Kerrie Hoar, M.S., CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, FDM, FFCP
(she/her/hers)
Kerrie Hoar is the owner of Crimson Hound, LLC. As a Family Dog Mediator® and Trauma-informed Pet Professional, she takes a different approach to dog training. Rather than concentrating solely on obedience, Kerrie focuses on helping her clients to build relationships with their dogs that are based in trust and understanding. FDMs look at how L.E.G.S.® have come together to create the dog sitting in front of us. Kerrie uses realistic goal setting, management protocols, enrichment and, when necessary, teaches new behaviors to create a situation that will meet both the client’s goals and the dog’s needs. Her training philosophy is grounded in rewards-based methods and LIMA standards. She does not prescribe to methods that use force, coercion and punishment.
Kerrie holds a master of science degree in biology. Her teaching experience includes over 20 years of teaching biology at the university level.
In her role as a professional dog trainer, she teaches private in-home and virtual sessions, but also has experience teaching group classes for puppy socialization, basic manners (obedience) and reactivity. Kerrie focuses on the emotional experience of her clients and their pets. Through mediation, education and realistic goal setting, she helps client’s build a secure attachment with their dog and creating a relationship based in trust and understanding.
A major contributing factor in dog bites is the inability to recognize when a dog is stressed, scared or uncomfortable. Kerrie is passionate about teaching people to recognize and understand the subtle body signals that our dogs use to communicate their emotions. She specializes in working with dogs who have experienced trauma and in helping dogs who exhibit fearful, anxious and aggressive behaviors.
As a certified professional trainer, Kerrie prides herself in continually expanding her knowledge of training techniques, dog behavior and the human-animal bond through attaining certifications, attending workshops and conferences, reading the latest literature and networking with colleagues to remain on the cutting edge of the science of dog behavior.
Animal welfare has always been a passion for Kerrie.
She has fostered dogs, driven and coordinated rescue transports and volunteered at shelters and rescues. Kerrie offers free consultations to rescues and shelters and is a participating trainer in the Humane Alliance of Rescue Trainers, where she donates training sessions to help rescue dogs who are experiencing fearful, anxious or aggressive behaviors.
Born and raised in Montana with a menagerie of different animals, Kerrie and her husband have lived in La Crosse, Wisconsin for over 25 years. They have two grown children, four dogs, and two backyard chickens.
A Sniffspot Best Dog Trainer of 2023 in both Wisconsin and Minnesota
Education
- Master of Science – Biology, Montana State University
- Bachelor of Science – Biology, Montana State University
- Bachelor of Science – Animal Science, Montana State University
Certifications and Credentials
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Accredited Dog Trainer (IAABC-ADT)
- HART Participating Trainer
- Aggression in Dog Master Course certificate
- Trauma-informed Pet Professional certificate
- Enrichment Framework for Behavior Modification Master Class
- Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP)
- L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediator® (FDM)
- CARE REDI Certified: Bronze Level
- PPG Canine Training Professional
- Certified Dog Bite Prevention Educator
- Licensed Be A Tree® Program Presenter
Professional Affiliations
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
Humane Alliance of Rescue Trainers (HART)
Webinars
