Amber Pickren is owner and head trainer of Gentle Canine LLC. With her CPDT-KA, AKC CGC evaluator certification and over nine years of experience running a boarding kennel, Amber has handled over 10,000 dogs in her career and clocked over 1000 hours of behavior modification on her way to getting ready to test for her Certified Canine Behavior Consultant.
Amber Pickren, CPDT-KA – Durango Dog Trainer
Amber’s degree in psychology from Fort Lewis College and passion for creative problem solving makes her an adept, compassionate trainer. She recognizes that training methods are as fluid and complex as each dog’s behavior. This means that she is constantly aware of each dog’s individual learning style and emotional well being, as well as underlying causes for behavior challenges that shines through in her creative and diverse training and handling.
Amber and her husband Matt have lived in Durango since 2003. They love getting out into the mountains to climb, trail run, and hike with their two dogs, Imogene and Lilly. From paddle boarding to crag climbing, Amber’s passion for including her pups in outdoor adventures uniquely equips her to share that training with others by implementing programs to help her clients develop skill sets to fit their individual lifestyle goals with their furry companions.
Amber realizes that not all dog learn the same way. She takes pride in her ability to personalize training plans to fit the needs of her clients, and to help owners understand how to clearly communicate with their dogs. She really enjoys getting to know her clients personally and helping them achieve their goals. Amber is also our nose work specialist, with experience in cadaver, trailing, shed antler and NACSW training.
When she’s not in the back country training for the Imogene Pass run or bloodying her knuckles at Indian Creek, you can spot Amber with her Beagle mix puppy, Imogene, working on a Zuke’s training blog or reading up on anatomy and physiology for her personal trainer certification downtown, iced coffee and Yellow Carrot cupcake in hand.
