Peggy Bowers, CPDT-KA, PMCT 2, ANWI

Sundogs trainer and behavior consultant Peggy Bowers has always been a devoted animal lover, starting at age two with her first dog Snuffy, a German Shepherd. After adopting two wonderful dogs Sunny and Bailey in 2001 and 2003, respectively, Peggy started volunteering with the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation (LDR) in 2005 as a foster and later as the LDR Puppy Foster Coordinator and an Adoption Counselor. As a foster specializing in pregnant and nursing dogs, Peggy and her husband successfully raised over 500 puppies in their home, many with their mothers. All are now in permanent, loving homes. After years of watching tens of thousands of wonderful dogs come through LDR and shelter partners, the desire to get dogs into homes – and most importantly, keep dogs in their homes – became a compelling force. Unfortunately, many dogs lacked basic training and many owners were guided down harmful training paths using harsh aversive methods that either caused dogs to shut down or become aggressive. After listening to many heartbreaking stories, Peggy knew that making dogs adoptable is really only half the game – keeping families together was just as vital.

Peggy has always trained dogs informally, although the thought of studying and making it a career had not really been an objective. In 2014, after a long and successful career in horticulture and landscape design, she decided to commit to her love of dogs with a career change to training dogs professionally. “Sundogs” was born. After much study and research on positive training methods and its benefits, Peggy chose to study under world-renowned trainer, author and behavior consultant Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws Academy in Fairplay, MD. Having successfully completed 5 academies – including aggression and advanced behavioral modification – Peggy earned her Pat Miller Trainer Certification – PMCT 2. She is a Peaceable Paws Affiliate, and is a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, The Pet Professional Guild, the Association of Force Free Professional Trainers. Peggy is committed to understanding the science behind animal behavior, and staying informed on the most current force-free training techniques, ideas and scientific research.

What is a CPDT-KA?

CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed) defines a certification level which reflects the competence of a trainer. The certification test is created and administered by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, an independent certifying organization. To be eligible to take the CPDT-KA exam, instructors must have

• completed a minimum of 300 hours of hands-on training and instructing,
• signed the code of ethics, and
• provided a signed attestation statement from a CCPDT certificant or a veterinarian.

The exam consists of 250 questions covering instruction skills, learning theory, ethology, equipment and animal husbandry.

What is ANWI?

As an Associate Nose Work Instructor, I am actively engaged in the NACSW Certified Nose Work Instructor program. The CNWI program is designed to train instructors to teach K9 Nose Work® at the highest level utilizing the concepts as intended by the founders.

What is K9 Nose Work®?

The K9 Nose Work® class concept and sport was inspired by the model of working detection dogs and created to provide an opportunity for companion and sport dogs to use their natural hunting and scenting abilities. The focus of K9 Nose Work® classes is always be first and foremost engaging and fun for the dog. Scenting work is perfect for all dogs and their handlers regardless of age, breed, training or abilities. By allowing dogs to engage in their natural seeking and hunting behavior we work to develop skills that will help build a dogs confidence and provide mental and physical exercise through teamwork with their handler. K9 Nose Work® classes are structured in a way that opens the activity to all dogs and handlers at all levels, from top-level sport competitors to recently rescued shelter dogs. For those who want to pursue a more intensive side of Nose Work NACSW offers titling trials in competitive K9 Nose Work®.

The foster parade…