Molly Krutkramelis
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Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA)
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Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
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Over 25 Years Experience
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More than 7,000 dogs trained and over 28,000 individual dog-training sessions delivered during 25+ years of professional experience.
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Completion of Purdue University's DOGS! Principles and Techniques of Behavior Modification professional program
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500+ hours of formal continuing education in canine training, behavior modification, counseling, and related subjects.
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Author of 2 Dog Training & Behavior Books
Molly Krutkramelis, owner of Optimal Dog Training in Chula Vista, California, is a highly regarded dog trainer, author, and behavior expert with over 25 years of professional experience. She combines her extensive background in mental health counseling with advanced behavior modification techniques, creating personalized training programs that deliver remarkable, lasting results. Molly’s sought-after skills have earned her opportunities to work with clientele spanning coast to coast.
Molly's journey began by mentoring her mother, Sandy Myers, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant at Narnia Pet Behavior & Training in Plainfield, Illinois. Even at a young age, she immersed herself in the field, attending numerous seminars led by renowned experts such as Ian Dunbar, Roger Abrantes, Terry Ryan, and Sue Sternberg. Together with her mother, Molly co-founded and managed a thriving dog training business in Laramie, Wyoming. Now based in Southern California, she draws on her extensive experience and passion to help families overcome challenges and build harmonious relationships with their canine companions.
As a lifelong dog lover and dedicated advocate for dogs, Molly has worked with a wide variety of breeds, including her two current rescue pups: Lacis, a Rhodesian Ridgeback Retriever mix, and Krypto, a Pomeranian who triumphed over severe abuse and neglect. She has also owned and trained Border Collies and Golden Retrievers, further honing her ability to address diverse temperaments and behavioral needs. Molly’s innovative approach and unwavering belief in the boundless potential of dogs set her apart as a leader in the field.
2026 MET Conference
2026 Rally Obedience
2026 How Learning Works in Dogs, Sue Alexander
2025 Creating a More Enriching Environment for Dogs of All Ages, Lisa Potts
2025 Dog Behavior Conference, Victoria Stilwell Academy
2024 Dog Behavior Conference, Victoria Stilwell Academy
2024 A Conversation About Research Methods Utilized in the Study of Dog Behavior & Welfare, Dr. Lisa Gunter
2024 Healing Companions: Psychiatric Service Dogs & Their Power to Transform Lives, Jane Miller
2023 Correcting K9 Misbehavior & Aggression, Trish King and Pat Miller
2023 Pharmacological Intervention for Canine Non-Aggression Problems, Dr. Ellen M. Lindell
2023 Puppy Culture: The Powerful 12 Weeks That Can Shape Your Puppy’s Future, Jane Killion Lindquist, Dr. Terri Bright,
Dr. Carmen Battaglia, Jean Donaldson, Meghan Herro
2023 Separation Anxiety Mission Impossible, Melana DiMartini
2022 Rocket Recall Part 1 and Part 2, Lisa and Lyle Waggoner
2021 The Behavior of DOGS!, Dr Ken Martin DVM, DACVB & Debbie Martin CPDT-KA, CTP, LVT
2021 Rescue and Shelter Volunteers Training Workshop, Ana Melara
2021 Human Grade: Meaningful Distinction or Marketing Gimmick?, Linda Case
2021 Fixing the Unfixable: A New Look at Separation Anxiety, Malena DeMartini and Gina Phairas
2021 Coaching People to Train Their Dogs, Terry Ryan and Jenni Dix
2017 Navigating the Wild West of Service Dogs, Veronica Sanchez
2016 APDT Educational Conference
2015 Couples and Family Counseling Graduate Course, Walden University
2015 Group Process and Dynamics Graduate Course, Walden University
2015 Psychopharmacology Graduate Course, Walden University
2015 Crisis, Trauma and Response Graduate Course, Walden University
2014 Canine Fear Aggression and Play, Jean Donaldson
2013 Separation Anxiety & Dog-Dog Play, Nicole Wilde
2011 Aggression, John Rogerson
2011 The Evolution of Canine Social Behavior & The Brave New World of Dog Training, Roger Abrantes
2008 Play Time: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, Pia Silvani
2006 Training with Terry, Terry Ryan
2005 Training and Behavior, Pia Silvani
2003 Advanced Canine Behavior Seminar, Patricia McConnell
2004 Training & Shelter Dog Seminar, Sue Sternberg
2002 Training Behavior and Healthy Dog Conference
2001 Purdue University’s DOGS! Principles and Techniques of Behavior Modification professional program
2001 Training Behavior and Healthy Dog Conference
2000 Training Behavior and Healthy Dog Conference
1998 The Toolbox for Remodeling Your Problem Dog, Terry Ryan
1996 Lateral Thinking – Wear a Different Hat, Terry Ryan
1995 Games People Play…to Train Their Dogs, Terry Ryan
1997 The Evolution of Canine Social Behavior, Roger Abrantes