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David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

Kelsey Shank

Dog trainer in Providence

#64 in United States, #3 in Rhode Island, #2 in Providence

United States

Providence

https://www.mymoderndog.com

Service areas:

At-Center in East Greenwich, RI; In-Home within 10 miles of training center; Virtual

Support your dog trainer by sharing your story

Kelsey is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she studied psychology and sociology including Applied Behavior Analysis. She worked with individuals with special needs for 10 years before she expanded her interest in behavior to canines. Starting as a foster, she began working closely with a local rescue organization where she held the position of Training Coordinator.

Her two high energy, large breed rescue dogs Jaxson and Cher, each have behavioral concerns of their own, that have needed intensive training and environmental management. 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 has continued to expand her education to provide the most up to date methods and care for her clients. Kelsey has completed Aggression in Dogs Master course, attended conferences such as Aggression in Dogs and APDT, she is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the CCPDT, was one of the first 50 trainers to attain the Family Dog Mediation certification, holds certifications in Fit Dog, CGC, Canine Enrichment, and Reactivity.

Certifications:

CCPDT-KA, FDM, Certified Reactivity Specialist, AKC CGC Evaluator, AKC Fit Dog Instructor

Dog training services include

  • Aggressive dog training
  • Deaf dog training
  • Reactive dog training
  • In home training
  • Puppy training

More info about Kelsey Shank's dog training:

Semi-private classes at-center including AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, AKC Fit Dog, Basic Manners, Reactivity Club, and more. Private lessons in-home (location dependent), at-center or virtually for dogs of all ages- although my specialty is reactivity, I also take cases involving fear, cooperative care, leash skills, recall, polite greetings, trick training, enrichment consultations, and more.

Behavioral issue focus:

My passion is reactivity cases but I also take on cases where the dog is diagnosed with anxiety, displaying fear-based behaviors including aggression, relationship building, confidence building, exercise, resource guarding

Dog training methods:

Always force free, relationship-based positive reinforcement training methods. I focus on communication between guardian and dog so that their bond strengthens and fears subside. I focus on teaching coping skills to help you and your pup navigate our modern world together successfully. Private lessons begin with a 2 hour behavior assessment followed by a package of 4 1-hour private sessions with guardian and pup. Additional lessons can be added on as well. Semi-Private classes begin with an in-person tour and evaluation followed by 1- hour sessions once a week for 5 weeks; there may be up to 5 dogs in the class total.

Why I became a dog trainer:

2019

My favorite part of being a dog trainer:

Helping my clients and their pups live safe, happy, and healthy lives together by building their social relationships, communication and enrichment.

My #1 dog training tip:

Dogs learn in "do's" not "don'ts"- communication is key.

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Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

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