Meet The Trainers

Donny: Director of Operations / Certified Professional Trainer

• 24mo Apprenticeship at Zwinger Accanihoffen Kennel
• 18mo apprenticeship with TK Hot Retrievers
• Graduate of Michael Ellis School for Professional Dog Trainers
• Certified AKC CGC, CGCA, CGCU, and Tricks evaluator
• PPDT Gold Level Certified Trainer
• 2022 PetTech® Pet CPR Certified

Donny has been with Positive Pets Dog Training since 2014. His early involvement with the company was starting his career with the wellness and husbandry of the dogs at the training facilities as a Kennel Technician. As he became more and more passionate about dog behavior and obedience, he began training alongside some of the most experienced trainers in the nation in pursuit of becoming a great dog trainer and handler.

Donny has climbed the ranks at Positive Pets Dog Training and has successfully learned every job at every level within the company. His experience with training is exceptional in both the beginning and advanced phases and in various fields: From Basic to Competition Level Obedience, Hunting and Retriever Training (for both retrieving and pointing breeds), Tricks (including performing at nationally televised events), Therapy/ Service Dog training as well as Aggressive/Reactive Behavioral Modification. Donny has passion for dog training quickly became an obsession. Recognized as one of the most successful Companion and Pet Dog Trainers in the country Donny regularly has clients from several states send their dogs to him. At the time of this update Donny has clients dogs from Alaska, Iowa, Texas, Utah and Montana in for training.

Unleashing a dogs true potential is what gives Donny the ability to create training partnerships between dog and humans that are built to last. He truly enjoys teaching clients and their dogs how to develop a wonderful harmonious relationship. His four-legged companions are his trick dog Australian Shepherds “Skye” & “Shrimpy””. He also has an American Field Labrador named “K.J.” son of our “Kohl” our famous former Official Boise State Tee Dog and Official Bat Dog for the Boise Hawks!

Kailey: Certified Professional Trainer

• 24mo Apprenticeship at Zwinger Accanihoffen Kennel
• 18mo Apprenticeship with TK Hot Retrievers
• 24mo Assistant trainer at Zimmerman Performance Horses
• 3yrs Vet tech at Alpine Animal Hospital

Raised in rural Alaska, Kailey developed a love for working with animals early in life. After moving to Idaho to pursue her passion for training horses, she discovered her interest in dog training when she brought her own dog, Monroe, to Positive Pets. As a client, Kailey focused on improving communication and strengthening the bond with Monroe, which sparked her desire to help others do the same with their pets.

Now a trainer at Positive Pets, Kailey believes that dogs should compliment the lifestyle their owners lead. She is passionate about helping clients achieve this balance through personalized, effective training techniques. Kailey is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships between dogs and their owners, ensuring both live happy, harmonious lives together.

Jodi: Professional Trainer

Jodi’s diverse background blends hands-on experience with formal education and specialized training:

• 24-month apprenticeship at Zwinger Accanihoffen Kennel
• 18-month apprenticeship with TK Hot Retrievers
• 5 years as a Veterinary Technician at a 3 million-dollar hospital
• Former client of Positive Pets Dog Training
• Bachelor’s in Integrative Organismal Biology with a minor in Anthropology from Idaho State University
• 4th generation working with cattle dogs and cow horses

This unique combination of practical experience and academic training has shaped Jodi into a skilled professional dedicated to working with stock dogs and enhancing their training and development.
Jodi, born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho, spent many summers on her family’s beef ranch in Hamer. She has dedicated her life to working with stock dogs while horseback, driving cattle, and nurturing the deep bond and instincts between herself and these exceptional working dogs. Throughout her life, Jodi has always had a working stock dog by her side, even during her time at ISU, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Integrative Organismal Biology with a minor in Anthropology, combining her love for animals with her academic pursuits.

During her career as a vet tech, Jodi gained invaluable experience in safely handling aggressive, nervous, and anxious dogs, expanding her skill set in canine behavior. It was through this time that she met Jim Closson, who introduced her to the science of the canine mind and the principles of Positive Pets Dog Training, which deepened her understanding of training techniques. Jim also introduced Jodi to the highest quality Australian Cattle Dogs, a breed she has known, worked with, and loved her whole life, further solidifying her connection to the dogs she holds dear.

After investing in a superior quality Blue Australian Cattle Dog puppy, named CACDARA Tombstone Legend, call name “Huckleberry,” Jodi was driven to provide the best training possible to help them reach their full potential. This commitment led her to enroll in a training program with Positive Pets Dog Training. Upon completing the program, Jodi knew she had to continue learning from the Pocatello team, recognizing their expertise and the value they could add to her ongoing training with Huckleberry.

Her success in training Huckleberry is growing exponentially, with their bond growing stronger and their skills reaching new heights through consistent learning, dedication, and a shared commitment to excellence.