properly, they can be incredibly beneficial, but I also believe that they are not always necessary or suitable for every dog's training journey.
Creating a fun and engaging training experience for the dog is essential as it helps foster a stronger bond between handler and dog. By creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment, I help strengthen the handler's relationship with their dog, ensuring lasting success beyond the training sessions.
I believe training should never be one-size-fits-all. Instead, I tailor my methods to the individual dog, ensuring a personalized approach that delivers results for both the dog and their owner.