Meet Colette Edwards

I have trained animals for 32 years.

Since 1994, I have worked with fur seals, sea lions, seals, dolphins, African penguins, sea turtles, sheep, dogs, cats, and an elephant or two.

I immigrated to the USA from South Africa in 2022 and started Good Dawg Training 2023.

Certification & relevant expertise includes:

Karen Pryor Academy - Comprehensive Dog Trainer
Karen Pryor Academy - Puppy Start Right for Instructors
Karen Pryor Academy - Cooperative Care
Karen Pryor Academy - Dog Sports
Karen Pryor Academy (Ken Ramirez) - Snake Avoidance Training for Dogs Using Positive Reinforcement
Member APDT International - Association for Professional Dog Training International
Dog and Cat Ethology cum laude through the Ethology Academy - Pretoria Technikon, South Africa
7-year in-house marine mammal behavior & training certification - The South African Association for Marine Biological Research, South Africa
9 years assistant curator - Mammal & Bird Department: training trainers & animals; setting and marking trainer exams & assessments
Co-author of numerous papers and posters on marine mammal training and presented training paper presentations at three IMATA conferences
Shape of Enrichment - African workshop coordinator
Enrichment Project Coordinator & Training - Natal Zoo
Seal rescue & rehabilitation.

Why choose an ex-marine mammal trainer to help you

Power and choice when training builds confidence & trust

In the 1960s, trainer Karen Pryor's work with dolphins laid the groundwork for what would eventually become known as clicker training. Reinforcement-based training was more humane and effective, challenging traditional punishment-based dog training methods.

All animals respond favorably to reinforcement, consistency, and trust. Knowing what motivates each animal aids in their training. Clear communication is essential; if I could get my team of ten trainers to be consistent with ten fur seals, then I can help get your family to be clear and consistent with your dog. Giving animals power and choice in training gets their "buy-in" and enables animals to build confidence and think for themselves. Achieving your goals can be possible when you practice patience, maintain consistency, and allow me to guide you.

Training experience from seals to dogs and more

private training group puppy training

Meet Colette Edwards

I have trained animals for 32 years.

Why choose an ex-marine mammal trainer to help you

Power and choice when training builds confidence & trust

Relevant Certifications

Training through the years...

My Fur-babies

private training group puppy training

Meet Colette Edwards

I have trained animals for 32 years.

Why choose an ex-marine mammal trainer to help you

Power and choice when training builds confidence & trust

Relevant Certifications

Training through the years...

My Fur-babies

Who wants a Cookie?