Meet the Trainers

The Pet Republic, Cambridge MA premier dog training facility, has certified trainers for all your needs.

Jill Hourihan

Business Owner & Dog Trainer

Trainer bio coming soon!

Jill Hourihan

Business Owner & Dog Trainer

Trainer bio coming soon!

Kim Melanson

Dog Trainer

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
Kim’s training philosophy is solidly based in techniques that are humane and based on science. Her strategies seek to build communication and a lasting relationship with your dog.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Professional Dog Trainer since 2001
  • Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
  • Counseling Certificate from the SF-SPCA

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

  • Association of Pet Dog Trainers
  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
  • Consultant, Baypath Rescue, Hopkinton, MA
  • Founding Member, Shelter for Dogs, Animal Rescue League of Boston

AREAS OF INTEREST AND EXPERTISE 

  • Canine Behavior Counseling
  • Obedience Training from Basic to Advanced
  • Puppy Training and Classes
  • Shelter Volunteer Training
  • Implementation of evaluation and rehabilitation programs and shelters and rescue organizations

Celine Yang

Dog Trainer

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Celine utilizes positive reinforcement training methods to strengthen communication between dog and handler. She strives to maximize engagement from the dog and to learn and honor each dog’s choices and preferences. Celine‘s ultimate goal is for her dogs to view work as play and play as work! 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
  • Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)
  • Certified Trick Dog Instructor via Do More With Your Dog 
  • Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional graduate
  • Ken Ramirez Advanced Training Topics Seminar
  • Michele Pouliot Canine Freestyle and Platform Training Seminar
  • 13+ Fenzi Dog Sports Academy courses

CERTIFICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumnus
  • Performance Scent Dogs (PSD)
  • National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW)
AREAS OF INTEREST AND EXPERTISE
  • Building confidence in fearful dogs
  • Cooperative care
  • Separation anxiety
  • Managing thresholds in dogs prone to frustration
  • Shaping trick behaviors and chains
  • Nosework
  • Agility
  • Canine Freestyle

Celine Yang

Dog Trainer

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Celine utilizes positive reinforcement training methods to strengthen communication between dog and handler. She strives to maximize engagement from the dog and to learn and honor each dog’s choices and preferences. Celine‘s ultimate goal is for her dogs to view work as play and play as work! 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
  • Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)
  • Certified Trick Dog Instructor via Do More With Your Dog 
  • Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional graduate
  • Ken Ramirez Advanced Training Topics Seminar
  • Michele Pouliot Canine Freestyle and Platform Training Seminar
  • 13+ Fenzi Dog Sports Academy courses

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumnus
  • Performance Scent Dogs (PSD)
  • National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW)
AREAS OF INTEREST AND EXPERTISE
  • Building confidence in fearful dogs
  • Cooperative care
  • Separation anxiety
  • Managing thresholds in dogs prone to frustration
  • Shaping trick behaviors and chains
  • Nosework
  • Agility
  • Canine Freestyle

Alison MacDonald

Training Manager

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Alison believes that the foundation for every successful human – canine team is trust and clear communication. Using evidence based training methods Alison can help you open up a conversation with your dog that will allow you to better communicate your expectations to your dog, better understand your dogs needs and help you to become the best team you can be! 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Karen Prior Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
  • Karen Pryor Academy Graduate
  • Level 1 TAGTeach Certified
  • Living and Learning with Animals with Dr. Susan Friedman
  • IAABC Principles and Practices of Animal Behavior Consulting
  • Ken Ramirez Advance Training Topics Seminar
  • Don Blair Scent Detection Seminar
  • Click to Calm with Emma Parsons

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • TAGteach International
  • National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW)
  • Performance Scent Dogs (PSD)
  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumnus

AREAS OF INTEREST AND EXPERTISE

  • Building confidence in fearful dogs.
  • Reactive Dogs
  • Off leash skills
  • Rescue dog acclimation to new homes.
  • Building human/dog understanding and relationships
  • Scent work

 

Sammy Hyde

Dog Trainer


TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Sammy believes that a well behaved dog comes through relationship building, clear communication, and trust. Her training philosophy is to treat the whole dog, not just the problem behavior. Her background in research has influenced her training, and she is always looking at the most recent science to ensure her training is efficient and humane. She is passionate about expanding her knowledge and skills, and has attended numerous workshops, seminars, and conferences. She is currently on the path to completing a Masters degree in Clinical Animal Behavior.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
  • Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior (UW-ABB)
  • Karen Pryor Academy Graduate
  • BS, Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut
  • Applied Animal Behavior, University of Washington
  • Dog Behavior Team, Baypath Humane Society

