Kym Iffert began her work with dogs and cats after adopting a dog from a rural Indiana shelter that, unknowingly, required extensive physical and behavioral rehabilitation. In 2005, Kym received her initial training certification from Animal Behavior College and started working with a Chicago-based animal shelter as a volunteer as well as running a variety of training classes and family outreach programs. She eventually became the Director of Shelter Operations.
With the ultimate goal of helping people help the animals in their care, Kym continues to pursue education, create awareness and offer support for families and animal caregivers by providing affordable, manageable, accessible, and equitable behavior consulting. She is the Training Program Coordinator for Agape Animal Rescue's Community Canine Coaching Program and is currently involved with Maddie's Fund Behavioral Support Group, Human Animal Support Services, and the Nashville Safe Coalition networks to contribute resources to pet families, rescue organizations and overcrowded animal intake facilities.
She is certified through the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers, as a Licensed Family Dog Mediator (shelter, training and kids divisions), Fear Free Training Professionals, Sophia Yin's Low Stress Handling University and as a Humane Educator through the Association of Animal Welfare Administrators. Kym has completed specialized, ongoing coursework as a Family Paws Parent Educator, completed Michael Shikasio's Aggressive Dog Training Master Course and is continuing coursework through the IAABC with a focus on animal behavior consulting.
Kym is the mother of three grown daughters and currently lives with her husband and two rescue dogs, Stanley and Dover, in Nashville, TN
Certifications:
CPDT-ka, LFDM-stk, FPPE, APHE, Fear Free Training Professional, ABC-CDT, Low Stress Handling - silver certification, Fear Free Shelter
Dog training services include
- Reactive dog training
- In home training
- Puppy training
More info about Kym Iffert's dog training:
Behavior workshops, In-home support, Accessible/affordable resources for underserved communities, shelter/rescue/foster support, post-adoption support, puppy social, day training, family management support
Behavioral issue focus:
Dog-dog reactivity, providing enrichment & de-escalation training, "family dog" management, child & dog safety, loose leash walking workshops, teaching foundation behaviors, focus on working with dogs who have experienced trauma - fearful & anxiety-based behaviors
Dog training methods:
All clients begin by completing a form to identify needs/behaviors that are affecting dog & family. Consultation happens (in home or virtual) to assess the dog's behavior/history/environment/family needs. This is followed by a work session in which we can create a training plan to move forward. Focus is always on LIMA principals and begins with the 5 Domains of Animal Welfare. Learning is achieved through reward-based motivation (play, interaction/attention, food...whatever the dog seeks out) and natural consequences.
Why I became a dog trainer:
I adopted a dog from a shelter that had a multitude of physical and behavioral concerns. As a family, we had to make some very challenging decisions about her welfare and her future. I became a dog trainer to learn more about how to help other dogs and families navigate behaviors and challenges in a safe, humane and non-judgmental environment.
My favorite part of being a dog trainer:
Seeing when people understand why their dog performs certain behaviors and understand the dog's needs, when they learn how to communicate and work WITH the dog to live a cohesive life together. I LOVE to see the change in a dog when these things happen!
My #1 dog training tip:
Understand WHY your dog behaves the way it does, and find a common ground to meet the needs of the entire family.
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Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
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David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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