Experience
Your Wish is Their Command!
Genie has been training dogs of all breeds for more than 25 years
Genie Tuttle,
Voted #1 best dog trainer in Ventura County - 5 Years in a Row! 2019 - 2024
Genie Tuttle is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) a Full Member Dog Training Professional recognized by the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), the Association for Force-free Pet Professionals and a Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). Genie has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from California State University, Northridge and has studied family systems theory, ethology and a wide variety of training techniques and theories in an effort to build flexible, robust training curriculums for her clients.
A lifelong dog lover, she has worked for private training companies, Parks and Recreation departments and a national pet supply retailer prior to launching her own business, Dog Genie in 2003.
Background
Her background is in Corporate Communications, Public Relations, Marketing Operations, Fundraising and Event Planning. Genie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from California State University Northridge. She is also a blogger for the world renowned positive dog training website established by Dr. Ian Dunbar, Dog Star Daily www.dogstardaily.com. Genie is also the first Certified Dognition Evaluator in California, joining Dr. Brian Hare’s team of citizen researchers at Duke University, see www.dognition.com.
Genie is also a mentor trainer for the Animal Behavior College. In 2015, as a lifelong shelter dog advocate, Genie launched two successful enrichment programs (K9 Nose Work® for Shelter Dogs and Clicker Training for Shelter Dogs) at Ventura County Animal Services, California’s largest municipal open-admission “Socially Conscious” shelter.
Background
Her background is in Corporate Communications, Public Relations, Marketing Operations, Fundraising and Event Planning. Genie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from California State University Northridge. She is also a blogger for the world renowned positive dog training website established by Dr. Ian Dunbar, Dog Star Daily www.dogstardaily.com. Genie is also the first Certified Dognition Evaluator in California, joining Dr. Brian Hare’s team of citizen researchers at Duke University, see www.dognition.com.
Genie is also a mentor trainer for the Animal Behavior College. In 2015, as a lifelong shelter dog advocate, Genie launched two successful enrichment programs (K9 Nose Work® for Shelter Dogs and Clicker Training for Shelter Dogs) at Ventura County Animal Services, California’s largest municipal open-admission “No Kill” shelter.
Dog Genie is a training company specializing in teaching people how to successfully use positive communication techniques with their dogs for a lifetime of happiness and understanding. Genie teaches all kinds of fun and positive ways to train and communicate with dogs via group classes and private lessons including:
skills & manners
behavioral modification
clicker training
K9 Nose Work
Tricks and More
How to Choose a Qualified Dog Trainer?
The ASPCA recommends that dog owners investigate the education and credentials of the person they plan to hire and recommends hiring a dog trainer with the independently earned Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) credential.
In the United States, dog training is an unregulated industry and anyone can print business cards and say they are a “dog trainer” with little to no actual relevant education about the science of learning theory or the humane hierarchy of protocols. That is dangerous for dogs. For this reason, world renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar and many of his colleagues in the industry got together and put standards around an independent credential system to educate and qualify dog trainers. Dr. Dunbar and colleagues formed the Association of Professional Dog Trainers from which the hard to achieve independent certification “Certified Professional Dog Trainer” (CPDT ) resulted, in conjunction with the Certification Counsel for Professional Dog Trainers. This credential takes several years to achieve and to keep it current, dog trainers must participate in continuing education, earn CEUs and study with leaders in the field of positive, educated, humane dog training techniques. Genie has held the CPDT title since 2006.
Continuing Education:
April 2024 – Dog Dog Reactivity Masterclass – Dr. Ian Dunbar, Pet Summits
October 2023 – Enhanced Education Weekend, NACSW
August 2023 – Working Aggression Cases Virtually, Karishma Warr Ma., CPDT-KA, CSAT
August 2023 – The Many Separation Anxiety Myths – Malena DeMartini
February 2023 – Behavioral Neuroscience – Looking at Aggression – Daniel Shaw, GMBPs, CDBC
December 2022 – Play Way! For Reactive and Aggressive Challenges – Dr. Amy Cook PhD, CDBC CPDT-KA
July 2022 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Working Through Challenges with Training and Behavior Management of Day to Day Veterinary Care Behaviors – Chirag Patel BSc, PG Cert, Dip CABT at Domesticated Manners
July 2022 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Defensive Handling Skills for Humans – Melanie Cerone Ph.D., BCBA, CPDT-KA
July 2022 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Changes in BAT for Socialization and Resilience – Grisha Stewart MA, CPDT-KA, CPA CTP
April 2022 – Handling Skills and Strategies, Amy Herot
March 2022 – Really Real Relaxation, Suzanne Clothier
February 2022 – Dogs Playing for Life’s Approach to On-Leash Reactivity, Aimee Sadler, Mike Kaviani
February 2022 – Changes in BAT for Socialization & Resilience – Grisha Stewart, MA, CPDT-KA, KPACTP
February 2022 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Treating Aggression Through an Enrichment Framework, Allie Bender, CDBC, CPDT-KA, SBA/Emily Strong, CDBC, SBA
January 2022 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – “But My Dog Isn’t Food Motivated”, Kathy Sdao, M.A.
