About Laurie Luck, CPDT Page

About Laurie Luck, CPDT

Helping Dog Lovers Have Well Behaved Dogs!
See My Dogs

I took my first obedience class about fifteen years ago. I was just in it for fun, just looking for a way to develop a relationship with my newly adopted Australian Shepherd, Freckles. As luck would have it, we signed up for a clicker training course. I didn’t know anything about this style of training, but Freckles and I were willing to try it. She excelled and made me look like I knew what I was doing. She loved it so much, we continued our classes together. The instructor asked me to help assist her with her classes, and the rest is history. From that moment on, I fell in love with teaching people how to get along with their dogs.

When I first started working as a trainer, clicker training wasn’t a mainstream training method. Marine mammal trainers had been using it successfully for years, but it was relatively new to the dog training profession. Change is difficult for people and many were reluctant to change their styles. I hadn’t been using the old fashioned correction-based training long enough to be committed to it, so the switch was natural for me.

I was in your shoes 15 years ago. I had never used a clicker and didn’t know what it was or how it worked. I struggled with a dog who lost her concentration easily. A dog who found it much more fun to run after a deer than to come to me. A dog who found smells on the ground much more interesting than the sound of my voice. I’ve been there, I have real empathy for what you’re going through.

I realized that clicker training was easier and faster than the old fashioned corrections-based training. And it meant I could be friends with my dog, celebrating all our accomplishments; not looking for the next mistake and quickly and unfalteringly correcting her.  It was more fun to work with my dog using the clicker because we were focused on what she was doing correctly, and ignoring the mistakes. She was having more fun and so was I!

When I adopted another Aussie – one with aggressive tendencies – it quickly became clear that using old fashioned training was a sure way to get bitten. I immediately switched to clicker training and we made momentous gains. A dog that was facing sure euthanasia at 2 years of age and lived a very happy life thanks to dog-friendly clicker training.

My Masters Degree in psychology was put to good use, as this style of training follows the rules of behavior science. I could examine the merits of both training styles through an academic lens and it was clear that while the old fashioned style of training made the people feel in control, it did nothing to foster a cooperative and trusting relationship between dogs and their people. My goal is to show you how you can do that as well; how easy it is and how quickly you can change your dog’s behavior.

I began to rely on science to guide my education in dog training and behavior. Committed to continuing education, I attend both veterinary and dog behavior conferences to stay on the cutting edge of behavior science. I am committed to developing the profession of dog training. I served as President of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the only independent certifying body in the profession.

I am proud to join the faculty of Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior. The Academy teaches inspired animal training with innovative programs designed for both experienced and aspiring teachers. We advance the field of force-free training through community and peer collaboration, and we help our faculty and alumni become more successful through close business partnerships.

Now that you have a better idea about the results you can expect when working with us, and our approach and philosophy of working with clients, take a look at Our Services to learn about the specific services and programs we offer. Another good place to visit is the Free Resources and Recommendations section.

My Dogs

There hasn't been a time in my life when I've not had a dog. Dogs are such an integral part of my life that I would be unhappy if there weren't at least one with which to share my life. Below are the dogs that are my companions, with the exception of Rocky, who is now a working service dog, helping a person with a physical disability.

The dogs have taught me more than I could ever teach them and I learn from them everyday.

Lily
Pet Dog

The second service dog puppy turned out to not like life in the public domain. She's much more comfortable staying at home, warming up the couch. She's quite the athlete, and loves to run and play with the new puppies. She's firmly attached to Laurie's husband and is not shy about it -- she can usually be found curled up at his feet or asleep in his lap.

Tango
Pet Dog

Tango was dismissed from the service dog program due to elbow displasia. While he shows no physical symptoms, his x-rays indicate that in the future he may have some arthritis. Laurie's favorite (shhh, don't tell the others), Tango enjoys traveling with her to conferences and being Smart Dog University's demo dog for Orientation classes. He also is the athlete of the pack, in tip-top physical condition from chasing the tennis ball (endlessly!) every day.

Nemo
Pet Dog

It was clear at nine months that Nemo wasn't service dog material. We first tried to find Nemo a good home, but in the end we just couldn't let the goofy boy go. He provides comic relief and is definitely the silliest of the pack. Still a puppy at heart, even though he's still young, he's by far the most playful of the pack. Usually Laurie's out in the yard, chasing him or being chased by him!

Rocky
Working Service Dog

Our very first service dog puppy, Rocky holds a special place in my heart. He is outgoing, friendly, and loves to work in public. He's never met a dog or person that he doesn't like. Rocky's new family loves him dearly and he is much a part of the family as the humans. He comes back regularly for vacations when his family travels.

Lucky May 1994 - December 5, 2008.

A dog only a trainer could love, Lucky was rescued from a shelter when he was 1.5 years old. He had many problem behaviors that prevented him from living in a normal household. Through many years of training, patience, and behavior modification, he is mellowing into a nice dog. He is the patriarch of the house and teaches all the service dog puppies proper dog-to-dog manners.