Crystal’s path to dog training and behavior didn’t begin in the usual way. With a Bachelor of Science in Earth & Environmental Sciences, her early career took her into public service, education, and environmental stewardship. Originally from Western New York, Crystal spent several years living in the Western United States, where she held positions with two U.S. government agencies: the National Park Service and the United States Postal Service.

As an Interpretive Park Ranger at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, Crystal shared science and history with visitors, led educational programs, and worked both in the museum and out in the field. Later, she served as a Museum Technician and a postal clerk in Hagerman, Idaho. She also worked in solar energy consulting and management in Santa Fe, New Mexico, combining sustainability with small business operations.

Her career reflects a deep appreciation for education, public outreach, and community service—values that now fuel her work with dogs and their people.

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Crystal’s transition into dog behavior and welfare began in 2015, when she adopted her first South Korean “meat dog,” a deeply traumatized rescue. That experience changed everything. Determined to understand and support her new dog’s emotional world, Crystal began a passionate and science-driven journey into canine behavior, communication, and trauma recovery.

By 2019, she was co-creating and running two innovative and exclusive programs in Western New York:

• Fearful Dog: The region’s only trauma-informed behavior program, supporting dogs from backgrounds including meat farms, puppy mills, international rescues, and U.S.-based shelters.

• Canine Social Cues: A program designed to help guardians learn about dog-dog communication, play styles, and body language.

These programs provided essential education for dog guardians and became a trusted resource for dogs working through fear and socialization challenges. Though the original facility has since closed, Crystal continues this work today through group classes, private sessions, and in-home behavioral mediation.

When Crystal isn't helping dogs and their families build trust and confidence, she enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, traveling, and singing in chorus. Her broad background—from environmental science and government work to trauma-informed animal care—brings a unique depth of knowledge, empathy, and professionalism to every session.

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Credentials: 

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Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI) *Crystal is one the very few CCUIs in Florida!

Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants 

Licensed and Certified Family Dog Mediator, Sheltering & Training Divisions (LFDM-S,T)

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​Presentations:

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Unleashing Your Fearful Dog at Conference Unleashed, 2020

Mediating The World Dog in the Modern Home at L.E.G.S. In Motion Conference, 2022, Wolf Park, IN

Shelter Panel Discussion at L.E.G.S. In Motion Conference, 2023, Asheville, NC

Dogs Just Want to Feel Safe at Canisius College's Animal Behavior Program, 2024, Buffalo, NY

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Field Work & Continuing Education:​​

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India Dog Study Tour, 2025

L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® by Kim Brophey

Slow Thinking is Lifesaving For Dogs™ by Laura Donaldson

Unlocking Resiliency, graduated with honors, by Kristina Spaulding

Free Ranging Dogs Master Class, at Marco Adda Academy

Dog Food Master Class at Marco Adda Academy

Play Way by Dr. Amy Cook

Canine Communication by Sindhoor Pangal

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Why Work With Affinity?

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Compassionate, Ethical Dog Training Tailored to Your Dog’s Needs

At Affinity Dog Behavior & Training, we believe the emotional state of your dog is the most important part of training. Our approach is rooted in ethics, integrity, and a deep understanding of canine behavior and communication. Training should never be about control—it should be about connection, communication, and confidence.

Crystal is a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild and the Shock-Free Coalition, and she specializes in choice-based, consent-focused training. Every session is grounded in applied ethology and the science of behavior, helping dogs and their humans build deeper, more trusting relationships.

 

Understanding Fear, Trauma, and Rescue Realities

Many of the dogs we work with come from rescue situations—whether adopted from shelters, puppy mills, meat farms, international rescues, or found as strays. These dogs often carry fear-based behaviors that require patience, empathy, and time. Common challenges include fear of people, other dogs, novel objects, car rides, walking through doorways, or even the home environment itself.

We live this reality every day, and we understand: there is no quick or easy fix for trauma or fear. Every dog is unique. We’ll help you understand what’s behind your dog’s behavior and work with you to create positive, trust-building experiences that help your dog feel safe and supported.

 

What You Can Expect

When you work with us, you’ll get a customized training plan that meets you and your dog exactly where you are. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy, working through fear or reactivity, or simply looking to strengthen your relationship, we’re here to help.

Our philosophy is simple:

• No fear, no force, no pain

• Positive reinforcement only

• Ethical, science-based methods

• Fun and engaging sessions for both dogs and people

We don’t use aversive tools, harsh corrections, or intimidation tactics—instead we focus on helping you and your dog develop mutual understanding, connection, and a bond rooted in respect and choice.

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Training for All Stages of Life

Affinity Dog Behavior & Training offers programs for dogs of all ages—from puppyhood to senior years. Life with your dog is a journey, and there’s always more to learn, explore, and enjoy together.

Whether you need help raising a confident puppy, supporting a fearful rescue, or improving your everyday communication, we have a place for you.

Let’s build a relationship with your dog that is based on trust, empathy, and lifelong learning.

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