January 2022 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Talking About Behavioral Euthanasia, Trish McMillan, CPDT-KA, CDBC, ACCBC
January 2022 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Lessons Learned from Former Fighting Dogs, Victoria Cussen, PhD, CAAB
December 2021 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Reactivity: Two Steps Forward One Step Back: A Case Study in Dog Reactivity, Denise Fenzi
December 2021 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Turning Triggers into Behavior Cues – Kathy Sdao, MA
December 2021 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Medication Use for Aggression Cases: Applications and Considerations, Dr. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC
December 2021 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – The Evolution of Aggression, Michael Shikashio, CDBC
October 2021 – Recognizing Pain, Physical vs. Behavior, Dr. Debbie Torraca, DPT, MSPT, IAABC
October 2021 – Adolescent Period of Development and It’s Implications for Behavior, Dr. Naomi Harvey BSc, PhD
September 2021 – Resource Guarding in Dogs, a Fear Free Approach, Kenneth Martin DVM, DACVB
January 2021 – Resource Guarding, Applied Assessment Protocols & Ethogram, Sue Sternberg and Trish King
December 2020 – Treatment Options for Dogs Showing Aggression Due to Fear/Frustration, Kris Glover, BA, MSc, CABC, CCAB, FABC
October 2020 – Training vs Management, Suzanne Clothier
October 2020 – The Learning Planet, Dr. Susan Friedman, Ph.D
October 2020 – Let Food be Thy Medicine and Medicine be Thy Food, Dr. Bart Iaia, DVM, CVA
August 2020 – National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) Enhanced Education Weekend with the Founders
July 2020 – How to Build a Puppy in 0 – 63 Days, Suzanne Clothier
July 2020 – Repetitive Drills, Gail McCarthy
July 2020 – Stress Matters: Impact of Fear and Anxiety on Learning, Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC
June 2020 – Fear and Its Impact on Behavior, Debbie Jacobs, CPDT-KA, RBT
June 2020 – Anxiety in Dogs: The Whole Story, Dr. Jessica Hekman, DVM, PhD
June 2020 – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Dogs, How it Manifests & How to Help, Alexandra Santos, Dip.ACP
June 2020 – Dogs Have Issues Too: Helping Your Dog Cope With Stress, Jane Miller, LISW, CDBC, AABP-CDBT
June 2020 – When Theory Collides with Reality in Pet Dog Training, Jean Donaldson
April 2020 – The COVID Lockdown & Your Dog, Tracy Krulik, CTC, CSAT
April 2020 – Puppy Socialization During a Pandemic, Pet Professionals Guild, Jessica Ring, CPDT-KA, PCBC-A, CTC, PMCT
April 2020 – Earth, Wind & Odor, NACSW, Lauralea Oliver, CNWI
March 2020 – Stretch Don’t Snap – Ann Waterbury & Colleen Pelar, CPDT-KA
March 2020 – Sue Sternberg, Managing Dog-Dog Interaction, Guide Dogs for the Blind
May 2019 – Susan Friedman, Ph.D Living & Learning with Animals
March 10, 2019 – Amy Herot – Dogs in Odor: Painting the Scent Picture”
Feb 17, 2019 – Jill Marie Obrien – NACSW Continuing Education for CNWI Credential Instructor Course
July 21, 2018 – Jill Marie Obrien – K9 Nose Work® Summer Series Advanced Hide Placement and More
November 2017 – Turid Rugaas – Canine Body Language, Health & Stress, Calming Signals, the Affect of Pain on Behavior
April 2017 IAABC Conference – “The Learning Planet” Dr. Susan Friedman
April 2017 IAABC Conference- “Desensitization and Counter Conditioning” – Dr. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB
April 2017 IAABC Conference -“The Effects of Fear, Anxiety and Arousal on Learning” – Dr. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB
April 2017 IAABC Conference – ‘Why Do Wolves Hunt Sheep While Dogs Herd Them?” – Kathryn Lord, PhD
April 2017 IAABC Conference – “Animal Welfare Science – What’s the Measure of Good for the Animal?” – Brian Burton & Sarah Fraser
April 2017 IAABC Conference – “Client Compliance and Implementation Strategies” – Dr. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB
April 2017 IAABC Conference – “ABA in Practice” – Adria Karlsson
April 2017 IAABC Conference – “Medication for Cats & Dogs” – Dr. Lore Haug, DVM, DACVB
April 2017 IAABC Conference – “Aggression Case Studies” Michael Shikashio & Trish McMillan Leohr
February 2017 – “The Mental Side of Competition & Training” – Teah Anders, Gentle Touch Pet Training
January 2017 – NACSW/CNCA Joint K9 Education Conference Including:
