What does it really mean when a dog growls at a stranger? Or snaps at another dog? For many families, these moments feel confusing — even frightening. But for dog trainer and behavior consultant Kristen Board, they’re an invitation to listen more closely.
I recently sat down with Kristen to talk about her work with dogs who struggle with fear, anxiety, and aggression — and what she wishes every dog owner understood about the animals they love.
“Dogs have individual preferences and boundaries. The ones who seem difficult are often the ones who need to be understood most.”
What are your earliest memories of being drawn to dogs?
My childhood dogs were my best friends growing up. When I was very young, we had a Siberian Husky, and I remember doing little trick-training sessions with her. Even then, I loved learning how dogs think.
I also remember coming home from tough days at school and just being so excited to see her. That connection meant everything to me.
Later, in middle school, I started volunteering at our local humane society with my mom as a junior volunteer. That experience really deepened my interest in working with dogs.
Was there a particular dog that inspired you to become a trainer?
Yes, actually. One of the dogs I grew up with had some behavior challenges — including some aggressive tendencies. When people came to our house, we’d have to explain things like, “If she comes up to sniff you, let her, but don’t reach for her” — things that might make her uncomfortable.
A lot of people didn’t understand that. But growing up with her taught me that dogs have individual preferences and boundaries. I developed a very strong bond with her, and I think that experience planted the seed for wanting to help other people with dogs who might be misunderstood.
Looking back, she played a big role in leading me toward this work.
How long have you been working professionally with dogs?
My first professional dog training job was in 2016, so it’s been about nine years now. Before that, I worked at several dog daycares and boarding facilities while I was in school — so I was gaining experience with dogs even before I officially became a trainer.
You have quite a few certifications and educational paths behind you. Can you talk about humane education and how that connects to your training work?
Humane education isn’t specifically about dog training, but it connects to it in important ways. I have a master’s degree in humane education, which looks at the intersection of human rights, animal protection, and environmental ethics. The goal is to identify systems where injustice exists and work toward solutions that help people, animals, and the environment together.
In my work with dogs, that perspective influences how I approach behavior and training. I also work with our local shelter, providing training support through programs that assist adopters and underserved communities — helping dogs stay in their homes and preventing them from being returned to shelters.
You’re also a Family Paws educator. What does that involve?
Family Paws focuses on helping families safely integrate dogs and young children — especially babies and toddlers. I completed their program so I can specialize in helping families prepare their dogs for a new baby or manage life with both dogs and small children.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about dogs and kids, so education around safety and communication is really important. Helping families understand both sides of that relationship is something I feel strongly about.
You also specialize in separation anxiety and canine arthritis awareness — two areas that don’t always get the attention they deserve.
Separation anxiety can be very stressful for both the dog and the family — it’s one of those conditions that’s often misunderstood or dismissed. I’m certified in separation anxiety training, which gives me specific tools to help dogs and their people find relief.
As for canine arthritis, it’s often underdiagnosed because many people assume pain is just a normal part of aging. But there are so many ways to improve comfort and quality of life for senior dogs. What’s especially important is that pain can show up as behavior changes — a dog who is suddenly snapping or withdrawing may actually be hurting. Physical health and behavior are much more connected than people realize.
“Pain can show up as behavior changes. A dog who is suddenly snapping or withdrawing may actually be hurting.”
What’s one of your most memorable success stories?
Some of the most meaningful cases for me involve what we call “stranger-fearful” dogs — dogs who are genuinely afraid of unfamiliar people. When I begin working with these dogs, I’m often the first person outside of their immediate family that they learn to trust.
Seeing that shift — watching a dog who was previously terrified become comfortable with someone new — is incredibly rewarding. It also gives their families hope, and it expands what’s possible for the dog. That kind of change ripples outward in really beautiful ways.
What are the most common behavior challenges you see?
Many of them overlap. Fear, anxiety, and aggression are often connected — a lot of what looks like aggression actually stems from fear. I see many dogs who struggle with strangers, and dogs who have conflict with other dogs in the household. Those situations usually come down to anxiety, stress, or communication problems between the dogs — not a “bad” dog.
Has your training philosophy evolved over time?
My foundation has always been positive reinforcement and science-based training, and that hasn’t changed. What has shifted is my perspective on the human side of the relationship.
Early in my career I focused primarily on the dog’s training and welfare. Over time, I realized how important it is to also support the person on the other end of the leash. Training only works if the human feels comfortable, confident, and capable of implementing the plan. When people are working with dogs who have anxiety or aggression, it can be really stressful for them, too. Making sure my clients feel understood and supported is just as important as working with the dog.
What body-language signal do owners most often overlook?
Avoidance behaviors. Things like turning away, ears pinned back, looking away, or freezing are all signs a dog is uncomfortable — and they usually happen well before a growl or a more obvious reaction.
When people say a bite “came out of nowhere,” it’s often because those earlier, quieter signals were missed. Learning to read those early cues can make an enormous difference in preventing escalation.
If you could share one piece of advice with dog owners about behavior, what would it be?
Dog training is an unregulated field, which means anyone can call themselves a trainer without formal education or credentials. Because of that, I encourage people to use critical thinking when seeking advice about their dog’s behavior or hiring a trainer. If something doesn’t feel right or seems harsh, it’s worth asking questions and researching other approaches. You know your dog. Trust that instinct.
“If something doesn’t feel right or seems harsh, it’s worth asking questions. You know your dog. Trust that instinct.”
Tell us about your own dogs.
I have two dogs at home — and honestly, they’re the reason I show up every day with as much patience and curiosity as I can. Living with dogs teaches you something new all the time, no matter how long you’ve been doing this work.
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Talking with Kristen was a wonderful reminder that understanding our animals requires both compassion and education. Behavior challenges so often stem from fear, anxiety, or discomfort — not from a dog being “bad” or “broken.” With patience, the right support, and a willingness to look beneath the surface, many dogs can learn to feel safer and more confident in their world.
If your dog is struggling with fear, anxiety, or behavior challenges — or if you simply want to understand them better — reaching out to a qualified, force-free trainer like Kristen is a beautiful first step. And if you’re curious about what your dog might be communicating beneath the surface, I’m always here for that conversation too. 🐾
Kristen Board is a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant specializing in fear, anxiety, and aggression. She holds a master’s degree in humane education and certifications in separation anxiety training, Family Paws education, and canine arthritis management. Her work is grounded in positive reinforcement and a deep belief that every dog deserves to be understood.