Kayla Braun-Lemke B.S., CPDT-KA

Kayla graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in spring 2018, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Animal Behavior, and a minor in Psychology. 

During her time at UW Whitewater, she spent many hours volunteering for animal shelters and learning from some of the most knowledgeable Force-Free trainers in southern Wisconsin.  She also spent three years working with her undergraduate research lab to collect data and study the chemical communication between dogs. 

Kayla joined the team in 2015, and after spending time working with Silvia Golz, CPDT-KA, between semesters, became a permanent member of the Best Friend - Companion Dog Training, LLC family after her graduation. After many years of gaining knowledge and experience in Force-Free training, in 2021 Kayla earned the designation of Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. 

She is a dedicated Force-Free Trainer who uses only tools and techniques that the learner finds non-aversive. Over the years, she has used clicker training to train many dogs, a few cats, and even her pet rats. (Yes, you read that correctly!)  Kayla shares her life and passion for training with her beautiful little Blue Heeler named Macy Jane – “She has shown me that even the most difficult puppies can, and will improve with consistency and support in their training!”

In spring of 2020, her interest in animal behavior led her to become a licensed falconer and accept a seasonal job with Predator Bird Services Inc., where she works with Harris’ Hawks to control the gull population in order to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Kayla’s Training Philosophy:

“I believe that a well trained dog is not measured only by the behavior that strangers see.  A big part of it is the relationship that is built between a dog and their human through the highs and lows of the journey.  I believe a dog is more inclined to consistently respond in an appropriate manner when we have taken the time to patiently teach them the skills we need them to know to be successful in our homes rather than complying out of fear of what may happen if they "get it wrong".  I want to show everyone that they can get even better results in their training, while still maintaining love and respect.  Real patience, consistency, and kindness towards dogs makes a huge difference.”