About the Trainer
Lauren Coates KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
Lauren is a certified professional dog trainer, with certifications through Karen Pryor Academy and through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, as well as a professional member of the Alliance of Modern Pet Professionals of Pittsburgh. Lauren has been working with dogs for the majority of her life in many different ways including shelter work, dog sitting, agility, and training. She has a passion for dogs and a passion for helping owners find simple and humane solutions for their dogs.
Lauren puts a lot of emphasis on continued education and strives to continually educate herself on the latest studies and research being done on dog training methodology and canine behavior. She regularly attends various seminars, webinars, conferences, and online classes to ensure that her methods stay up-to-date so she can continue offering quality training services.
Lauren shares her life with three dogs: Charlie, Everest, and Cashew. Lauren loves to spend quality time with her dogs through training, hiking, and going on long walks. Meet the crew below!
Meet the Canine Crew
Charlie
Favorite Food: French Fries (Specifically Dairy Queen Fries)
Favorite Activity: Walkies
Charlie is a Great Pyrenees mix that Lauren adopted at 1 year old. After spending a number of years working through his own reactivity and anxiety, Charlie is now Lauren's primary helper dog, and works alongside her to help other dogs who struggle with reactivity and big feelings. When not working, Charlie enjoys trick training, sniffy walks at the park, and relaxing in the backyard.
Everest
Favorite Food: Blueberries and Bananas
Favorite Activity: Bedtime Snuggles and Anything Involving Food
Everest is an Australian Shepherd who entered the family at 8 weeks old. A typical Aussie, he is expressive and not afraid to make his opinions known. While he makes sure the whole neighborhood knows he exists with his loud barks, he also has a soft side, and loves snuggling up with us in the late evenings and early mornings.
Cashew
Favorite Food: Chicken
Favorite Activity: Fetch and Snuggling
Cashew is an Icelandic Sheepdog who joined our crew at 12 weeks old. He is a ball of sass whose life goal is to provide comedy relief for everyone around him. Being still a baby, Cashew has a lot to learn, but will eventually participate in dog sports and potentially act as an additional helper dog with clients.
Rosie
...Forever in my Heart.
Favorite Food: French Fries
Favorite Activity: Hiking and Agility
Rosie joined the family at 2 years old, and lived a full life until her passing at 12 years old. She had a successful career in agility, in addition to being Lauren's primary helper dog and training partner for many years. While initially, she was a timid and fearful dog, she quickly grew into a confident dog willing to take on every challenge and adventure. She will forever be missed by those who loved her.