Welcome to AP Canine
Balanced, Holistic, Personalized and Science-Based training in Leonard, TX and the surrounding areas.
Offering Beginner to Advanced courses and behavior modification.
About My Training
My name is Kawena, and I'll be your trainer.
About me:
I began my journey with dogs in 2001 at the age of 4 when I met my Aunt's Golden Retriever, Sam. Since then, I have dedicated nearly every day to learning about canines and improving my relationship with them. My education encompasses a broad spectrum of canine fields, including Military and Police training, Veterinary Medicine,
About me:
I began my journey with dogs in 2001 at the age of 4 when I met my Aunt's Golden Retriever, Sam. Since then, I have dedicated nearly every day to learning about canines and improving my relationship with them. My education encompasses a broad spectrum of canine fields, including Military and Police training, Veterinary Medicine, Breeding, Search and Rescue, and Agility, and is continuously enriched through ongoing scientific research, training conferences, and seminars. I specialize in balanced dog training, focusing on all levels of obedience, behavior modification, and advanced training specialties such as Livestock Guarding, Search and Rescue, Tracking, and Service Work, including Object Retrieval and Mobility Assistance.
In 2022, I began training dogs for Medical Mobility Assistance and in 2023 I began training in Search and Rescue and DBR. In 2024, I achieved major success as a trainer when my Search and Rescue Team certified Nationally and took home First Place at the Texas NAPWDA Conference.
My Training Style
Training is a mutual educational experience where both members of the relationship, human and canine, are provided with means and opportunities to bond, communicate, and develop and advance personal skills.
I developed my personal training approach based on a combination of my intuitive understanding of canines, decades of scientific rese
Training is a mutual educational experience where both members of the relationship, human and canine, are provided with means and opportunities to bond, communicate, and develop and advance personal skills.
I developed my personal training approach based on a combination of my intuitive understanding of canines, decades of scientific research regarding Animal Behavior, Psychology, Genetics, Anatomy and Health, and 23 years of experience both working with dogs and working with other Canine Professionals from across the country.
My training style is
- Balanced, meaning I incorporate both rewards and corrections into the natural learning process,
- Holistic, meaning that training focuses on all aspects of canine health and wellness,
- Personalized, meaning that our approach to training techniques depends on factors such as your dogs breed and learning style,
- Science Based, meaning that I incorporate decades of research into my training techniques.
I offer private, at home, one-on-one training with you and your dog. Anyone you want to participate may, but because your dog's behavior and training is based on YOU, it is essential that you are the main component in your training.
Your Role in Training
Your Role in Training
As your dog's leader, you are the biggest influence in their life and behavior. I am not here to train your dog; I am here to teach you how to train your own dog. Although many people imagine training to be primarily aimed at educating their dog, handler education and behavior play an incredibly powerful role in your dog's behaviors and
As your dog's leader, you are the biggest influence in their life and behavior. I am not here to train your dog; I am here to teach you how to train your own dog. Although many people imagine training to be primarily aimed at educating their dog, handler education and behavior play an incredibly powerful role in your dog's behaviors and in creating and maintaining a healthy and happy relationship with your dog. Sometimes, without realizing it, some of your actions and behaviors might not only be unwanted, but could also be harming your relationship, misleading your dog, or even inadvertently encouraging those very unwanted behaviors that you're trying to overcome. As your dog's teacher, guardian, and leader, you are primarily responsible for their success in basic obedience training.The more you know, the better you can lead your dog. Your participation in training will determine your results.
Training Courses
Obedience Training Courses
Puppy Basics
5 Lessons
For puppies up to 6 months old.
This course covers the basics of puppy behavior and needs, as well as potty training, kennel training, and puppy- level obedience.
This course prepares puppies for Basic Obedience Training.
Basic Obedience Training
8 Lessons
Become your dog's leader as your dog learns essential skills and commands. This flexible course will introduce you to the basic principles of canine behavior and learning, will teach you a “recipe for teaching new skills”, and will improve your relationship and communication with your canine as you teach them several Basic Obedience Commands.
Learn 6 basic obedience commands: walk, heel, sit, down, stay, and come when called.
This course includes 7 private, at-home lessons and one field trip.
Intermediate Obedience Training
8-10 Lessons
Build upon and advance the basic obedience skills! Learn intermediate commands such as back up and place, command your dog from a distance and practice off-leash skills while your dog improves their commitment, social skills and distraction tolerance.
Handlers will learn even more about canine behavior and wellness, and canines will be introduced to other dogs and will be exposed to more intense distractions and situations.
Advanced Obedience Training
Advanced skills and specialty training, including tracking, hunting, and agility, are available for established clients ONLY.
Behavior Modification
Expert training solutions for unhealthy and problematic behaviors
Recent Rescue Rehab
About 5 Sessions
A discounted program for recent adoptions who are struggling to adjust.
Thank you for rescuing.
Overcoming Anxiety and Agression
5-10 Sessions
For dogs who need confidence, struggle with fear or separation anxiety, or have problems with reactivity based on fear.
Overcoming Impulses and Reactivity
5-10 Sessions
For dogs who need better control over instincts and impulses, and struggle with reactivity based on instinctual drives such as hunting drives.
There are no bad dogs, only dogs who need support.
The Importance of Training
Education plays a huge role in how we think, behave and develop. Just like humans, dogs are always learning and have incredible potential, and just like with people, it takes intentional education, opportunities, support and practice to achieve that potential. Although dogs are “Man's best friend”, they are still dogs, and with that comes a long list of canine specific behaviors and needs. While most of these are perfectly natural and healthy, they can become problematic, unhealthy, expensive and even unsafe (for your dog and even for you) when allowed to develop unchecked in our human world.
Training is the foundation of your relationship with your dog, and both handlers and canines benefit greatly from the experience and education. Training can help bridge the gap between humans and dogs by fostering mutual understanding, establishing healthy communication and supporting peaceful cohabitation, and supports you in your role as your dogs Guardian by helping you understand and provide for your dogs needs.
When done correctly, training can help create a healthy and enjoyable relationship between you and your dog, can support your dogs development and well being, can develop good habits, and can prevent or address unwanted behaviors.
The purpose of training is always to support you and your dogs health, safety and wellness. Training should always be done ethically and humanely.
Supports You
Gives you the skills and know-how to effectively understand and manage your canine.
Authority - Respect - Education - Peace
Benefits Your Dog
Training develops your dogs essential skills and education, and helps your dog understand their world and your expectations.
Skills - Confidence - Security
Supports Your Pack
Teaches manners and communication for peaceful, safe and successful cohabitation and experiences.
Adventures - Safety - Guests - Relationships
Come See Us At Work!
