Our Qualifications

Libby, Lead Trainer

Real Life Education

Like many professional dog trainers, I began my path as a dog trainer by training my own dogs, all of which had "behavior issues": jumping, fear, aggression (dog to dog aggression and dog to human aggression), separation anxiety and more. My 20 years of experience of dog sitting, volunteering at shelters & rescue organizations, and training other people how to train their dog refined those skills. I have worked with a huge range of individual dogs of all breeds, backgrounds and behaviors. I trained my first two service dogs

Learning the Lingo

I'm a knowledge junkie: if something is interesting to me, I will research, read and study everything I can get my hands on. Stacks of books, scholarly articles, dog professional websites, documentaries, dog science and health news, blogs, videos ...the list goes on and on. I am constantly searching for the new tips and tricks to train your dog.

Credentials

Proof is in the paper: I hold a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed certification. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is the only independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. They also hold high standards for professional conduct and require continuing education for renewal every 3 years.

I am a Professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. The APDT creates and maintains superior industry standards and provides continuing education.

Teaching Humans

Most of my clients figure out in the first session or two that I am not training their dog, I am teaching the human! With a background in human education, language, and psychology, I translate the fancy dog trainer lingo into easy-to-understand examples. I am sensitive to the individual learning style of my clients, and customize training for those who learn differently.

University of Arizona 2010

Bachelor of Arts in English,

Minor in Education

Across Diverse Cultures

Tools

I have used just about every tool out there: Regular old leashes, clickers, flirt poles, long lines, head halters, body harnesses, slip leads, martingales, pinch collars, e-collars and more. I will be the first one to tell you that there is no magic tool. Some dogs respond beautifully on just a plain collar. Other dogs, and some humans, need a stronger tool. I explore tools that match you AND your dog to find the gentlest and most effective tool.

We do not need to use e-collars, pinch collars, slip leads, "leash pops" or other not-so-nice methods to teach our fur kids. I will show you how.

Dog Health

Boy oh boy, I have quite the list of experiences with dog health and medical issues! I can administer oral or injected medications, provide post-surgical and wound care, and administer basic pet first aid. I always invite my clients to ask me "Should I be worried about...." (and I always defer to your veterinarian!).

I also have human CPR certification and Wilderness First Aid certification, just in case. Let's do the "blood, sweat and tears" part, but without the blood, please!

Insured

We carry professional and general liability insurance through Business Insurers of the Carolinas, a partner of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

There is no licensing for dog trainers, but we are registered with the State of Utah and South Salt Lake to conduct business.

Superhero Sidekicks

Kali, Lead Dog Trainer

Kali brings over 10 years of professional experience rehabilitating dogs with fear, anxiety, reactivity and aggression. She has taught group classes in obedience and tricks, and is an approved instructor for AKC Star Puppy and Canine Good Citizen. She has training for Behavior Adjustment Training, Control Unleashed and Low Stress Handling.

Kali always loved animals, bringing home strays as a child. She was always hanging out and 'training' dogs as a kid. Kali always had small dogs until 2010, when she adopted Millie, an American Staffordshire Terrier from the shelter. Millie inspired her to volunteer with the shelter, and has continued her volunteer work since 2014. Kali worked for various trainers with punishment and didn't like her relationship with the dogs or herself. She crossed over to positive reinforcement training, following LIMA protocols. Kali is approved for Spring testing for CPDT-KA certification and is planning to get her Certified Dog Behavior Consultant certification in the fall.

Kali loves cooperative skills and husbandry to build better relationships when our dogs need care. She loves finding out each dogs preferences and adjusting training to meet their needs. She is looking forward to starting dog sports with her 7 month old Dutch Shepherd, Rip, later this year.

Mia, "Den Mother"

Kali, Lead Dog Trainer

Libby's wife, Mia, prefers to stay behind-the-scenes, but she is an essential part of Superhero Dog Academy.

Mia loves winning over shy dogs with lots of treats, and watching dogs with behavior issues grow into happy Superhero dogs. Just like a mama dog, she carries the puppies outside for middle of the night potty breaks. She is exceptionally skilled at getting all the dogs to look at the camera for a picture!

