Dog Training
Cecilia Ferneborg, CPDT-KA
Serving the greater Philadelphia area with positive reinforcement dog training
I have always had two passions: animals and music. As a dog trainer, I am compassionate, creative, and motivated to strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion! In my work as a musician, I strive to raise awareness for the humane treatment of animals. I put this philosophy into practice with my dog training clients!
I formally began professionally training in 2020. I worked as Senior Trainer and Operations Manager for the largest independent positive reinforcement dog training company in the Philadelphia/South Jersey region for two years before starting my own training business. Drawing on years of experience in the field, I can provide a wealth of knowledge and customized training plan for each family. I have taught group classes and private lessons in puppy socialization, obedience, reactivity, tricks, and more, and worked with all sorts of dogs from puppies to adult rescues.
My goal is to facilitate better two-way communication and harmony between co-habitating pets and humans. My experience spans working 1-on-1 with families, public speaking on training and animal rescue, obedience and reactivity training in a classroom setting, mentoring newer trainers, and shelter volunteering.
In addition to taking private clients, my current rescue work is with Familiar Hearts Animal Society as training support for foster families and newly adopted pups, as well as conducting behavioral assessments to better place incoming dogs.
I earned my CPDT-KA certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in 2022 and strive to always stay as up-to-date as possible on the latest information and research pertaining to animal training. I just attended the Aggression In Dogs Conference in 2025 and am looking forward to attending again in 2026!
Training Methods Statement
I use humane training methods based in learning theory, scientific research, and personal experience to help you live a fulfilling life with your dog. My training style uses a bond-based approach, with positive reinforcement and related training methods to get the best results in the most humane way possible. I never use methods that involve domination, discomfort, pain, or startling a dog.
If you and you pup could use some help in reaching your training goals, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to hear from you!
Testimonials
“We got our first puppy last year and quickly realized we had no idea what we were doing! Potty training was a real nightmare, along with just being scared we were doing something wrong! Cecilia helped us make a plan for proper socialization, we learned how to train, and Evee no longer has accidents in the house!”
“My dog Milo was so leash reactive I tried to only walk him early in the morning and late at night. I was so frustrated and I didn’t know what to do! With Cecilia’s guidance and lots of practice, Milo is now able to disengage from seeing other dogs when we’re out in our neighborhood and I feel like I know what to do to help him.”
“I can’t recommend Cecilia enough! I love my dog but when I got him I had no idea how to train even the basics! I was definitely doing a lot of things totally wrong but Cecilia didn’t make me feel judged.. she just helped me change my mindset and gave me the skills I actually needed. My dog had zero manners, would chase the cat, jump on the table, knock over my neighbor’s toddler, pulling like crazy on leash.. I was always so embarrassed when I had people over because of his extreme energy level. Now I feel much more confident and know what to do, and my big boy actually settles down and has less anxiety!”