Meet the Trainer: Kerrie Hoar

Kerrie Hoar, M.S., CDBC, CPDT-KA (she/her/hers)

I’m the founder of Crimson Hound, where I specialize in personalized, in-home dog training grounded in positive, rewards-based methods. After years of leading group classes in puppy training, basic manners, and reactivity, I saw a growing need for more individualized, relationship-focused support. That’s why Crimson Hound was born—to help dogs and their people build stronger, lasting connections.

Voted Sniffspot Top 10 Best Dog Trainer in Wisconsin since 2023
and
Platinum Award for Best Pet Training by La Crosse CommunityVotes in 2024 & 2025.

My Training Philosophy

My approach is holistic and relationship-centered. Each session is designed to meet the specific needs of you and your dog, focusing on trust, communication, and real-life skills. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions or “quick fixes.” Instead, I develop fully customized training plans based on your goals and your dog’s unique personality.

I use only science-backed, humane methods—never tools or techniques that rely on pain, fear, or punishment. I work to understand why a behavior is happening, then help address the underlying need.

Clients walk away not just with strategies they can use, but with a deeper understanding of their dog—and a more confident, connected relationship.

Experience with Rescue and Trauma

Animal rescue and welfare have always been close to my heart. I’ve fostered and adopted all of my own pets, volunteered in local shelters and rescues, and coordinated and driven many rescue transports.

As a trainer, I offer free and reduced-cost training for shelter and rescue dogs to increase their chances of adoption—and to help them stay in their new homes.

I specialize in working with dogs who have experienced trauma or who show fearful, anxious, or aggressive behaviors. Helping these dogs heal and thrive is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

More Than a Trainer

Beyond training, I serve as an animal-assisted skills and wellness coach with WRIC Comprehensive Community Services. In this role, I support clients in reaching long-term life goals by coaching both them and their pets through structured activities and wellness-based interactions. It’s a beautiful example of how the human-animal bond can empower growth and healing.

I’m also a certified pet bereavement specialist with Paws & Remember, where I support clients in making end-of-life decisions for their beloved pets and walk with them through grief and remembrance.

A Lifelong Animal Lover & Educator

My roots go back to rural Montana, where I grew up surrounded by a diverse menagerie of animals—including dogs, horses, cows, chickens, sheep, bunnies, goats, and even a raccoon. I learned early on how to communicate with and care for animals of all kinds.

After earning my M.S. in Biology, I moved to Wisconsin and spent the next 20 years teaching biology at the university level. The educator in me still thrives—I’m passionate about continuing to learn and share knowledge, especially when it comes to dog behavior and training.

Why I Do This Work

Whether I’m helping a fearful rescue dog come out of their shell, guiding a client through the grief of pet loss, or teaching a family how to better understand their four-legged companion, my mission is always the same: to strengthen the human-animal bond with compassion, clarity, and care.

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Trainer Credentials

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