Amanda Kontakos began training at a young age, working with horses and competing in Hunter/Equitation. Interested in training, she stopped competing and began to work using natural horsemanship techniques. With continued research in positive reinforcement training, Amanda even taught horses targeting and other tricks using clicker training.
In addition to training dogs, Amanda is a high school Social Studies teacher as well as a graduate student at Hunter College earning her degree in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language. She has taught children and adults how to ride and care for horses for several organizations including Pony Club. She has also volunteered at vet clinics, shelters, therapeutic horseback riding programs, as well as the Prospect Park Zoo, where she educated the public on wildlife conservation.
Amanda adopted her Bichon Frise, Lucy (on Instagram) from Sean Casey Animal Rescue in early 2014. Lucy was extraordinarily fearful, but with Amanda’s help she has steadily gained confidence. The two began training together in Doggie Academy’s Basic Manners class and now, training is Lucy’s favorite activity. She even earned a qualifying score at her first Rally Obedience trial! Amanda has been working with Doggie Academy since 2015 and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She enjoys helping dogs and people reach their potentials and goals together using positive reinforcement training techniques.
Services offered
- Private lessons for puppies, manners and agility
- Group classes in manners for puppies & adult dogs and agility