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 late December 2025. It’s not available to apply for on the website yet, but check back under my faculty listing soon, or email admissions coordinator Annie Chastain.

National format: Course starts in March 2026, with a 5-day in-person workshop in Murfreesboro, TN (near Nashville), in September 2026. It’s not available to apply for on the website yet, but check back under my faculty listing soon or email admissions coordinator Annie Chastain.

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

Kiki’s five-week LIVE! (online) course for Karen Pryor Academy will be back this fall.

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.

Sign up here to get notified when enrollment opens.

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. The next session will begin in July 2026—register at the BehaviorWorks site.

Consulting With Fellow Professionals

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