Kim Wegel
Kim Wegel is a rewards-based canine behavior consultant working with dogs and their humans in Roanoke, VA. She has extensive experience working aggressive and fearful dogs, especially with leash-reactive, fear-aggressive, and barrier-aggressive dogs, as well as with dogs who exhibit symptoms of separation- and generalized anxiety, hyperactivity, canine compulsive disorders, and resource-guarding. Kim has completed an apprenticeship with Jane Marshall of Cheery Dogs LLC based in Chapel Hill, NC. She has a decade of experience working with dogs to teach obedience skills from puppy to advanced in group classes, private sessions, daycares and day-boarding programs, as a dog-walker, and as a volunteer for numerous shelters and rescues.
Kim holds her certification as a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC-CDBC), and through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) as a Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA). She is also a Fear Free Certified Trainer. She considers learning, not only hands-on experience, to be a critical, life-long component of what it means to be a modern dog trainer. Kim regularly participates in continuing education courses to actively maintain her credentials and to stay on top of the latest developments in science-based training for her clients.
Due to a stroke, which has made in-person work more difficult and potentially dangerous, Kim now conducts most of the behind-the-scenes work for her Wags clients. These days, she can be found at her desk writing training plans, providing feedback on clients' logs and video updates, and meeting with clients remotely for their biweekly Zoom sessions. Kim accepts in-person clients on a limited, case-by-case basis.
Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, Bobbie has had a long career working with dogs in shelters, and as a professional dog trainer teaching group classes and private lessons. Her nine-year tenure as manager of the behavior program at Angels of Assisi afforded her the opportunity to work with a wide range of dogs, especially dogs with complex behavior issues. Bobbie is the former manager of the “In Custody” training program at the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection, a program which teaches prisoners how to train basic obedience skills. Bobbie holds her professional certifications as a dog trainer and shelter evaluator through the Animal Behavior College. She is also a Fear Free Certified Trainer, and has completed the Fear Free course for shelter workers. Her certifications, education, and experience provide her with the skills necessary to help dogs and their humans become better teammates, while keeping alive the spark that makes our dogs so special to us.
Bobbie Wegel