Karen has always had dogs as part of her family, but her interest and involvement peaked when she began working with local animal rescues. She fostered for many years, specializing in dogs with medical needs and behavioral issues, eventually becoming an Adoption Coordinator for Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. However, after recognizing that many of these dogs needed help adjusting to their new homes, as well as the dealing with stresses of city life, Karen felt the need to do more to help these rescue dogs, their fosters and their adopters.
With this goal in mind, Karen completed an apprenticeship here at Fur-Get Me Not in 2016, and now teaches basic manners, nose work, puppy and ‘tween socials, and several specialty classes. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, and completed both the Dog Trainer Program, Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior, and Pat Miller’s Peaceable Paws Level 1 Intern Academy, Canine Behavior and Training in 2017. Karen is a Certified Nose Work Instructor and competes in nose work with her tiny but mighty rescue Chihuahua, Bear.
Karen is a Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), a Dog Training Professional Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and a supporter of the No Shock Collar Coalition. She is also a member of the National Association of Canine Scent Work, and continues to volunteer with Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Karen and her husband Michael live on a horse boarding farm in Fairfax Station, VA, along with 5 dogs, a cat, a Moluccan cockatoo, and Daisy, their Haflinger-cross pony!