PATRICIA
WALKER-KOOPMAN
I am Patricia Walker-Koopman. In 2022, I proudly opened the Kynagon Dog Trainers Academy in Amstelveen. It is my mission to teach people and dogs to work together in a pleasant and respectful way. No punishment, no force, but training based on trust and understanding.
Our training method is personal, passionate and 100% professional - allowing you and your dog to bring out the best in each other. Every training session feels like a playful exploration, and you will proudly watch your dog's development.
At home, I share my life with my husband, our three children, and five Border Collies. And those Border Collies? They do not just play around in the garden - they also play an important role in the Academy. Every day, they show the power of positive training.
"All dogs
in the world
happy"
Working together with your dog, without punishment, but with trust and understanding
It is my mission to bring as many dog owners and animal training professionals into contact with the Kynagon philosophy. A fresh take on dog behaviour: recognising and understanding natural behaviour and, where necessary, turning undesired behaviour around.
No tricks. No quick fixes. But a true insight in why a dog does what it does. So that you do not just see the 'what', but also understanding the 'why'.
My approach: Think, plan, do.
I start out by looking closely at what you and your dog need, and making a plan. But not a rigid step-by-step plan - dogs (or humans, for that matter) are not machines. Throughout the training programme, I remain flexible, making sure that you and your dog make progress together, in a way that suits you.
Where we work: a training area where dogs and owners feel at home
Our training area in Amstelveen is not your standard dog training school, but a place where you and your dog can quietly and safely learn and grow.
Our outdoor field is safely fenced, so that your dog can freely move around without you having to be on the alert. Furthermore, we have an indoor space with plenty of room for focused, calm and pleasant training moments. And, of course, we have challenging exercise materials, to keep learning fun as well as natural.
What can you expect?
- A safe and spacious training environment.
- Exercise materials, outdoor installations and toys for natural learning.
- Fresh water at all times, and a relaxed atmosphere for both the dog and its owner.
- A place where learning is fun, without any stress or force.
At Kynagon, we welcome dogs and their owners both with and without training experience, who want to work together in a positive and pleasant way. Come by and see for yourself!
From a meeting in Birmingham to a dream in Amstelveen
The first time I came into contact with Kynagon Dog Trainers Academy was in 2018, when I visited ‘The Crufts’ in Birmingham, the greatest dog show in the world. That is where I met Dimosthenis Moumiadis of Kynagon. We got to talking and it turned out that we shared the same ideas on how to train dogs. No punishments or inflicting of pain, but working pleasantly together.
Completely inspired by Dimosthenis Moumiadis, I decided, there and then, to take the Kynagon training programme in Greece. After twelve long weekends, in May 2019, I passed my exam. Unfortunately, the month before, I had been diagnosed with cancer, so that I had to postpone the plans to set up my own Kynagon training programme.
Until 12 November 2022! My illness had taught me that you have to do what makes you happy. And so, with great enthusiasm, I opened the doors to my Dog Trainers Academy in Amstelveen.
World-class dog training, right here in the Netherlands!
Patricia has gained more in-depth knowledge in an exclusive training programme at Karen Pryor Academy in the United States. It is the place to be for dog trainers from all over the world to specialise in positive training methods.
During this intensive training programme, Patricia specialised in Operant Conditioning - a science-based way to train dogs in a friendly and effective manner. She knows exactly how to use Positive Reinforcement (rewarding good behaviour) in a smart way, so that dogs learn without force or fear.
With this expertise, Patricia finds herself among a select group of trainers in Europe who have obtained this prestigious certification.
Force Free Dog Training
From pup to dream dog
A pup that is eager to listen to you instead of turning half the living room on its head? Yes, please!
Our Force Free puppy training teaches you how to build a strong bond and prevent problematic habits in a playful and friendly way. No strict assignments, but smart tips that really work.
Give your pup the very best start! Enrol now and lay the foundation for a lifetime of fun together.
Have you always dreamed of a successful career as a professional dog trainer?
Kynagon is not just a professional dog trainer's academy. It is one of the few accredited training programmes in the Netherlands to work according to the Force Free Method.
Not only do we teach you how to train a dog, but also why certain behaviour develops and how to deal with that in a friendly and science-based way. From simple basic signals to more complex behaviour: you will discover how to get lasting results in a positive manner.