MEET THE TRAINER
Audra Rizzuto.
A lifetime with dogs.
I have been fascinated by dogs and training for as long as I can remember. I taught myself to read with dog training books, and when I was nine, I got my first dog, Zuzu.
Zuzu challenged me in ways I did not expect. I made mistakes, and she struggled with reactivity, resource guarding, leash pulling, and handling. Helping her sent me looking for better ways to understand dogs and teach them.
Read my storyTHE PATH HERE
Learning from
every dog.
By my early teens, I knew I wanted to be a dog trainer. I read books and manuals, watched demonstrations, volunteered at shelters, worked with friends' and family members' dogs, and learned from local trainers whenever I could.
Each dog I have worked with has taught me something valuable, as have the experienced people in the dog training community who shared their knowledge. By the time I graduated high school, I was working full time at a veterinary hospital, training for an animal rescue, and taking on private clients. Today, I train dogs full time.
For me, this work is about helping people enjoy life with their dogs. A walk should not feel like a chore. Whether you want to teach a reliable sit or are worried about lunging and growling on leash, I take your concern seriously. I want to help dogs stay in their homes and help families communicate with them more clearly.
TRAINING STYLE
Train the dog
in front of you.
I follow a LIMA approach—least intrusive, minimally aversive. There is no single method that fits every dog or every household, so I tailor training to your dog, your goals, and the life you share. My job is to teach you how to train your dog, with practical skills you can keep using long after our sessions end.
EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS
Continually learning.
Always listening.
Audra is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer–Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), credentialed by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is also Canine CPR and Canine First Aid certified.
Audra chose to take the added step of professional certification because she wanted her hands-on experience backed by tested knowledge. Preparing for the CPDT-KA assessment pushed her to study the science and practice behind her work. Keeping the credential calls for regular recertification and continuing education, a commitment she values because good training keeps evolving.