Mia loves all living things and spends nearly all her free time in our organic garden. After spending 27 years in corporate America, Mia is finally living her dream: #doglife

Sofi, Poop Fairy

Kali, Lead Dog Trainer

Cole, Assistant Dog Trainer

Zan, Assistant Dog Trainer

Cole, Assistant Dog Trainer

Zan, Assistant Dog Trainer

Kenny, Poop Fairy

Cole, Assistant Dog Trainer

Zan, Assistant Dog Trainer

Lil

Finn

Lil Lavender's Song:

Lil' Lily Lavender

Sweet as a pea

Just as smart as she can be.

Pretty as a pansy

Tougher than a rose

We all won the puppy lottery!

Lil is an Australian Cattle Dog muttly mutt. We adopted her at 8 weeks old from Rescue Rovers. We just happened to bring her home the week of Coronoapocalypse (didn't plan that!). She loves her 80 talking buttons (and counting!) , running 20mph next to the bike, and "Play Eat" (a.k.a. training!).

Finn

Finn's Song:

Feisty ferocious Finn

Just a little yelpie Kelpie

Watch him crouch and pounce

with just a little bounce

Feisty ferocious Finn!

Finn is a Australian Koolie muttly mutt. We adopted him at 4 months old from Best Friends Animal Society. He had a rough start in Colorado, dropped off as a stray at only 6 weeks old. His first adopter brought him back because "the dog bit him when he tried to put on his collar" (hardest eyeroll ever, duh puppies bite!). He took a road trip to L.A., another to the Sanctuary in Kanab, UT, and another to us in Salt Lake City! Finn loves to be a wild wolfie in the woods, chase his big sister everywhere, and get all the cuddles from the humans.

What to look for in a R+ Positive reinforcement professional dog training company in Salt Lake City, UT. Positive reinforcement training should be lots of fun for you and your dog!

Obedience commands can be taught to dogs young and old (yes old dogs can learn new tricks!). Puppy training at 8 weeks can make good obedience skills for the life of your dog. Don't wait to start puppy training. Teach a puppy to stop biting. Don't let puppy biting become a fun game. If your puppy is biting, just walk away from them or place them in a safe area like a dog kennel or puppy playpen. Puppy potty training and crate training go together. Make a potty routine. 8 week old puppies should be taken outside to go potty about every hour. After they go potty, puppies can have free play time! When your puppy is all tired out, give them a meal or some yummy treats or chews. Nap time!

Yes we can help with behavior issues!

Separation anxiety training should use desensitization and counterconditioning. Practice leaving in very small time increments. Give your dog enrichment activities to keep them busy while you are gone. Snuffle mats, silicone lick mats, Kongs, bones, chews, treat dispensing balls, or homemade dog puzzles can all stop dog from chewing or destroying the house.

Many dog owners struggle with dog aggression. Reactivity and aggression can look very similar. How can you tell if a dog is aggressive? Schedule a free consult with Superhero Dog Academy to help tell the difference between an excited dog, a fearful dog, and an aggressive dog.

Resource guarding is when a dog has something valuable, like a bowl of dog food, a bone or favorite toy that they are scared will be taken away. Resource guarding is the fear of losing something. Train resource guarding by offering lots of yummy treats while your dog enjoys their favorite item. Good timing is important for resource guarding so be sure to consult with a professional dog trainer.

Looking for a dog board and train in Salt Lake City Utah? We only use positive reinforcement WITHOUT e-collars! Boot camp sounds like no fun to us. We are Puppy Preschool teachers at Superhero Dog Academy! No Alphas around here, just really awesome Sidekick Humans.

Teach a puppy to fetch. We use fun games like fetch and positive reinforcement dog training to teach obedience like Stay, Come and Drop. Learn American Sign Language hand signs for dog obedience commands. Dogs respond better to visual cues like hand signs.

Free consultation with our Certified Professional Dog Trainer Affordable dog training R+ dog training

Professional Dog Training Salt Lake dog trainer

Superhero Dog Academy

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training , Day Care, Boarding, and Board & Train