Laura Bourhenne & Kim Rinehardt discuss how they met and how each of them got into dog training.

Laura graduated from Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training & Management Program where she learned about animal husbandry, Operant Conditioning, Classical Conditioning and everything else that was helpful in reaching her goals of becoming an animal trainer.

From there she took a seasonal job at the Animal Show at Universal Studios. Shortly after beginning that job she received a call from a family in Santa Monica asking her to train their pot-bellied pig. They also had dogs, and then got a few birds as well. Thus, began her training pets for private clients. Once her stint at Universal Studios was up she continued building her business focusing on dog and pig behavior so she could help people live a rewarding life with their pets.

Laura earned her certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She has competed in agility, nosework and dabbled in herding to better understand those instincts (also just for fun).

Kim Rinehardt’s life with dogs began as a groomer and obedience competitor. Her obvious natural instincts led others to begin asking her for help with their own dogs. This started her on the path to becoming a professional dog trainer.

During her dog training career Kim also worked at a dog rehab facility where she worked with dogs in the pool to help them gain strength and confidence. She has competed in grooming competitions, agility, nosework and she too, has dabbled in herding.

Kim earned her certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, is a Supporting Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Kim & Laura met through a mutual friend after Laura’s pitbull suddenly passed away and shortly thereafter Kim found a stray pitbull. When nobody claimed the stray pitbull their mutual friend put them in touch and Laura adopted Stoney. Kim & Laura have been close friends ever since.