Our Trainers
We have multiple trainers at each class so we get to know you and your dog and there is always someone available to answer questions. We’re a team and we’re all here to help you and your dog succeed.
Liz Palika (retired) is the founder of Kindred Spirits Dog Training and has been teaching dogs and their owners in San Diego North County for more than 30 years. Liz has been active in a variety of dog sports over the years, including agility, carting, conformation (dog shows), competitive obedience, flyball, Frisbee competitions, herding, lure coursing, schutzhund, search and rescue (including tracking and air scenting), scenting games, therapy dog work, and weight pulling. She is an AKC CGC evaluator, #4182, a Certified Dog Trainer, and a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant. Liz has been interviewed by numerous media outlets, including USA TODAY, PARADE magazine, and many radio and podcast personalities. GOOD MORNING, AMERICA sent a film crew to interview her during the disastrous pet food recalls of 2006/7. She was awarded the San Diego Channel 10 Leadership Award and the North County Times Women of Merit Award. Liz has been writing professionally since 1985 and has written for most of the major pet publications, general interest magazines, as well as many major blogs, including Embrace Pet Insurance and the Honest Kitchen’s blog. Many of Liz’s books have been recognized for excellence. Most recently her column on dog behavior, “Behavior Conundrums” won Best Regular Column from the Dog Writers Association (2015) and her book, “Idiot’s Guide: Dog Training” won Best Non-Fiction Book from San Diego Book Awards (2014). Liz, Petra and Kate record the popular podcast, “It’s a Doggy Dog World.” Available from Pet Life Radio and I (heart) Radio, this podcast has fans from all over the world, including Europe, Australia, South Africa, and China. Although the subjects most often discussed are training and behavior, anything dog related is fair game for a discussion. Liz shares her home with three English Shepherds, Bones, Hero, and Seven; and her cat Kirk.
Petra Burke has been training with Liz Palika for almost 35 years after having attended Liz’s classes with a challenging German Shepherd, Hans. Now a business partner and co-owner of Kindred Spirits, Petra teaches group classes, is a CGC evaluator # 26916. Petra has a special interest in working with disabled dogs, especially those with vision or hearing issues, and dogs who have lost a limb. Petra shares her home and mini-farm with three English Shepherds, Poncho, Tango, and Willow; one 16 year old Morgan horse named Raz; and several chickens and cats.
Kate Abbott is a business partner and co-owner of Kindred Spirits with a long history of working with dogs. She, like Liz, was previously a veterinary technician. Kate also was a handler and trainer with a canine surety company for several years. Kate has been with Kindred Spirits for eighteen years. She teaches group classes, does all of KS’s private training, is an AKC CGC evaluator, #38967, and is an apprentice behavioral consultant with Liz. Kate is a past president of Love on a Leash and Kate’s dogs, Walter and Qwill, were both certified therapy dogs.
Dawn McMahon has been a trainer with Kindred Spirits for over twelve years. She is an AKC CGC evaluator #51903. She assists and teaches the basic obedience classes as well as puppy, CGC, intermediate and therapy dog classes. Dawn is also instrumental in keeping KS running smooth as she helps in the office. Dawn has a particular interest in fun canine activities and with her dogs she enjoys therapy dog work, tricks, scenting games, fun agility, and carting.
See what we teach in our basic obedience class and our puppy class.
Our dog training articles cover a number of problem solving solutions as well as tips on how to teach your dog.