Our Story
Brenda Belmonte is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with an extensive background in dogs and dog training. She began her dog training career over 40 years ago and quickly found her passion.
As a former veterinary practice manager, Brenda learned invaluable knowledge about working with both people and animals. She brings this knowledge to her students and believes that dog training and behavior modification should come from a holistic approach for both the client and the dog.
Brenda founded a successful dog training business in Illinois before relocating to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Her passion for working with dogs with behavior problems led her to working with reactivity and aggression cases.
As a certified professional dog trainer, Brenda strongly believes in the LIMA approach to behavior - Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive. Brenda is an approved mentor trainer for the Animal Behavior College and the Catch Dog Trainers Academy.
Brenda’s personal accomplishments include being a published author, a former Board Member of the Pug Dog Club of America, and is a Breeder of Merit with the American Kennel Club. She is currently the treasurer for the Black Hills Dog Training Club. In her spare time, Brenda competes in a variety of dog sports, including agility, K9 scent work, barn hunt, conformation, rally obedience, and dock diving and enjoys the company of horses!
Education and Accountability is Important!
Dog training is an unregulated industry where anyone can be a “trainer.” Brenda enjoys sharing her extensive background with dogs, and her passion for education, with her clients. Brenda is a Professional Member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers International and the Pet Professional Guild, a Supporting Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and a member of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Brenda has also successfully completed the “Fear Free Shelter Program.”
