Sonoran Canine Co. is built on science-based, positive reinforcement training grounded in the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) framework.

The credentials below reflect the ongoing education, evaluation standards, and research collaborations that shape every program, and why clients can trust the methodology behind their dog's training.

Logo of the American Kennel Club with the words 'Canine Good Citizen' and an illustration of a person kneeling and donating a treat to a dog, with the word 'EVALUATOR' in a yellow box.

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator

Approved by the American Kennel Club to administer the official CGC evaluation, the national benchmark for a well-mannered, reliable companion dog.

Dogs trained through Sonoran Canine Co. have the opportunity to earn their official AKC CGC title as part of their program, backed by a nationally recognized standard rather than an in-house checklist.

ADPT member badge with expiration date of April 30, 2027.

Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) — Member

Active member of APDT, the leading professional organization for force-free, science-based dog trainers, supporting ongoing education and adherence to current, humane training standards.

Membership current through April 2027.

Penn Vet University of Pennsylvania logo with shield emblem and text
Graphic with the acronym 'CBARQ' in large purple letters on a dark background, with a white silhouette of a state outline on the left.

PennVet
C-BARQ Affiliate

Affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), a validated tool used to screen and track canine behavior.

C-BARQ data helps inform individualized training plans with research-backed behavioral insight, not guesswork.

Membership card for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, indicating non-profit status under Pennsylvania law, with member name Kayla Pearson, valid through August 5, 2027, and signed by the Executive Director.
Logo for Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CCBC-KA) with orange and gray design

Certifications In Progress: IAABC CDBC, CPDT-KA & CDBC

Currently logging supervised training and behavior consultation hours toward the Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) credentials through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

These are three of the most rigorous, independently tested certifications in the industry, reflecting a commitment to continually building on a science-based foundation..

The logo of Canisius University featuring a shield with a lion and a cross, accompanied by the university's name.

Graduate Student: M.S. Anthrozoology

Thesis and study focus:

  1. Protocols to build better relationships between humans and canines, and what those relationships do for cognitive ability in both species

  2. Building a protocol to better predict working ability regardless of breed; and a standardized training pipeline for humans and their working dogs, focusing on psychiatric service dogs