Amanda Cornell, CPDT-KA
My name is Amanda Cornell and I am a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and the founder of Accomplished Canines.
The fascination with animals has always been there, but the journey towards becoming a dog trainer didn’t fully start until November of 2007 when Gracie the French Bulldog came into the picture. Gracie was the cutest, most playful puppy that I had ever met…sometimes. She was in constant motion inside the house – running up and down the stairs, jumping off of furniture, and pushing over anything that wasn’t bolted down. Taking her outside wasn’t much easier. She ate everything she could stuff into her mouth, jumped incessantly on anyone that came within reach, and had no interest in listening to me. Walks were a nightmare and I often came home with sore shoulders and blisters on my hands from trying to hang on to her. What was worse, she was starting fights with other dogs over toys, food, and access to people that she liked.
I tried working with a couple of trainers, but their correction based training methods weren’t working for me and Gracie definitely wasn’t enjoying them either. I finally found what I was looking for in 2008 when I walked into a positive reinforcement based training facility and enrolled in a class. There were BIG changes in Gracie’s attitude right away. This was a dog that used to run from me when it was time for a training session – now she was eager to get started and actually WANTED to do what I asked. I was so impressed with the changes that I saw in Gracie that I asked the instructor how I could learn more. She recommended their Apprenticeship Program, and a few weeks later I was officially enrolled and completely hooked.
By the summer of 2010, I was a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (see my certification here). I have learned SO MUCH about training, and about dogs in general. Gracie has become the perfect dog and I could not be happier. We have also added a few new faces to the family, both of whom came with their own issues (barking at people and other dogs, resource guarding, no manners… just to name a few). Again, I was amazed with how quickly Wiley and Scout’s behavior changed and how quickly we came together as a team. The four of us have gone on to more advanced training and we are avid participants in a variety of dog sports. We are always working towards our goals. We want to help you and your dog do the same!!
Amanda Cornell, CPDT-KA
My name is Amanda Cornell and I am a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and the founder of Accomplished Canines.
The fascination with animals has always been there, but the journey towards becoming a dog trainer didn’t fully start until November of 2007 when Gracie the French Bulldog came into the picture. Gracie was the cutest, most playful puppy that I had ever met…sometimes. She was in constant motion inside the house – running up and down the stairs, jumping off of furniture, and pushing over anything that wasn’t bolted down. Taking her outside wasn’t much easier. She ate everything she could stuff into her mouth, jumped incessantly on anyone that came within reach, and had no interest in listening to me. Walks were a nightmare and I often came home with sore shoulders and blisters on my hands from trying to hang on to her. What was worse, she was starting fights with other dogs over toys, food, and access to people that she liked.
I tried working with a couple of trainers, but their correction based training methods weren’t working for me and Gracie definitely wasn’t enjoying them either. I finally found what I was looking for in 2008 when I walked into a positive reinforcement based training facility and enrolled in a class. There were BIG changes in Gracie’s attitude right away. This was a dog that used to run from me when it was time for a training session – now she was eager to get started and actually WANTED to do what I asked. I was so impressed with the changes that I saw in Gracie that I asked the instructor how I could learn more. She recommended their Apprenticeship Program, and a few weeks later I was officially enrolled and completely hooked.
By the summer of 2010, I was a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (see my certification here). I have learned SO MUCH about training, and about dogs in general. Gracie has become the perfect dog and I could not be happier. We have also added a few new faces to the family, both of whom came with their own issues (barking at people and other dogs, resource guarding, no manners… just to name a few). Again, I was amazed with how quickly Wiley and Scout’s behavior changed and how quickly we came together as a team. The four of us have gone on to more advanced training and we are avid participants in a variety of dog sports. We are always working towards our goals. We want to help you and your dog do the same!!
Credentials
B.S. in Zoology
UC Santa Barbara
M.S. in Biology
Cal State University,
San Marcos
CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed
APDT
Association of Professional Dog Trainers- Professional Member
CGC Evaluator
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Meet My Dogs
Gracie (9/30/07 - 1/27/20)
Gracie is the one that started it all. She certainly had some bad habits during her puppyhood, but positive reinforcement training helped her turn everything around. She loves to learn and she LOVES to ham it up for her “audience” during behavior demos in classes!
Sadly, we lost Gracie in January of 2020, but the impact that she left on me and all who knew her will continue to inspire for many, many years to come.
Wiley
Wiley is simply amazing. He went from a skinny, stray dog at the OC Animal Shelter to an enthusiastic training partner and strong agility competitor at local, regional, and national events! There are no limits to what this little dog can accomplish!!
Scout
Scout is one of a kind. He is also a rescue from a local animal shelter and needed some help getting on the right track at a very young age. He is a busy guy that is always ready for some action! Scout is currently in training for life skills and for agility!
Turk
Turk is a sweet, happy boy who thinks everyone and everything is his BFF. He LOVES to train, especially in agility. He’s always ready to play and run fast!
Brick
Brick is the definition of a class clown. His silliness and desire to make a game out of everything makes him a natural at helping shy dogs come out of their shells. He has already been a big help during private sessions and classes.
Kira
Kira is the newest member of the crew. She is a smart, serious girl that should have a bright future ahead of her, both in and out of the agility ring.