“Our expectations of our dogs and their roles in our families have changed- so must our training. That is the foundation of Modern Dog Training RI: Training People for their Pups. ”

Kristen Noel BA CBCC-KA FDM CPDT-KA FFCP CTP; Certified Behavior Consultant, Certified Family Dog Mediator, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Reactivity Specialist, Certified Puppy Specialist, Certified Children & Dogs Specialist, Certified Canine Body Language Specialist, Canine Training Professional, Owner

Kristen grew up in the sticks of Foster-Glocester where they actually did go to school but they didn't: walk their dogs, train their dogs or pick up after their dogs. The transition from growing up in the country on 18 acres of land to her first job in the “city” forever changed her idea of what a pet dog was. While waiting for her first job interview at Petsmart, Kristen remembers wandering over to the store’s training ring to watch the class. It was there that she realized dog training was a “real job” that she could make into a career.

Kristen has come a long way from the makeshift backyard agility courses she would design for her aging Jack Russell Terrier;she has now spent more than half her life learning, building and enhancing her skills in the industry.

This is more than a side job or a hobby- it is all she has ever done; her past, present and future is dedicated to the hundreds of clients and dogs she has worked with and continues to serve every day. Her experiences in this industry, both good and bad, have shaped and continue to strengthen her decision to provide behavior consultation services to the public as her career..

Kristen has worked as a Pet Care Specialist, Companion Animal Specialist, Operations Support Specialist, Puppy Preschool Teacher, Livestock Manager and Dog Trainer at pet specialty establishments around the state. She became a trainer through the Petco Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP) in the summer of 2010. After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Rhode Island where she studied Animal and Veterinary Science, she became the Operations Support Specialist at Bow chika Wow Town Indoor Dog Park and Dog Daycare, where she created and ran the first Puppy Preschool Day Training program in Rhode Island. She sought out and went on to be mentored by two outstanding local trainers.
Kristen is now an internationally Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CCPDT is the only independent, standardized certification for dog training professionals that confirms and awards credentials based upon a rigorous examination and thorough verification of the skills and knowledge a professional has attained through education and experience. The CCPDT is unlike certificate programs, which can be offered by any individual or organization and award certificates upon graduation.
Kristen is one of the first 50 internationally Certified Family Dog Mediators (FDM) through industry expert and Applied Animal Ethologist Kim Brophey. Family dog mediation is dedicated to bridging the gap between people and dogs, between the sciences, between the history of humans and dogs and our modern dog world.
Kristen is one of four Fear Free Certified Professionals (FFCP) Trainers in Rhode Island and a Canine Training Professional (CTP) with The Pet Professional Guild- the organization for force free pet professionals.
Kristen is a Certified Reactivity Specialist as well as a Certified Puppy Specialist, Certified Children & Dogs Specialist and Certified Canine Body Language Specialist though the Dog Training College.
She is also certified by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor and Evaluator, STAR Puppy Instructor and Evaluator and AKC Trick Dog Evaluator. She is a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the international Initiative for Force-Free Dog Training and the AKC Dog Training Community. She has completed instruction in Suzanne Clothier’s Treat-Retreat certificate course and Dr. Amy Cook’s “Play Way! For Reactivity and Aggression Challenges!”
Kristen has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course by Michael Shikashio (CDBC) and attended the 3-day Aggression in Dogs Conference in 2022.
Kristen has also earned the Canine Good Citizen title with her dog, Ryder, as well as Novice and Intermediate Trick Dog titles (TKN and TKI). She is also certified in Pet CPR & First Aid through the Pet Emergency Education program.
Kristen believes that continued education is a necessity for those in the dog training profession. She devotes herself to staying up on the latest advancements in dog training and is committed to training with force-free training techniques.
Kristen specializes in puppyhood coaching; she will help you and your pup get started on the right paw while guiding your relationship and helping it grow. She will work tirelessly with you to prevent future behavior problems- including things you may not even think of! Kristen has a special talent (and patience) for puppy problems such as nipping, jumping, barking, crate training, potty training, proper socialization and communication. She also specializes in puppy and adolescent resource guarding cases.
Kristen will guide you through the dog training process with honesty and integrity. Training will be tailored to your lifestyle and goals, but more than anything to your dog as an individual. Our expectations of our dogs and their roles in our families have changed- so must our approach. That is the foundation of Modern Dog Training RI: Training People for their Pups.

Amanda Cassidy AS ABCDT FDM FFCP; Associate in Applied Animal Behavior, Animal Behavior College Certified Trainer, Certified Family Dog Mediator, Fear Free Certified Professional, AKC Certified CGC and STAR Puppy Evaluator

Amanda found her love and passion for dog training at the age of 13. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Amanda found her way to Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole where she majored in Canine Science. She was the President of the school’s Kennel Club and taught dog training classes to children through the school’s summer camp programs. Amanda and her Whippet, Ripley competed at the school’s local dog shows where they achieved Best in Show and highest score in agility titles.

Amanda continued her education in Animal Science at the University of New Hampshire where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Applied Animal Science. She studied the health, behavior and anatomy of canines as well as small and large animals.

After graduation, Amanda earned her National Dog Training Certification from The Animal Behavior College. She is a Fear Free Certified Professional as well as certified by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor and Evaluator, STAR Puppy Instructor and Evaluator and AKC Trick Dog Evaluator.
Amanda is an internationally Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) through industry expert and Applied Animal Ethologist Kim Brophey.
Throughout her adult years, Amanda has found success in many different animal occupations, but dog training has always been her passion. When she is not teaching training classes, Amanda works as a Veterinary Technician. Being a Vet Tech has taught her first hand the importance of basic training and socialization in dogs’ lives. Amanda has dedicated her life to helping people form a happy, healthy, life-long bond with their canine companions that every dog deserves.

Kelsey Shank BS BA CPDT-KA FDM; Certified Reactivity Specialist, Reactive Rascals Certified Instructor, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Family Dog Mediator, AKC FIT Dog Certified Instructor

Kelsey is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she studied psychology including Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked with individuals with special needs for the past seven years. Recently, she has expanded her interest in behavior to canines and transferred these techniques to the rescue dogs she works with. Kelsey was a volunteer with Rhode Home Rescue, where she held the position of Training Coordinator, for two years.

Her two high energy, large breed rescue dogs each have behavioral issues of their own, so she is no stranger to challenging behavior problems. Kelsey has a unique first-hand understanding of the needs of fearful, anxious and reactive dogs as these are some of the needs of her own dogs.

Kelsey is an internationally Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CCPDT is the only independent, standardized certification for dog training professionals that confirms and awards credentials based upon a rigorous examination and thorough verification of the skills and knowledge a professional has attained through education and experience. The CCPDT is unlike certificate programs, which can be offered by any individual or organization and award certificates upon graduation.
Kelsey is one of the first 50 internationally Certified Family Dog Mediators (FDM) through industry expert and Applied Animal Ethologist Kim Brophey. Family dog mediation is dedicated to bridging the gap between people and dogs, between the sciences, between the history of humans and dogs and our modern dog world.
Kelsey is one of the first Certified Reactivity Specialists though the Dog Training College as well as one of the first Certified Reactive Rascals Instructors.
She is also certified by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor and Evaluator, STAR Puppy Instructor and Evaluator, AKC Trick Dog Evaluator and AKC FIT Dog Level 1 Instructor.
She is a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certified though the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). She has completed instruction in Suzanne Clothier’s Treat-Retreat certificate course as well as the Aggression in Dogs Master Course by Michael Shikashio (CDBC). Kelsey has earned both the AKC Canine Good Citizen title with her dogs as well as AKC Novice Trick Dog title (TKN) and Novice Trick Dog (NTD) title from Do More With Your Dog. Kelsey is also certified in Pet CPR & First Aid through the Pet Emergency Education program.
She is continuing her education in behavioral modification using positive reinforcement techniques in hopes to help more dogs live comfortably with their humans in their forever homes. Her mission is to reduce preventable owner-surrenders and the overall number of dogs in custody of rescues in our community as a trainer and behavior specialist with Modern Dog Training RI.

Kayla Morin; Communications Coordinator

Kayla studied communications and public relations at the University of Rhode Island with a concentration in digital marketing. She recently worked at a local doggy daycare where she learned more than she ever thought possible about dog body language and social cues. During her time at the daycare she took on digital marketing roles to help create social media content and organize their monthly activities.

Two years ago Kayla and her family rescued a senior dachshund, Lucy, who was surrendered by her owners. She grew up with dachshunds all her life and now has two miniatures at home. Kayla has enjoyed incorporating the methods and techniques she is learning at Modern Dog into her dog's daily lives!

Kayla has always loved animals and hoped to find a career that combined her passion for dogs with her marketing background. She is ready to answer your questions and get you started with Modern Dog Training RI. Whether you are looking for group classes, private training, or are unsure where to start, Kayla will point you in the right direction and help you book your next session with one of our trainers!