Meet The Trainers

CIA has some of the best trainers you'll find, internationally known and honored with awards.  But don't take our word for it... meet them yourself!

Laura VanArendonk Baugh CPDT KPACTP

Laura has been working with dogs and horses since childhood, and she began training professionally in 1999.  Laura was one of the earliest dog trainers to achieve national certification, scoring 98% on her written exam.  She is very active in pursuing continuing education, staying abreast of the latest research in behavioral science.

Laura is well-known in the clicker training community and is particularly fascinated by the hard science of altering behavior.  Her instructional videos are popularly recommended by other trainers and used in national presentations on clicker training, and one has even made its way into a Harvard behavior class!  Laura is also certified in TAGteach, ensuring that she can provide a fun and positive learning experience for the human handler as well as for the dog.

In January 2008 Laura graduated as a Certified Training Partner from the highly-regarded Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior, from which students graduate with an A or not at all!  She returned to the Academy as an instructor, teaching certification workshops around the country.  Laura is also a Professional member of the APDT.

Laura particularly enjoys working with excited, over-the-top dogs; if you think your dog is crazy, she'll love to work with you!

Alena Van Arendonk

Alena has been training professionally since 2000, and has worked with a variety of species including dogs, cats, horses and birds.  Her specialty is working with animals who suffer from chronic fear or aggression.  Alena developed CIA's Shy Dogs training program to help rehabilitate dogs with anxiety and fear issues -- a field she has explored extensively through her work with rescue and shelter animals, as well as her own adopted pets.

Alena completed her primary TAGteach certification in March 2010, and in 2011 joined the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior.  She actively pursues and promotes continuing education, frequently participating in training conferences and workshops on both sides of the microphone.  In addition to teaching training classes at CIA, Alena presents educational seminars on behavior modification and pet nutrition.

Alena developed a highly-regarded program for fearful and reactive dogs and particularly enjoys coaxing nervous pups from their shells. Ask her about your frightened dog and how to help her enjoy life with you!