“The Anatomy and Fluid Dynamics of Canine Olfaction” – Alex Rygg
“Body Language, What is My Dog Sniffing?” – Sue Sternberg
“Six Steps to Successful Scent Detection” – Roger Abrantes, PhD
“Quick Dog Food Fixes that Can Improve Performance” – Jill Cline, MS,PhD
“The Neuroscience of Canine Vision and Olfaction” – Andrea Thompkins, PhD
October 2016 – NACSW Competitive Edge, Handler Errors, K9 Nose Work from Foundation to Finesse – Fred Helfers, Penny Scott-Fox
January 2016 – K9 Scent & Detection Civilian Conference – California Narcotic Canine Association
August 2015 – The Relevance of Breed in Behavioral Consultation – Janis Bradley – PPG
August 2015 – Sound Sensitivities and Phobias – Caryn Charlie Liles, CPDT-KA
March 2015 – CNWI credential achieved from the National Association of Canine Scent Work
February 2015 – Nose Work for Shelter, Rescue & Special Needs Dogs – Jill Marie O’Brien – Pasadena Humane Society
November 2014 – Behavior Chains – Kathy Sdao, MA, ACAAB
September 2014 – Continued CNWI Certified Nose Work Instructor training course with the NACSW
August 2014 – Dog Aggression – In Depth – John Rogerson, Los Angeles, CA
August 2014 – Scent Detection with Ron Gaunt, Huntington Beach, CA
June 2014 –Continued CNWI Certified Nose Work Instructor training course with the NACSW
April 2014 – Shelter Symposium – Rescue Challenges and “No Kill” Model – Ohana Pet Hospital and VMSG
March 2014 – Trish King at Guide Dogs for the Blind, Fear and its Fallout, Aggression and Anxiety
February 2014 – CNWI Certified Nose Work Instructor Course with the NACSW
February 2014 – Advanced non-food reinforcers, Concept Training, Mimicry and Handling Animal Mistakes – Ken Ramirez ASPCALA
January 2014 – Reality Bites: Understanding Dog Aggression Treatment Protocols – Pat Miller
April 2013 – Dog Bite Law – Ken Phillips
November 2012 – Science Based Dog Training (with Feeling)
Ian Dunbar, DVM, Ph.D.
October 2012 – Intro to BAT Behavior Adjustment Training
Grisha Stewart
June 2012 – A Weekend of Behavior & Beyond
Dr. Sophia Yin
March 2012 – Click to Calm
Emma Parsons
February 2012 – Use of Training Aids: Sense or Nonsense?
Kathy Sdao
November 2011 – Animal Acting: “Get Ready for the Set”
dog-ibox
October 2011 – Assoc of Pet Dog Trainers Educational Conference
Understanding, Assessing and Minimizing Fear in the Companion Dog
Suzanne Clothier
Understanding Reactive Puppies
Beth Duman
Through a Dog’s Ear: Sound Therapy and Psychoacoustics
Lisa Spector and Joshua Leeds
Separation Distress: Both Sides Now
Nicole Wilde
September 2011 – Creative Ways to Save America’s Dog
Association of Pet Dog Trainers
March 2010 – Helping Fearful Dogs
Instructor – Nicole Wilde, CPDT
Anxiety, Fears, Phobias
Fear Responses
Behavior Modification: Keys to Success
Hosted by J9sK9s, Canoga Park, CA
March 2010 – Bite-O-Meter
Advanced Observations
Instructor – Sue Sternberg
Hosted by Puppyworks and The Inquisitive Canine, Ventura, CA
February 2010 – Dog-Dog Group Dynamics
Healthy Interaction and Aggression
Instructor – Sue Sternberg
On Leash Assessments
Safe Behaviors
Risky Behaviors
Hosted by Puppyworks and The Inquisitive Canine, Ventura, CA
June 2009 – Pet First-Aid & CPR
Instructor – Denise Fleck
Hosted by The Inquisitive Canine, Ventura, CA
May 2009 – Train Like it Matters:
Counseling Aggression & Training Execution
Instructors – Jean Donaldson & Janis Bradley
Hosted by Puppyworks and The Inquisitive Canine, Ventura, CA
October 2008 – Get SMART About Training!
See Mark And Reward Training
Instructor – Kathy Sdao, M.A., CAAB
Operant Conditioning
Reinforcement Schedules
Seeing Behavior: Filters
Hosted by Dogs of Course & Jump Start Dog Sports, Yorba Linda, CA
February 2008 – Saving Shelter Dogs:
Evaluation, Enrichment & Behavior Rehabilitation
Instructor – Dr. Pamela Reid, Ph.D., CAAB
Hosted by spcaLA
January 2007 – Clicker Expo
Clicker training for calm behavior
Clicker training with group classes
The Language of Cues
(Karen Pryor, Kathy Sdao, Emma Parsons, Ken Ramirez)
Fall 2006 – The Family in Animal Behavior Consulting
Instructor Lynn Hoover, MSW, CDBC
Family sytems theory
Roles of dogs in family systems
Relationship triangles
June 2006 – Dog Language: The Evolution of Canine Social Behavior
(Roger Abrantes)
Hosted by spcaLA
October 2005 – Biting Dog Conference
(Sue Sternburg, Kenneth Phillips, ESQ, Wes Artope)
Hosted by Puppyworks.com/petworkshops.com