Kristin and Laika

Kristin Kaldahl

Kristin began training dogs at 14 years old when she trained her first dog, a collie, to his CD (Companion Dog) title in obedience.

Currently, Kristin and her dogs Aslan, a Sheltie; Asher, a Sheltie; and Jericho, a hard-of-hearing Sheltie, compete in agility, obedience and Rally-O trials. Her dogs have earned over 65 titles and certifications.  

Kristin's personal training accomplishments include:

-Series of training articles published in the Nation's premier agility magazine, "Clean -Run" in 2009.
-Attending the AKC National Agility Championships in 2007, 2008 and 2010 (Aslan).
-Placing 20th in the Nation at the 2008 AKC Agility National Championships with a broken foot. (Aslan)
-Placing first in the Southern Regional Team in the 2007 AKC National Agility Championship ISC Tourney. (Aslan)
-Qualifying eight times for the AKC Agility National Championships  (Aslan)
-Qualified for the 2011 UKI Nationals Master's Series (Asher/Aslan)
-Earning 2nd Place in Standard at the International Sweepstake Class Tournament in Houston, 2008 (Aslan).
-Took 3rd Place in Standard at the International Sweepstake Class Tournament in Houston 2007. (Aslan)
-Earning Aslan's MACH in 2006.  The first MACH in Oklahoma City!
-Earning Aslan's MACH2 in 2008 in Ponca City, OK
-Earning Aslan's MACH3 in 2010 in Carthage, MO
-Earning Aslan's MACH4 in 2011 in Wichita Falls, TX.
-Multiple perfect 100 scores in Rally. (Aslan/Jericho)
-Mulltiple High in Trials in Obedience (Jericho)

Previous to starting City Dogs in 2004, Kristin helped owners of house dogs find solutions to problem behaviors. She believes in a positive approach to training as it is well known that corrections in agility do not lead to top level performances. Her students are encouraged to use clickers and food, toys or whatever motivates their dogs to peak performance. She believes strong foundations skills and keeping daily training session fun for both dog and handler lead to great performances. Kristin is known for molding handling systems to each individual human/dog team, not teaching a one-size-fits-all handling approach.

Jericho and Kristin

Kristin is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Oklahoma City University with dual degrees in Liberal Arts and Mass Communication. She has been a newspaper reporter, editorial assistant, columnist, office manager, and professional dog trainer, which is her favorite job to date.