Elise Gouge

I am a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CCBC) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. The APDT is the leading organization for setting standards for professional dog trainers. It is the only organization that offers standardized testing for trainers.

Through the International Association for Animal Behavior Consultants I am a Certified Dog and Cat Behavior Consultant (CABC). Formerly, I was the Vice President on their Board of Directors. I was licensed as a Dogs & Storks presenter and am a Canine Good Citizen evaluator and Tricks tester through the American Kennel Club. I am currently getting certified in canine fitness through the University of Tennessee and canine massage through the Brandenburg School.

I have volunteered for over ten years with various organizations. In 2016, I joined the Board of Directors for New England Border Collie Rescue. Also, I serve as a consultant for a national pet supplier (PetEdge) and our local shelter, Dakin Humane.

Initially, I began my professional career in social services working with children and their families. Then, in 2004, armed with years of clinical expertise, I began working with pets and their people full time. I studied dog behavior with some of the best trainers in the world and participated in every training seminar I could find.

Formerly, I managed training and behavior programs in shelters and doggy day-cares, trained animals ranging from primates to horses to domestic pets, mentored trainers, presented at national conferences and universities on animal behavior. Check out some of my media appearances on Animal Cops: Houston!

My Bachelors Degree is in Psychology and I have a Masters Degree in Community Health Education. I continually attend seminars around the country and have completed graduate level university coursework in Applied Animal Behavior.

I have extensive experience in the temperament evaluation of animals and how to train others in learning the same skills. Additionally, I am insured, bonded, and endorsed by local veterinarians and shelters.