Vivian Levén Shoemaker, CPDT-KA has had a life-long experience with dogs. She worked at several prominent show kennels in Sweden (her home country) and England. She assisted a professional dog handler team in California, preparing the dogs before going in the show ring. She also worked at an Afghan Hound show kennel.

Vivian is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She is also an Associate Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a supporter of the Truly Dog-Friendly community (www.trulydogfriendly.com). She received her master’s degree in conflict resolution from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR), at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. in 2003. Vivian puts great emphasis on furthering her education in the field of dog training, and behavioral science in particular, which is one of her great areas of interest.

In the past, Vivian was active with a Doberman rescue group in the D.C. area. She now works independently as a behavior consultant with various local rescue groups. She also teaches group classes at Fur-Get Me Not (www.furgetmentnot.com). Her four-legged family members consist of Sheba (Doberman), Sugar (Golden Retriever), Tuula Belle (South African Mastiff) and the cat Samson. 

Vivian has been a positive reinforcement trainer for eight years and is dedicated to share her knowledge on how to train dogs with using positive methods and making it rewarding and fun for both dogs and their people. When she is not training dogs she works at the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI).