Support your Pack with holistic dog training that comes to you.
Aspire to Become an Example.
Support your Pack with holistic dog training that comes to you.
Welcome to AP Canine
Holistic, Balanced, Personalized and Science-Based Training
Hello, Friend, I'm glad you're here.
If you've found yourself here because your excited dog dragged you down the street and tripped you or broke free to chase another dog, or your reactive dog bit you or someone else, or the neighbors lodged a noise complaint for constant barking, or your dog literally “ate your homework” (or your couch), don't worry. You're in the right place.
If you're confused, at your wits end, or feeling like a bad dog owner, you are not alone, you’re definitely not to blame, and there are no bad dogs- only teams who need support.
While people and dogs have been companions for hundreds of years, we are still two completely different species who are not always automatically compatible. We speak different languages, we have different needs, and we behave in different ways for vastly different reasons.
That means that problems arise and are normal, even for experienced owners, canine behaviors can be challenging to interpret and can even be misleading, and everyone can benefit from training, not just new owners or dogs who need support. Even experienced trainers sometimes need an outside perspective.
I am here to answer your questions and provide any help I can- you don't have to book an appointment!
Below, you will find a site menu where you can read about me, my experience, and my training methodologies and style, and can contact me by email with any questions or concerns. Please be advised that questions are welcome and encouraged.
Finding The Right Trainer
While there are many skilled, ethical and knowledgeable professionals out there, finding the right trainer, just like finding the right therapist, can be frustrating and nerve wracking. Different trainers may have different approaches or communication styles, and not everyone is going to be the right fit for you and your dog. Chemistry matters, and finding the right trainer for you can make the training experience much more comfortable and successful.
I remember this one week in particular when I had started two new clients in basic training, and they both decided to go with a different trainer after our first session. When they told me why, I was surprised to hear that they had opposite reasons: one client worried that I would be too gentle with their German Shepherd puppy and would not recommend enough discipline, and the other feared I would be too structured with their Pittie, and would recommend too much discipline. Regardless of whether or not they were correct in their assumptions, I commend both owners for wanting the best for their dog.
As your dog's guardian, you are their only advocate, which is why it’s okay to be worried about finding the right trainer; you are entrusting them with more than just your time and money- you’re trusting them with your dog's well-being. If you’re not sure how to find the right fit for you and your dog, this short guide may be able to help. I want to help you find the right trainer for you, even if it ultimately isn't me.
About My Training
My name is Kawena, and I'll be your trainer.
About me:
An avid animal lover, I began my journey with dogs in 2001 at the age of 4 when I met my Aunt's Golden Retriever, Sam. The connection was instant, and since then, I have dedicated nearly every day to learning about canines and improving my relationship with them.
I believe education unlocks life, and the more we know, the better
About me:
An avid animal lover, I began my journey with dogs in 2001 at the age of 4 when I met my Aunt's Golden Retriever, Sam. The connection was instant, and since then, I have dedicated nearly every day to learning about canines and improving my relationship with them.
I believe education unlocks life, and the more we know, the better we can do, and so I am committed to constantly expanding my knowledge through scientific research, training comferences and seminars, and varied training experiences. I believe that variety prevents bias, and differing perspectives can expand my own.
That's why my education encompasses a broad spectrum of canine fields and scientific disciplines, including canine nutrition and anatomy, genetics, biology, Military and Police training, Veterinary Medicine, Breeding, and Search and Rescue.
In 2022, I expanded my training to dogs for Medical Mobility Assistance, and in 2023 I began training in Search and Rescue and DBR. In 2024, I achieved major success as a trainer when my Search and Rescue Team certified Nationally.
I have experience with breeds of all sizes and dogs of all backgrounds, from pedigree working dogs to mixed-breed rescues, and have experiece with severe aggression and anxiety.
Most importantly, my dogs are my family. If they choose, they may sit on my couch, and sleep in my bed. I am not my dogs 'owner': I am their Kahu.
My Training Style
Training is a mutual educational experience where both members of the relationship, human and canine, are provided with means and opportunities to bond, communicate, and develop and advance personal skills. I believe that training should support and enhance your canines well being, and that as responsible trainers, we should want dogs to
Training is a mutual educational experience where both members of the relationship, human and canine, are provided with means and opportunities to bond, communicate, and develop and advance personal skills. I believe that training should support and enhance your canines well being, and that as responsible trainers, we should want dogs to achieve their best, while having the wisdom to recognize and respect their limitations.
I developed my personal training approach based on a combination of my intuitive understanding of canines, decades of scientific research regarding Animal Behavior, Psychology, Genetics, Anatomy and Health, and 23 years of experience both working with dogs and working with other Canine Professionals from across the country.
My training style is
- Holistic, meaning that training considers and seeks to improve all aspects of canine health and wellness, including environment, routine, breed specific needs, behavioral causes, and skills development.
- Personalized, meaning that every dog is different, and so our approach to training techniques depends on factors such as your dogs breed, ability, history and learning style.
- Science Based, meaning that I incorporate decades of research into my training techniques.
- Balanced, meaning I incorporate both positive and negative reinforcement into the natural learning process.
I offer private, at home, one-on-one training with you and your dog. Anyone you want to participate may, but because your dog's behavior and training is based on YOU, it is essential that you are the main component in your training.
Your Role in Training
Your Role in Training
As your dog's leader, you are the biggest influence in their life and behavior. I am not here to train your dog; I am here to teach you how to train your own dog. Although many people imagine training to be primarily aimed at educating their dog, handler education and behavior play an incredibly powerful role in your dog's behaviors and
As your dog's leader, you are the biggest influence in their life and behavior. I am not here to train your dog; I am here to teach you how to train your own dog. Although many people imagine training to be primarily aimed at educating their dog, handler education and behavior play an incredibly powerful role in your dog's behaviors and in creating and maintaining a healthy and happy relationship with your dog. Sometimes, without realizing it, some of your actions and behaviors might not only be unwanted, but could also be harming your relationship, misleading your dog, or even inadvertently encouraging those very unwanted behaviors that you're trying to overcome. As your dog's teacher, guardian, and leader, you are primarily responsible for their success in basic obedience training.The more you know, the better you can lead your dog. Your participation in training will determine your results.
The Importance of Training
Humans and animals have an incredible relationship, but nothing comes close to the relationship we have with dogs. Dogs have been companions to humans for thousands of years, and in the United States alone, approximately 45% of households share that home with at least one dog. Above and beyond the incredible relationships we can have with these animals, dogs help us save lives, detect medical issues, protect ourselves and our livestock, and carry medicine across the arctic tundra, just to name a few examples. Dogs can be used in therapy and medicine, can reduce emotional distress, and can even be beneficial for your immune system.
A relationship with that much potential and value deserves to be treated with every respect, and a huge part of that is training and education.
Education plays a huge role in how we think, behave and develop. Just like humans, dogs are always learning and have incredible potential, and just like with people, it takes intentional education, opportunities, support and practice to achieve that potential. Although dogs are “Man's best friend”, they are still dogs, and with that comes a long list of canine specific behaviors and needs. While most of these are perfectly natural and healthy, they can become problematic, unhealthy, expensive and even unsafe (for your dog and even for you) when allowed to develop unchecked in our human world.
Training is the foundation of your relationship with your dog, and both handlers and canines benefit greatly from the experience and education. Training can help bridge the gap between humans and dogs by fostering mutual understanding, establishing healthy communication and supporting peaceful cohabitation, and supports you in your role as your dogs Guardian by helping you understand and provide for your dogs needs.
When done correctly, training can help create a healthy and enjoyable relationship between you and your dog, can support your dogs development and well being, can develop good habits, and can prevent or address unwanted behaviors.
The purpose of training is always to support you and your dogs health, safety and wellness. Training should always be done ethically and humanely.
Supports You
Gives you the skills and know-how to effectively understand and manage your canine.
Authority - Respect - Education - Peace
Benefits Your Dog
Training develops your dogs essential skills and education, and helps your dog understand their world and your expectations.
Skills - Confidence - Security
Supports Your Pack
Teaches manners and communication for peaceful, safe and successful cohabitation and experiences.
Adventures - Safety - Guests - Relationships
Training Courses
Obedience Training Courses
Puppy Basics
5 Lessons
For puppies up to 6 months old.
This course covers the basics of puppy behavior and needs, as well as potty training, kennel training, and puppy- level obedience.
This course prepares puppies for Basic Obedience Training.
Basic Obedience Training
8 Lessons
Become your dog's leader as your dog learns essential skills and commands. This flexible course will introduce you to the basic principles of canine behavior and learning, will teach you a “recipe for teaching new skills”, and will improve your relationship and communication with your canine as you teach them several Basic Obedience Commands.
Learn 6 basic obedience commands: walk, heel, sit, down, stay, and come when called.
This course includes 7 private, at-home lessons and one field trip.
Intermediate Obedience Training
8-10 Lessons
Build upon and advance the basic obedience skills! Learn intermediate commands such as back up and place, command your dog from a distance and practice off-leash skills while your dog improves their commitment, social skills and distraction tolerance.
Handlers will learn even more about canine behavior and wellness, and canines will be introduced to other dogs and will be exposed to more intense distractions and situations.
Advanced Obedience Training
Advanced skills and specialty training, including tracking, hunting, and agility, are available for established clients ONLY.
Behavior Modification
Expert training solutions for unhealthy and problematic behaviors
Recent Rescue Rehab
About 5 Sessions
A discounted program for recent adoptions who are struggling to adjust. This program focuses on adressing problematic behaviors, establishing bonding and creating a rehabilitatve environment to help your new friend adjust and overcome.
Thank you for rescuing.
Overcoming Anxiety and Agression
5-10 Sessions
For dogs who need confidence, struggle with fear or separation anxiety, or have problems with reactivity or agression based on fear.
Overcoming Impulses and Reactivity
5-10 Sessions
For dogs who need better control over instincts and impulses, and struggle with reactivity based on instinctual drives such as hunting drives.
There are no bad dogs, only dogs who need support.
Come See Us At Work!