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumnus
  • National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW)

AREAS OF EXPERTISE AND INTEREST

  • Puppy and adolescent dog development, behavior and training
  • Reactivity and fear based behaviors
  • Hypersocial dogs
  • Rescue dog wellness and adjustment to new homes
  • Nosework
  • Tricks

 

Sammy Hyde

Dog Trainer


TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Sammy believes that a well behaved dog comes through relationship building, clear communication, and trust. Her training philosophy is to treat the whole dog, not just the problem behavior. Her background in research has influenced her training, and she is always looking at the most recent science to ensure her training is efficient and humane. She is passionate about expanding her knowledge and skills, and has attended numerous workshops, seminars, and conferences. She is currently on the path to completing a Masters degree in Clinical Animal Behavior.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
  • Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior (UW-ABB)
  • Karen Pryor Academy Graduate
  • BS, Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut
  • Applied Animal Behavior, University of Washington
  • Dog Behavior Team, Baypath Humane Society

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumnus
  • National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW)

AREAS OF INTEREST AND EXPERTISE

  • Puppy and adolescent dog development, behavior and training
  • Reactivity and fear based behaviors
  • Hypersocial dogs
  • Rescue dog wellness and adjustment to new homes
  • Nosework
  • Tricks

 

Allison Onofrio

Dog Trainer

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Training is a two way path that creates a shared language between you and the animal you are working with. By using methods based in science, Allison hopes to build a healthier, stronger relationship between you and your dog in the most humane way possible. She wants humans to allow dogs to make choices in their training by understanding their dog’s body language and preferences. These methods will empower an engaged dog that is excited to participate in training. 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • BS Neuroscience: Animal Behavior, University of New Hampshire, minors in Psychology; Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studies
  • Marine Mammal Trainer, New England Aquarium
  • Community Welfare Specialist, MSPCA
  • Karen Pryor Shelter Training and Enrichment
  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy courses

CERTIFICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

  • International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association (IMATA)
  • Animal Behavior Society
  • Community Welfare Specialist, MSPCA
  • Performance Scent Dogs (PSD)
  • National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW)

AREAS OF INTEREST

  • Nosework
  • Tricks
  • Cooperative Care
  • Reactivity

 

Yelena Clay

Dog Trainer
FLUENT IN RUSSIAN


TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Yelena believes that building trust, meeting the needs of both dogs and humans, and clear communication is vital for creating a successful lasting relationship. Using training methods based on positive reinforcement techniques, she assures that training is safe and effective as well as kind and enjoyable for both humans AND dogs.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
  • Karen Pryor Academy Graduate
  • Aggression in Dogs Masters Course with Michael Shikashio
  • Click to Calm with Emma Parsons
  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy courses
  • Dog Behavior Team, Baypath Humane Society
  • Animal Care Associate at Baypath Humane Society
  • Fear Free Shelter Program
  • ASPCA Pro Courses

CERTIFICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

  • International Associate of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumnus

AREAS OF EXPERTISE AND INTEREST

  • Reactive and Fearful Dogs
  • Hypersocial and Frustrated Dogs
  • Rescue/adoption acclimation to new homes.
  • Kids and Dogs
  • Cooperative Care
  • Nosework

 

Sabina Repetto

Dog Trainer

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Sabina’s training philosophy is focused on creating mutually beneficial relationships between dogs and their humans. This starts by meeting dogs where they are at, and providing appropriate opportunities for dogs to be a dog. She prioritizes building strong relationships while training in a humane and fun way. She understands that different human/dog teams have different needs and aims to make training enjoyable for all involved while getting everyone where they want to be.   

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • Pet CPR and First Aid Certified
  • Dog Behavior Conference
  • Behavior Problems with Ian Dunbar
  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy courses
  • Fear Free Pet Sitter certified
  • Training Dogs for PTSD Service Work with Jennifer Rogers
  • APAW Service Dog Handler Seminar

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

  • Owner and operator of Zoomies Dog Care LLC
  • Fear Free Pets
  • Do More With Your Dog! Title Holder
  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumnus
  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • American Poodles at Work service dog recipient

 

The Pet Republic | 2400 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 | 617-520-4922 | office@powertothepet.com