Kristina’s Critters

5.0 Stars,22 Reviews

13 Bank St, Attleboro, MA 02703

Service area: Attleboro, MA

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

Family Dog
Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

Reactivity / Aggression
Potty Training
Basic Obedience
Puppy Training
Biting / Nipping
Jumping on People
Leash Pulling
Fearfulness
Resource Guarding
Barking Excessively
Recall

Training Formats Offered

Private Lessons
Group Classes
In-Home
Private Facility
Video Calls

Program Formats

One-Time Consultation
Sessions Package
Intensive Program

Age of Dogs Trained

Puppy (<1 year)
Adult (2-8 years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods:

✓ Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment:

✓ muzzle

Kristina’s Critters offers several structured programs. The Reactive Rover program is designed for cautious canines, addressing barking at people or animals, resource guarding, and excitement-related reactivity, with sessions combining in-studio, online, and in-home formats. The Foundations program helps build a strong foundation of cues for puppies and adult dogs, or to alleviate specific unwanted behaviors, available in-studio, in-home, or online via Zoom.

The Refresher package is for dogs who have completed a program and need further assistance with new or existing behaviors, offered in-studio or online. The Stranger Danger program targets human-directed aggression, low confidence, and fear-reactive dogs, focusing on understanding canine body language, identifying triggers, management, communication, and preparing for vet visits.

Online Self-Paced Courses provide video instruction and written overviews for building a bond and foundation cues, with access to a client-only Facebook group for feedback. A Discovery Call is a one-hour Zoom session to learn about the dog and goals, teach a new trick, or find a solution to a behavior. For cats, the Cat Behavior Consultation is a one-hour Zoom call addressing various behavioral issues like aggression and litter box problems. The Purrfection Program consists of four 30-minute Zoom sessions aimed at enriching a cat’s life through training or helping newly adopted/semi-feral cats adjust.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Cat Behavior Consultation is $125 for a one-hour Zoom call. The Purrfection Program costs $375 for four 30-minute Zoom sessions. Dog training packages include Reactive Rover and Foundations, both priced at $1200 for 6 sessions. The Refresher package is $800 for 4 sessions. Online Self-Paced Courses are available for $249. A Discovery Call, a one-hour Zoom mini-session, is $200.

Testimonials

“Kristina has done an amazing job working with our Cane Corso puppy, Gus. She worked with my kids, in addition to my husband and I, teaching us different techniques to use in different scenarios. After each lesson she provided a breakdown of what we learned in addition to providing links and checking back in with us to see how things were going. This was very helpful since it’s hard to remember everything during the lesson sometimes. We had worked with a trainer previously but will now only go to Kristina to help!”
– Sue Black McGrath

“Life before training with Kristina was pretty hopeless. I had called the vet first, another trainer, and then Kristina. I was not sure what I was going to do with Fred. My reactive, rather large puppy seemed to change overnight. I was in tears while I was leaving messages for people to call me back. I was desperate for help and guidance when Kristina called and changed everything for us. Without her, I don’t even want to think about what we would have had to do. Fred is a gentle giant who had no idea what to do around strangers and other animals who were not part of his immediate family. We started the in-person training, and after the first session saw that he was going to be okay. I honestly feel like if we hadn’t started working with Kristina, we would have given Fred up which was the last thing we wanted to do. Fred is extremely smart, playful, loving, and all he wants to do is make you happy. When we started training, I noticed how willing he was to try new things and how eager he was to please and do what you asked! He looked forward to seeing Kristina, and I think he even looked forward to our volunteer strangers who came to participate in training set-ups so Fred could work on his reactions to people and new situations and we could practice giving him cues to show him he was safe. We now have a new muzzle and a new outlook on life. Recently, we have had a few vet appointments that have gone very well, something that would have been stressful before training. We have been using some of our new techniques that have become valuable tools for where we all are today. Fred is a covid puppy who was not able to be exposed to training until Kristina came along. We are so grateful for all of the guidance and support she has given us. We all love her and appreciate all she does for these pups.”
– Patti, John & Fred

“So grateful for Kristina and her reward-based dog training. Kristina has taught us that our dog, Ellie is highly anxious and fearful and has shown us the ways she has tried to communicate those fears with us. Kristina has taught us to recognize the signs and how to redirect Ellie to keep her calm and feeling safe. We are confident, with continued work and training, that Ellie will be able to lead her best life as a more relaxed and happy dog.”
– Jenn & Ellie

About the Trainer

Kristina’s Critters offers force-free dog training focused on building and strengthening the human-canine bond, allowing dogs and their owners to live together without conflict in a species-appropriate way. They emphasize rewards-based training, where desired behaviors are rewarded, and unwanted behaviors are redirected, avoiding fear, anxiety, or stress in the training process.

The business also teaches owners to understand canine communication signals and body language to better interpret their dogs’ needs. Kristina’s Critters provides training for both dogs and cats, addressing a wide range of behavioral issues and offering various program formats to suit different needs.

They offer in-studio, in-home, and online training options, including self-paced courses and consultations. The team includes Kristina Lowe (O’Keefe), who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary studies and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and Kerry Nash, who is currently earning her certification and has extensive volunteer experience at an animal shelter.

Accomplishments

Kristina Lowe (O’Keefe) holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary studies from UMass Amherst. She served as the Town of North Attleboro’s Animal Control Officer and Shelter Manager for three years. Kristina is a certified dog trainer through CATCH Canine Trainer’s Academy (CCDT), a Certified Fear Free Professional through Fear Free Pets, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is currently earning her MSc in Clinical Animal Behavior through The University of Edinburgh’s Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies. Kerry Nash is currently earning her certification through CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and has over five years of experience volunteering at an animal shelter and working alongside Kristina.

How to Get Started!

Clients can start by signing up for a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss their dog’s needs and goals. Alternatively, a one-hour Discovery Call via Zoom is available to learn about the dog, teach a new trick, or find a solution to a behavior. For specific classes, clients are required to fill out an Intake Form and a Services Agreement.

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6+ Years Experience
Free Consultation

Certifications

CCDT
CPDT-KA
Certified Fear Free Professional

Associations

Fear Free Pets

Languages

English

wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

Pet trainer
Pet supply store

Location