Your dog deserves better than “good enough.” And so do you.
If you’ve ever thought “We’ll just live with it ….” consider this page your permission slip to want more from your life with your dog.
Meet The Behavior Architect: Nancy M. Kelly, M.S., CPDT-KA
Let’s get this out of the way: I’m not here to “fix your dog” for you.
After over 30 years studying animal behavior, I don’t believe in magical dog whisperers, quick fixes, or strapping your dog into a no-pull harness and calling it training.
I’ve seen what works: behavior science and proven techniques. And your dog can learn so much more than you think—if you know how to teach them.
That’s where I come in.
A little about me (so you know you’re in good hands)
- I’m a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with a master’s degree in behavioral psychology. (Hence all the letters after my name.)
- I’ve been training animals for over 30 years, and I can train anything from chickens to dolphins to service dogs and the humans who go with them.
- I’ve studied under world-renowned behavior expert Dr. Bob Bailey for two decades.
- I’ve coached shelter staff, service dog organizations, and fellow trainers.
Most importantly, I don’t follow trends. I follow results.
Training is a quality-of-life issue for both you and your dog.
A well-trained dog isn’t just “easier to live with.” They’re more confident, more relaxed, and a better companion in your daily life. Their humans stop feeling like failures and start feeling like partners.
I’ve seen the transformation thousands of times from “out of control” to “eyes on me,” and it never gets old. That moment when your dog looks to you for guidance is why I do what I do.
Better behavior = a better life.
What you won’t get from me:
- Equipment that hides the problem instead of solving it.
- Vague advice that sounds good but leaves you wondering what to do.
- A free pass to a “trained dog.” Results take work, plain and simple.
What you will get:
- A clear, practical plan built around your goals.
- Step-by-step guidance rooted in behavior science and positive reinforcement.
- Honest feedback with no sugarcoating.
- Results that make people stop you and say, “I wish MY dog could do that!”
Whether you’re raising a puppy, adopting a rescue, or just feeling in over your head, I’ll teach you what you need to know to raise a confident dog who fits your lifestyle.
How I got here (thanks, Howdy!)
My first dog as an adult was a Labrador named Howdy. He was smart, enthusiastic … and I didn’t have a clue how to train him to be the dog I wanted. Fast-forward through puppy training classes, lots of practice, and asking endless questions that pulled me into the behavior science rabbit hole.
Howdy and I stumbled into obedience competition and started dabbling in other dog sports, and I was hooked. I found that I could help others build better lives with their dogs, even though I was just learning myself. That was over 30 years ago!
Over the last 30 years, I’ve trained 7 of my own dogs and helped thousands of others.Not all of them were naturals. That’s how I learned the real magic of training: not just what your dog can do, but what you can do together.
My Credentials
- Master’s in Behavioral Psychology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake
- CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed®)
- Bachelor’s in Biology from Texas A&M University (Whoop!)
- Ongoing mentorship with Dr. Bob Bailey (20+ years and counting)
- Author of training manuals for service dogs and shelter staff
Editor of the re-release of Animal Behavior by Keller & Marian Breland, with Dr. Bob Bailey
The bottom line:
If you’re ready for better, not easier, I’m your trainer.
Let’s build the kind of behavior that makes strangers jealous, impresses your friends, and fills you with pride.
Ready to meet your Mannerly Dog?