EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. I’ve got what it takes to deliver solid, sound instruction to humans.
CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed). I’ve got the knowledge and experience to offer humane training to dogs and their people, and am committed to advancing my skills further with continuing education.
CARAT Certified Assessor. I’ve got a solid understanding of canine temperament to help you train your dog effectively and efficiently.
Treat/Retreat Certified Trainer. I understand the nuances involved in working with socially shy dogs to help you build your dog’s confidence.
Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI). I’m well versed in the philosophy, concepts, and training methodology for the activity and sport of K9 Nose Work, and am dedicated to continue pursuing my education in that regard.
Pet Professional Guild Member. I believe that training should be pain, force and fear free.
EXPERIENCE
20+ years of experience teaching children and adults in a formal education setting
20+ years under the mentorship of Suzanne Clothier and her Relationship Centered Training philosophy
10 years of experience as a Veterinary Practice Manager
National Capital Therapy Dogs volunteer, former education committee and board member
Former Animal Matters Hearing Board Member, Howard County, Maryland
Former 4H Agility Trainer, Howard County, Maryland
Performance Sport Enthusiast with titles in agility, obedience, nose work and dock diving, and experience in herding, tracking, freestyle, lure coursing, disc dog and more!
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Connection, Cooperation & Control (CCC) Co-Founder. In addition to bringing CCC to See Spot Grin and teaching CCC online, I also work with other professional trainers world wide to bring the CCC program to their local
communities as CCC Certified Instructors.Hersenwerk Mentor
Wag It! Games Master Instructor & Judge
C-WAGS Scent Detectives Judge
Performance Scent Dogs Judge
NACSW ORT Judge & Certifying Official
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CINDY KNOWLTON
For me, the best thing about See Spot Grin is not that Cindy is one of the best trainers in the area, or that the classes and other events are well organized and user friendly, although she is and they are. The best thing is Cindy's genuine appreciation of both people and dogs (warts and all) and what they can accomplish together. See Spot Grin is a great place to learn to how to be a better teammate to your dog and have fun doing it. ---Sharon, Washington, DC
See Spot Grin provides consistent, positive training experiences for dogs AND their humans. We really appreciate that! Although I understand completely why it can be harder for trainers to be positive with the human side of the team, it makes a world of difference to receive positive, helpful feedback when you're trying to learn something new and convey it to your canine partner. ---Lynda, Upper Marlboro, MD
Cindy is a great instructor, all positive reinforcement… something I had to get used to, having learned obedience training in the '70's, but find I am getting MUCH better results without corrections and simply shaping behavior and reinforcing. This has been a wonderful learning experience not only for my "Spoo", but for me as well! Thank You, Cindy, for having See Spot Grin for us to come to!! Chelsea and I are both "Grinners"!! ---Jacky, Catonsville, MD