All About Ms. Cristy

Experienced Animal Trainer

Hi there, my name is Cristy, owner and trainer at Ms. Cristy's Canine Academy. I wanted to share a few things about myself and how the academy started! 40 years ago, I married the love of my life, Ken. We have three, beautiful daughters; Danielle, Ashley, and Kristen, who gave us the gift of three sons and eleven grandchildren. I have two dogs, Sophie (a german shepherd) and Diamond (a chihuahua mix). I enjoy gardening, spending summer days by the pool with family, and cooking/baking during my free time. A fun fact about me; in 2006, I was on the Rockford Rage Screw City Slammers roller derby team for 5 years, my name was Corina Corona 40 oz!  Before starting Ms. Cristy's Canine Academy, I felt like I was missing something in my life after losing my mother in 2000. I volunteered at Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary for 6 months before I was hired on as a Kennel Tech for 7 years. While working there, I saw the need for dog training as so many dogs were being rehomed for behavioral issues. I decided to go to PetSmart and watch a training class and instantly a spark was set off inside of me. I knew at that moment, this was what I was meant to do. I worked at PetSmart as a Professional Area Dog Trainer for 7 years before starting the academy! During this time, I became an evaluator for the American Kennel Club and have been providing evaluations since 2009. Ms. Cristy’s Canine Academy was founded in 2014, and I have developed a very special reputation with my customers and their owners in Rockford, Loves Park, and surrounding areas. Making sure your animal is well trained, will give both of you more time to enjoy each other’s company. My modern training system is full of fun techniques that will give you and your pet a happier life together. I believe that being firm and having a clear set of boundaries is one thing, but being fierce is just not necessary.  Dogs are social animals, who enjoy love and family life. Let’s get them out of the dog house, give them more positive re-enforcement, and turn them into another family member.

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