Meet Your Trainer
Dedicated to building strong bonds between dogs and their families
My Journey
I'm Kristina McNair a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and the owner of this small, woman owned business. I specialize in science based, real world dog training that helps people solve problems, reach goals, and enjoy life with their dogs through a deeper understanding of behavior. My work is focused, practical, and personalized built on years of hands on experience, continuing education, and a strong foundation in animal behavior.
This work has been on my heart since I was nine years old. My family was on the verge of rehoming our dog and I was determined to help him stay. I walked into a bookstore, grabbed every dog training book I could find, and started teaching myself. With handwritten notes and a whole lot of hope, I put what I learned into action and it worked! That early experience showed me the power of behavior science and set the course for everything I do now.
Over the years, I've received direct mentorship from highly knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled trainers, and I've trained not only dogs, but also cats, chickens, and even wild crows. I've taught cats to move to designated areas on cue, chickens to go to a specific spot and wait patiently, and crows to land on a nearby fence post while I worked with reactive dogs nearby. I also spent time in a veterinary clinic alongside a DVM, gaining firsthand experience with the connection between medical and behavioral issues.
Starting this business has been a dream come true. Every client who chooses to work with me is supporting a business built on passion, integrity, and a whole lot of heart. I tailor each program to you and your dog's unique needs making the process supportive, clear, and fun! My goal is to help you see real progress and feel confident in what you and your dog achieve together.
Every dog I train, every client I support, is part of a mission that started with a little girl, a stack of dog training books, and a whole lot of determination and that fire hasn't gone out.
If you're ready to kickstart a new adventure with your dog, I'd love to be part of your story. Let's get started.
Experience & Expertise
6
Years of Professional Experience
10+
Years of Continued Education
85+
Dog Breeds Trained
100%
Satisfaction Rate
Meet The McNair Family
Kristina (me)
As the founder of ChoiceK9 Academy, my goal is to help dogs reach their full potential, but let's be real, they're already pretty great. My main task is to train their owners to be better partners in crime.
Nika (mascot)
"Woof! I am a tail-wagging, treat-loving, cuddle-demanding floof who paws politely until you pet me—please and thank you! 🐾
Jordan (husband)
Hey there! I'm Kristina's husband and her top dog training decoy. I'm just the guy who keeps this site responsive (most of the time). Got feedback? We'd love to hear from you!
Training Philosophy & Approach
My training philosophy is rooted in science, compassion, and respect for the dog-human bond. I believe that training should be a positive, enriching experience for both dogs and their owners.
Core Principles
- Positive Reinforcement: I use reward-based methods that encourage desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones. This approach builds confidence, strengthens the bond between dog and owner, and creates lasting behavioral change.
- Science-Based Methods: My training techniques are grounded in current research on canine learning theory, behavior, and cognition. I stay current with the latest developments in the field through continuing education.
- Force-Free Training: I never use aversive tools or methods such as shock collars, prong collars, or physical corrections. These methods can damage the trust between dog and owner and often create additional behavioral problems.
- Empowering Owners: My goal is not just to train your dog, but to teach you the skills and knowledge you need to continue training throughout your dog's life. I believe in empowering owners to be their dog's best teacher.
- Holistic Perspective: Behavior doesn't exist in a vacuum. I consider factors like health, nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and environmental management when addressing behavioral challenges.
Whether you're dealing with a challenging behavioral issue or simply want to teach your dog new skills, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Together, we'll build a training plan that works for your lifestyle and helps your dog become the best version of themselves.
Ready to Get Started?
Let's work together to help your dog reach their full potential.
Schedule a Lesson