Meet Our Dog Trainers
All of our Indianapolis dog trainers are Certified Training Partners through the Karen Pryor Academy.
Jimmy Maxwell, KPA-CTP
Training Program Manager
Jimmy began his life as a dog trainer in 2010, when he and his lab Lambeau became a search-and-rescue team. He quickly learned the power of positive training, and used those skills in search-and-rescue & service-dog training throughout the country. With 9 years experience working with youth, Jimmy has a heart for dogs and people. He unites those passions by helping humans and dogs communicate and learn from each other. Jimmy is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy, a charter member of Hoosier State Search and Rescue, and leads our dog training program as Training Manager. He lives in Speedway with his wife Kelli and their pups Lambeau and Copper.
Olivia Gardner, KPA-CTP
Liv started her journey toward training after earning her Bachelors in psychology from Marian University. She always loved behaviorism and applied behavior analysis, and worked as a Registered Behavior Technician practicing Applied Behavior Analysis in children diagnosed with autism. In 2020, she got her dog Lucie with the intention of training her for therapy dog work. Liv’s on-the-job experience led her to be inspired by the incredible impact dogs can have on people, and drove her to return to school to learn more about the world of dog training. After earning her first certification with the Animal Behavior Institute as a certified Animal Assisted Therapy Professional, she enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy and joined the Uptown Pup team. She continues to work with The Chris Center Inc and Paws & Think Indianapolis as a trainer and therapy dog handler, and plans to continue her growth the the field of animal-assisted therapy.
Anna Dehnke, KPA-CTP
When you hear Anna say she’s always loved dogs, believe it! All in all, she’s rescued/fostered 300+ dogs with her family. She is a founding member of Hoosier State Search and Rescue where she and her pride and joy, Rowan, work hard in tracking and trailing. Anna earned her CPT through the Karen Pryor Academy. When she’s not a dog trainer, you’ll find her hiking, mastering triathlons, and enjoying the outdoors.
Melissa Erny, KPA-CTP
Melissa started her positive reinforcement training adventure with her puppy Daisy in 2013, when they took a puppy class taught by a Karen Pryor Academy certified trainer. She was impressed by how fun training could be and how enriching it was for her dogs. After retiring from her career as an attorney, Melissa obtained her KPA certification. You’ll often find Melissa volunteering with local animal shelters and Paws & Think’s Youth Canine Program. She also enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Trooper and Moo, and her current foster dog Maeby.
Lambeau Maxwell
KPA Grad Dog
He’s one of the hardest-working and cutest dog trainers in Indianapolis. You may see Lambeau around Uptown, accompanying our trainers or helping fellow dogs with their reactivity and socialization. When Lambeau isn’t working at Uptown, he has fun enjoying his retirement from search and rescue, eating, sleeping, chasing tennis balls, and wrestling with his younger brother, Copper.
UPDATE: On April 23rd, 2021, Lambeau crossed the rainbow bridge after a hard fight with cancer. He will always be remembered and held in highest regards as the ripple maker that set Uptown Pup’s training program into motion.
He was a great pet, a better friend, a thoughtful teacher, and a selfless servant.
Free Dog Lambeau
April 23rd, 2010 – April 23rd, 2021
Dog Training Documents
Dog Requirements
- Dog Training clients must adhere to our Cancellation Policy.
- Dogs must be current on their rabies, distemper/parvo combo, bordetella, and canine influenza vaccines.
- Puppies must have at least their second round of booster shots.
- Fees for training services are nonrefundable, but transferable to alternate training options.