Certification, Education, and Experience
Hi, I’m Amanda Lunsford, a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant. I am dedicated to helping dogs and their families live happier, less stressful lives together.
Certification and Credentials
- Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA), CCPDT
Awarded in 2021, I’m trained to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in dogs, ensuring every interaction is as positive as possible. - AKC Evaluator
I evaluate dogs for the S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and Urban Canine Good Citizen programs, helping families achieve their training goals.
Ongoing Education and Professional Development
I’m passionate about learning and always stay up-to-date with the latest in dog behavior science. Here are some highlights of my recent education:
- Animal Behavior Conference by the IAABC Foundation (2024)
- The Forensics of Aggression: Working with and Evaluating Canine Aggression with Jim Crosby (2022)
- Play Way! for Aggression Cases with Dr. Amy Cook (2022)
- Aggression in Dogs Workshop & Defensive Handling Skills with Michael Shikashio, CDBC (2022)
- Aggression in Dogs Conference (2021 & 2022)
- Aggressive Dogs Master Course (2021)
- Using Enrichment to Treat Aggression with Emily Strong and Allie Bender (2021)
- Recognizing Pain in Dogs with Dr. Debbie Torraca (2021)
- Navigating Difficult Conversations: When Euthanasia for Behavior is a Consideration with Dr. Chris Pachel (2021)
- Beyond the Bite: Crucial Consulting Skills with Dr. Melanie Cerone (2021)
- Our Dog Bit Our Toddler! HELP! with Jennifer Shryock: Part 1 & 2 (2021)
- Livestock Guardian Dogs—What You Need to Know for Your Aggression Cases (2020)
- Dog Emotion and Cognition by Duke University (2020)
- Dog to Cat Aggression with Katenna Jones (2020)
Experience
With years of hands-on experience, I’ve worked with a wide variety of dogs and families, specializing in:
- Aggression and Reactivity:
Helping dogs with fear, anxiety, and challenging behaviors using the latest evidence-based techniques. - Group Classes:
Teaching group classes for puppies, manners, and reactive dogs, and leading safety and defensive handling workshops for professionals. - Client Support:
Providing compassionate, personalized guidance to help families navigate tough situations and achieve lasting results.
What Makes My Approach Unique
I believe in collaboration, compassion, effectiveness, and empowerment. I listen to your needs, respect your family’s unique situation, and work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and your dog’s personality. My goal is to help you build a stronger bond with your dog – no judgment, just real progress.