Meet the Trainers at ACA
All dog trainers are either certified or in the process of actively pursuing their certifications. Additionally, each trainer has gone through a rigorous and demanding training period before qualifying to teach at Alpha Canine. While dog training skill is mandatory, motivating people is of equal importance. Collectively, we offer decades of training skill and knowledge to help bring you the best that positive dog training has to offer. Please go to the FAQ page for information about training methods.
Julie Winkelman, CPDT, CDT - Lead Trainer
Growing up in a family that lacked an appreciation for dogs, Julie practiced her early training skills on the family cats. At the age of 10 she trained the family cats, Tom
and Dickens, to sit, jump and beg on command. After college (psychology major) and a stint in the Navy, Julie moved to Durango, Colorado, where her passion for dogs soon helped to establish her as the best and the brightest of the dog training community. A deep understanding of canine behavior and a compassionate personality are her strongest assets.
Julie is the only trainer in the Four Corners with two training certifications (CCPDT and IACP.) She is also a professional member of both the International Association of Canine Professionals and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She has built a reputation among Durango's veterinary community as the trainer to which they refer their most difficult dog behavior problems. Julie works with the IACP education board to evaluate new trainers for certification and is qualified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator.
As owner and operator of Alpha Canine Academy, Julie believes in maintaining the highest level of professionalism. For over 10 years she has set a personal requirement to attend two training seminars or one professional training conference per year to continue her education in the fields of basic obedience training, behavior modification techniques and aggression work (please see the list of educational accomplishments below). While attending seminars and conferences is time consuming and expensive, learning from the world's most talented trainers has helped Julie and Alpha Canine Academy maintain Durango's highest professional standards in dog training.
Julie's own dogs are Kylie, a seven-year-old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie cross and the new guy - Rusty, a rescue Aussie/Sheltie cross. Sadly, she lost her business partner and friend, Buster (a rescue Aussie/Rotweiller), the day before Thanksgiving, 2009.
Toleda Cluff, CPDT - Group Class Trainer, Behavior Modification
When people ask Toleda about working with dogs, she often tells them that she is "living the dream." Eighteen years of training hunting and retrieving dogs has led to a career teaching basic obedience and solving dog behavior problems at Alpha Canine Academy. Toleda's strong background in management and education for not-for-profit organizations has given her the communication and organizational skills that are so critical to running an effective group obedience training class. Add to that her natural compassionate and caring 
nature and you have a talented trainer. Toleda's work here at Alpha Canine Academy over the past five years has helped us build an outstanding reputation for training effectiveness and customer service.
Toleda is certified with the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, is certified by the AKC as a Canine Good Citizen evaluator and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT.)
Abbie, Toleda's 11 year old Lab and Buddy, her 5 year old "Labradane" (Toleda's label for this terrific Great Dane/Lab cross) help to keep Toleda on her toes at home.
Samantha (Sam) Krueger - Group Class Trainer
Anyone that knows Samantha (Sam),
knows that she is passionate about animals and especially about dogs. In fact,
Sam has more experience with dogs than most people twice her age. She has
participated in a 3 year internship with local veterinarian, Dr. Patrick
Goddard, worked for a local dog kennel for 2 years and has taken pre-vet school
courses at Fort Lewis College. Sam has also volunteered many hours at Wolfwood
Sanctuary and has fostered nearly 30 dogs over the past few years. Sam’s Job with the La Plata County Humane Society has
advanced her knowledge and experience with dogs even further. She is a member
of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, has attended many training seminars and is qualified
as a certified dog temperament evaluator. Sam was a valuable part of Alpha
Canine Academy’s agility training classes last year.
Sam’s dog, Barnaby (a German Shepherd cross) has been a
training challenge at times but well worth the effort. He is now able to help
with fostering and socializing the many needy dogs that find their way to Sam’s
home.
Thank you for taking the time to meet the trainers at ACA!
**********************************************************************************
About Alpha Canine Academy Training Center
Alpha Canine has been Durango's go-to dog training center for over 10 years now. Located on 40 acres of mixed pine, juniper and scrub oak, ACA includes a training room, landscaped training yard, acres of practice hiking trails and a small retail area. The facility and grounds are impeccably maintained to ensure the comfort and safety of every training participant. ACA added an additional office for Toleda that can also be utilized for private sessions.
We train with highly successful positive reinforcement techniques.We DO NOT use choke chains or pinch collars. These devices are used to inflict pain to get the dog's attention. Training with positive reinforcement is effective, far more humane and nurtures a spirit of cooperation between you and your dog or puppy. Please go to the Virtual Tour page for a look at the training center.
Training Tip #2 MAKE TRAINING A PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY EVENTS
Have your dog do a few tricks to earn her food. Practice control exercises (down, stay) when friends come over. You can even practice sit/stays at the door before giving your dog permission to go out. |
Professional Ethics and Training Philosophy The trainers of Alpha Canine Academy believe that the incredible intelligence and adaptability of dogs make them ready and willing partners in learning. While each breed and mix of breeds brings with it specific talents and challenges, all dogs deserve thoughtful and humane leadership.
We employ positive reinforcement as our primary training tool and believe in using the least forceful methods possible, even for modifying the most difficult behavior problems. The bond that is possible between a dog and owner should not be compromised by harsh or inconsistent training.
Alpha Canine Academy is dedicated to positive training that nurtures this bond and helps create a relationship based on trust and respect.
Tonya and Darren with their daughter Emma and Layla
Layla is a 2006 graduate of Alpha Canine Academy.
Tonya and Darren Wales foster and place rescue Border Collies.
CALL US at (970) 382-5937