ABOUT PHD
INSTRUCTIONAL STYLE
PHD offers guided training, which is training for dogs and humans together in relationship. Our clients learn practical skills during session that they practice with their dogs between sessions. Homework is completed using resources in the Learning Portal . Sessions may be held in individual or small group format, in person or by video call, and may include work with specially-trained instructor dogs.
PHD instruction conforms to LIMA, the ethical standard endorsed by the Association of Professional Dog Trainer (APDT), the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Click to read PHD's Ethics Statement.
INSTRUCTORS
NATHANIEL LUKAS, PhD, NCC, LMHC, CIMHP, CPDT-KA,
AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
PRESIDENT & LEAD INSTRUCTOR
PHD INSTRUCTOR, LEVEL 4
Nathaniel Lukas Redekopp has over 8 years of experience in professional dog training. He is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), is credentialed by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Nathaniel apprenticed with A Fresh Perspective Dog Training (AFPDT). Nathaniel has a B.A. in Psychology, a M.A. in Clinical Counseling and is a LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) who specializes in Animal-Assisted Therapy with canines for the treatment of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). He is a National Certified Mental Health Counselor (NCC) and Certified Integrative Mental Health Practitioner (CIMHP). Nathaniel is a PhD graduate of the University of New Mexico in Spanish, and has a background in curriculum design/instruction, civil rights investigation, education and advocacy.
AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
Kayla started her career as an animal trainer working with exotic species like giraffe and African lions for 7 years. During this period, she earned an M.A. in Biology and began teaching Zoo Keeping Technology courses at Pikes Peak Community College.
Kayla became a certified dog trainer through the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP) in 2018 after adopting her first dog with special needs, Mouse. She left the zoo field to focus on dog training as it is such a passion of hers!
Pets and Helping Dogs is thrilled to have Kayla as our newest pack member!
PHD INSTRUCTOR, LEVEL 1
Chris brings years of experience working with people and animals. We are excited to have him! Chris' background includes work as a horse trainer, armed forces veteran, and police chief.
Chris wants our clients to know that he and his canine companion, Gunner, are "enthusiastic to work with you and your best friends (aka dogs)!"
INSTRUCTOR DOGS
LINUS
KHORII (working name Katie)
Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and PHD founding pack member, she passed away January 2022. Khorii's superpower was sharing so much love and healing wherever she went!
SANDY
HERCULES
Therapy Dog Hercules passed away in July 2022. He loved making friends and could get anyone to smile and fall in love with him.
BAILEY
MISSY (Misdemeanor Elliot)
Is greatly missed since her passing in early 2022. She was always eager to participate in socialization exercises and enjoyed longboarding.
MISSION STATEMENT
1. Prevent and treat problematic behaviors in dogs through socialization, training, and a focus on human education.
2. Provide effective and ethical instruction that is individualized to the needs of the human and canine learners.
3. Help keep dogs in loving homes by teaching healthy in-home structure that replaces undesirable behaviors with alternatives that facilitate a mutually respectful and fulfilling relationship between dogs and their humans.
4. Provide high-quality, ethical instruction to people wishing to responsibly train a Service Dog, Emotional Support Dog or Therapy Dog for their own use.
5. Advocate for the responsible and humane care of and training of dogs.
6. Advocate for appropriate laws, policies and regulations affecting helping dogs, including Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs.