Dog Training | Valley Springs, CA

Christi Buchanan

My Training Methods

Training should be enjoyable for both you and your dog. I use food, praise, and play to reward desired behaviors and help dogs learn new skills with enthusiasm. As training progresses, I also introduce fair, thoughtful pressure to clearly communicate boundaries and address unwanted or potentially dangerous behaviors.

My goal is to build dogs that are confident, engaged, and excited to work with their people. I believe the best training creates a true partnership built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Above all, I genuinely love dogs, and I'm committed to helping every dog reach their full potential while keeping their spirit happy and willing.

happy dogs ♥ happy dogs ♥ happy dogs ♥ happy dogs ♥ happy dogs ♥ happy dogs ♥ happy dogs ♥

Meet Christi Buchanan

DOG TRAINER | FRENCH RING COMPETITOR | LIFELONG ANIMAL ENTHUSIAST

My professional dog training journey began 19 years ago, somewhat unexpectedly. At the time, I was training horses during the day and working part-time at Petco in the evenings. When the store struggled to fill its dog trainer position, the manager asked if I'd be interested in taking on the role. Having grown up around dogs and already possessing years of experience training horses, I figured it would be a natural transition. Little did I know it would become such an important part of my life!

After completing Petco's dog training certification, I quickly realized I wanted to learn much more. I sought out experienced trainers to shadow and mentor me, spending the next several years expanding my knowledge of everything from basic obedience to behavior modification and working dogs. I even became certified as a decoy through a police K9 training center. Getting into a bite suit for the first time was an experience I absolutely loved and helped spark my passion for protection sports.

After several years of running my own horse and dog training businesses, I found myself needing a change of pace. I stepped away from professional training and entered the corporate world, initially planning to stay for just a year. One promotion led to another, and that year turned into nine years with Tesla, where I was a Regional Manager. Although I enjoyed the challenges and opportunities of my career, my passion for working with animals never left. Eventually, I made the decision to return to dog training full-time.

Today, much of my focus is on working breeds, high-drive dogs, and practical, real-world obedience. I train and compete in French Ring, a demanding protection sport that combines precision, obedience, athleticism, protection work, and control under intense distractions. My own dogs—two Belgian Malinois, a toy poodle, and a revolving door of rescued and fostered Malinois—are a huge part of my life and some of my greatest teachers. Each has reinforced the importance of understanding the individual dog rather than relying on any single training method.

My passion for horses has also remained a constant in my life. I'm currently working with a young PRE stallion, using primarily positive reinforcement, an experience that continues to deepen my understanding of timing, pressure and release, body language, and perhaps most importantly, recognizing the difference between confusion and resistance. These lessons carry over into my work with dogs every day.

Whether I'm working with a dog or a horse, I believe training should be a conversation, not a battle. I use rewards, play, clear communication, and thoughtful pressure when appropriate to help animals understand what's expected of them. My goal has never been simply to achieve obedience but to develop confident, willing, and engaged animals who genuinely enjoy working with their people.

Above all, I believe great training is about building a partnership rooted in trust, clarity, and mutual respect.