ABC Dog Training Program
Student of the Month
May 2013

Kelli Parker

Kelli Parker lives in Fredericksburg, Va., with her two pit bulls, Krush and Sasha. She is currently putting a business together called “Bully Brigade and All.” Kelli also started “The Pretty Chic with the Pits,” which is an advocacy group for pit bull breeds. She is currently working part time as a dog trainer with her training mentor. Once Kelli has honed all of her training techniques she plans to train full time.

• How did you hear about ABC the program?

While I was on the Internet, an advertisement appeared asking if I wanted to work with pit bulls? I called the number and spoke with SueAnn; after which I conducted researched and found Tonia Woods (who later became my mentor) to get her view of the program. After speaking with Tonia, my confidence in ABC grew. The curriculum kept me interested and taught me how to communicate with my dogs and dogs in general.

• When did you know you wanted to become a dog trainer?

After adopting my second pit bull (Krush), I realized I wanted to work with dogs (primarily pit bulls). Due to the bad rap they have and after interacting—fostering, rescuing and, of course, adopting pit bulls—it was clear where my interests lay.

• How long have you been training for?

I have been training for about 9 months. I retrained my pit bull and have worked with other dogs.

• When did you know that you’d be a successful dog trainer?

I knew I’d a successful dog trainer after training a friend’s 2-year -old pit bull and a family dog named Double D, an unbalanced 2-year-old Akita who’s now a well-behaved, balanced and much-loved family pet.