Our Family's Tail

The story, of how we became who we are today.

Hi, I’m Kari

and I'm thrilled to take you on a journey through the heartwarming story of our family's love affair with dogs, and how it has led to the creation of Family Tails—a place where families and their furry companions come together using science based force free training to insure every member of the family is kept safe.

a dog training session where the children are trained beside the dog laying on the floor while receiving a treat. A secondary picture of a happy family with a young girl and a young boy with there dog ontop of a mountain with a view of a valley in the background

Growing up in the picturesque landscapes of California, dogs were an integral part of my life from the very beginning. The roots of my journey into dog training run deep, nurtured by my mother's guidance and passion for these wonderful animals. At the tender age of 9, I was entrusted with the responsibility of raising my own guide dog puppies—a momentous step that laid the foundation for a lifelong passion.

As a young adult, I pursued higher education at Chico State University, where I earned my BA in Agriculture and Animal Science. Throughout my academic years, the pull of a career in dog training remained steadfast. My education opened doors to exciting adventures, including internships at Guide Dogs and a dog sledding kennel in the Yukon. It was amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Yukon that I fell in love, started a family, and welcomed an Alaskan husky puppy into our lives.

For 14 years, the Yukon was our home, where our family expanded to include two precious children, a lively black lab puppy, and the bittersweet memory of our beloved husky. Life had more surprises in store, leading us to Cochrane, Alberta, where our home now houses not only dogs but also a bearded dragon and a playful kitten, making it a true haven for animal lovers.

My journey has been marked by dedication and a thirst for knowledge. I've completed a certification course through Animal Behaviour College and earned the distinction of becoming a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator. Recently I have achieved another certification through the esteemed Karen Pryor Academy as of 2023. I am always looking for ways to continue my education to be up to date with the current dog training methods to insure that our training methods are as effective as possible and continue to improve.

Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or new to the world of dogs, I invite you to embark on this adventure with us.

Join us at Family's Tails where your family becomes an extension of ours, and together, we'll create tales of love, companionship, and wagging tails.

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