Hi, I’m Alamelu – a dog mom who began with a simple wish to do a little more with my own dog and ended up wandering (quite happily) into the deep, fascinating world of training and learning science. What started as a modest curiosity grew into a lasting interest in how animals think, solve problems, and communicate with us. I spent years learning from the excellent instructors at FDSA and somewhere in that process I realized I wanted to pursue this with more intention. I earned my training certification from the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy ( KPA-CTP #83060) in 2025.
I also have a PhD in Computer Engineering and am a proud techie-nerd at heart. While I’ve stepped away from the tech industry, the mindset stayed with me: stay curious, keep problem-solving, and break complex ideas into achievable steps. It turns out those transfer astonishingly well to good dog training!
My website is still under construction as I finalize the services I’ll be offering, but I’m always happy to talk. Feel free to reach out through the contact form with questions, training goals, or curiosities of your own. And if you’re nearby, I also teach group classes at the Town and Country Dog Training Club in San Jose, CA, where new sessions begin early 2026.
My training philosophy
My philosophy is to lead with kindness, communicate with clarity, and build a partnership where cooperation can truly flourish. This approach shapes how I teach, how I listen, and how I support every dog–human team I work with. I believe learning should feel safe, thoughtful, and respectful for everyone involved.
I focus on creating environments that reduce stress, build confidence, and allow dogs’ natural strengths to emerge. When training is clear and considerate, dogs are able to engage more fully, think more creatively, and show us what they’re capable of.
Positive reinforcement fits naturally into this philosophy. It allows us to teach without force, support choice, and build relationships based on cooperation rather than pressure. My goal is always to help dogs understand what’s being asked of them in a way that feels fair, achievable, and genuinely enjoyable.
Educational Qualifications
- KPA Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) Certification # 83060
- Graduate of Dr. Susan Friedman’s Living & Learning with Animals (LLA).
- PhD in Computer Engineering
- Extensive sport dog training education through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (since 2017)
I’m also committed to continuing education and hands-on learning. Most recently, I attended Terry Ryan’s Chicken Camp in July 2025, a humbling and eye-opening experience in timing, observation, and training mechanics. And at the moment, I’m happily geeking out over classes offered by Behavior Explorer, continuing to refine my understanding of behavior science and practical application. I have also been a member of Animal Training Academy since 2020.
Experience
I’ve been actively training my own dogs for more than ten years. My current dog is an International Trick Dog Champion, and I hope to compete in the sport of musical freestyle, which is a rather difficult blend of precision, creativity, and joyful partnership! Working with my own dogs continues to deepen my understanding of skill-building, confidence, and the thoughtful, steady craft of teaching a dog some rather complicated skills.
While I love sport and trick training, my dogs are first and foremost members of my family. I prioritize giving them enriched, low-stress, well-supported lives—whether we’re traveling together, visiting the vet, or navigating everyday challenges. Those life skills come first; everything else is simply the gravy on top.
Since 2019, I’ve taught a variety of group classes at the Town and Country Dog Training Club, ranging from puppy classes to foundations for dog sports.