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About Us

Traci Betts

 I own and operate Shape A Pup, a positive dog-training business using force-free training techniques to create thinking companions. I want people to find the joy in working with their dogs and building lasting relationships.

 I cannot think of a time when I have not had a passion for animals. As a child, I always trained my own dogs using books and then by attending various local classes as I got older. I found that I was not comfortable with some of the harsh methods used in some classes, and even walked out on a few. Those experiences left me searching for a better approach to training and, happily, I found clicker training. When I saw my dog make fast progress using the clicker and saw her enthusiasm for learning, I was hooked. I wanted to learn as much as I could about applying clicker training effectively and was lucky to learn about Karen Pryor Academy at ClickerExpo. I am proud to be a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP).

I maintain a full time job in the financial services industry and run Shape A Pup as a part time business because it is where my passion lies. My time off from work I spend teaching, working with my own dogs or going to seminars on training and behavior. I like to think outside the box and find solutions that the animal understands but is also easy for the owner to implement. My goal for all classes is for you to enjoy sharing your dog with me; that you feel I bring value to your relationship.

I look forward to working with you and your canine companion.

Affiliations

APDT Member

PPG Member

KPA Alumni Member

Certified Scent Instructor by Bob Deeds of Canine Connection

Continuing Education

Clicker Expo since 2009 thru 2014; 2018,2020-2021        Shedd Aquarium's Training Program

Dr. Christine Zink                                                           Denise Fenzi

Dr. Jean Dodds                                                               Bob and Karen Deeds

Nicole Wilde                                                                   Inga From- Feild dog

Suzanne Clothier                                                            Susan Olson- Conformation

Michelle Pouliot                                                              Bob Vest-Herding

Emma Parsons                                                                Cappy Pruett- Herding

Bobby Faisel- herding

Hours:

See the class list or by appointment.

Contact Traci Betts for general questions about Shape A Pup, schedules or my classes:

Email - tracibetts@shapeapup.com

Text or phone to 817-240-4855


My dog family

I rescued Lola on Christmas when she was 8 weeks old about 10 years ago. The rescue said she was a lab mix but I believe she has some livestock guarding dog in her, probably Anatolian. From the beginning, she would walk the perimeter of her yard and then sit with her back to the house and scan. We worked a lot on exercises to prevent resource guarding. She is a sweet girl who still likes to guard her yard.


Josie is a rescue from Fort Worth Animal Control. I adopted her when she was about 2 years old and she is now 13. She went through my training certification with me so we learned a lot together. She sometimes come to class with me so you might see her. 

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