The Successful Mix, LLC

Training begins with an initial consultation to assess the dog’s behavior and goals. Clients can choose private lessons at the facility or small group classes. Sessions are typically held weekly, with flexibility for bi-weekly or monthly scheduling after progress is made. Programs are customized to individual needs, with a focus on building skills through positive reinforcement, including clicker training, food rewards, and enrichment games. Training extends to family members and multi-pet households.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to email for personalized quotes and package information.

Policies

Policy details regarding cancellations or rescheduling are not specified on the website.

The Successful Mix, LLC is a dog and cat training and behavioral counseling business founded by Karen Mast, a certified professional dog trainer with over 25 years of experience. Karen specializes in positive reinforcement methods to address serious behavioral concerns such as aggression, reactivity, fearfulness, and resource guarding. She offers in-person private and semi-private lessons at her facility in Keezletown, VA, as well as small group classes. Her services include obedience and manners training, cooperative veterinary care (e.g., muzzle conditioning, nail trimming), specialty training (tricks, nose work, freestyle, retrieve games), and puppy training. Karen emphasizes building confidence and communication between pets and owners, avoiding all aversive tools like choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars. She also works with multi-pet households and includes children in training sessions. Her approach is rooted in operant and classical conditioning, with a focus on errorless learning and enrichment activities like snuffle mats to reduce stress.

Karen holds the CPDT-KSA certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is a Certified Control Unleashed® Instructor. She continuously pursues education through conferences, webinars, and training camps led by industry leaders like Bob Bailey and Dr. Susan Friedman. Her clients include dogs of all ages—from puppies to seniors—with diverse needs, including those who are difficult to motivate or have complex behavioral histories. She also provides training for cats and supports pet owners in creating harmonious, joyful relationships with their animals.

Accomplishments

Karen Mast is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is also a Certified Control Unleashed® Instructor and holds TAGteach Level 1 Certification. She has completed the Living & Learning with Animals course with Dr. Susan Friedman and has attended training camps led by Bob Bailey. Karen has been training since 1993 and founded The Successful Mix in 2001, helping hundreds of clients and their pets over more than two decades.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to email thesuccessfulmixllc@yahoo.com to begin the process. An initial consultation is offered to assess the dog’s behavior and develop a personalized training plan.