Karen Pryor Academy Dog Training Professional Course

Kiki Yablon is a faculty member for the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training and Behavior, teaching the Dog Trainer Professional course for aspiring pro dog trainers. Listed below are the next opportunities to take the course with Kiki as your faculty member.

Kiki teaches the KPA “National” format, where instruction takes place online, with intensive coaching via video, for 6 months, and then the group meets for a 5-day in person workshop and assessments in the location; and the new “Virtual” format, where all meetings and workshops are held online.

My next series will be:

Virtual format: Course starts in December 2025 (with a break for the end of year holidays). Apply here.

National format: Course starts in March 2026, with a 5-day in-person workshop in Murfreesboro, TN (Nashville area), in September 2026. Apply here.

It’s All Connected: Modern Loose Leash Walking LIVE!

For the past two years, Kiki has taught this five-week LIVE! (online) course for Karen Pryor Academy. Enrollment just closed for the current session.

Loose-leash walking has evolved far beyond the old “obedience” picture of a dog trotting at heel. Today, a modern, dog-centric walk can look more like two partners moving together—responding to each other and the world—almost as if the leash weren’t there. It’s a dynamic, flexible dance that rewards clear communication with enriching experiences for the dog and the handler.

In this five-week LIVE class, Kiki will teach you essential component skills that can form a foundation for connected walks. You’ll learn why modern loose-leash walking often requires as much skill and awareness from both the dog and the handler than the rigid heeling styles of the past—and why that’s a good thing. 

You will also explore how to assemble these component behaviors into flowing sequences, adapt to changing environments, and reduce reliance on food reinforcement by incorporating naturally occurring rewards. Whether you’re a pet guardian or a professional trainer, this class will help you troubleshoot challenges and teach loose-leash skills that truly satisfy both ends of the leash.

Behavior Works’ Living and Learning With Animals

Kiki is a co-instructor for Dr. Susan Friedman’s 8-week course in behavior science for animal professionals. Class is in session now; the next series will be in January 2026.

Consulting With Fellow Professionals

If you would like to discuss a concept or a case with Kiki, contact us.