About Total Teamwork Training

About Total Teamwork Training:

Biography – each of us brings a distinctive background to our Total Teamwork Training group. Individually we have either competed in obedience to high levels of training, competed in a variety of dog sports including canine agility, earned tracking dog titles, shown dogs in the conformation ring, done limited breeding, raised and raced sled dogs, visited schools and other facilities with dogs, rescued, rehabilitated and placed or rescued and kept a variety of dogs, and worked in some capacity in the veterinary field. Together we combine our perspectives and backgrounds to find the best way to help our families live with their chosen dogs. We have compiled a library of over 300 books, videos, audio training sessions, and multiple seminar notes. Our education and training continually grows with our participation in ongoing learning opportunities. We have watched and participated as the sport of dog “obedience” has grown and evolved into living with the family pet and training with humane methods.

American Kennel Club – Canine Good Citizen & Puppy S.T.A.R. evaluator

APDT – Canine Life And Social Skills instructor and evaluator (C.L.A.S.S.)

As the CEO of Total Teamwork Training llc, Laura oversees the continuing development of educational programs and classes as well as increasing outreach programs for communities in Northwest Colorado. Beginning in the 1980’s, Laura worked as a veterinary assistant in Colorado and New Mexico for small animal practices specializing in veterinary care for dogs and cats. That experience has added a quantity of medical and husbandry experience to her training background. She trained and competed in AKC obedience trials as well as AKC Tracking trials and United States Dog Agility Association competitions earning titles in each of these venues with a cherished Springer Spaniel. After retiring her competition dog she continued to teach family dog and puppy classes through High Country Veterinary Clinic in Colorado for several years. For a period of about 10 years Laura turned to competitive shooting as an outlet for her personal goals. Earning State, Regional, National titles and attaining a place on the National Coaches Development Staff for the National Rifle Association. While building skills in shooting competition and coaching she served as the National Development Team Coach and Assistant Pistol Coach for the United States Shooting Team working with Olympic caliber athletes and coaches. That tenure offered numerous opportunities to grow as a coach, work with top level sports psychology staff, and learn more about nutritional applications for sports performance and goal setting for competition training. She gained experience in organizing and writing systematic coaching programs for young aspiring athletes and implemented these programs while traveling to international competitions with the team. She became a student of sports psychology and helped to develop and teach programs for Junior Olympic Shooting and 4H youth programs across the country. These skills cross over to teaching people to train their dogs who become treasured members of their human family. In 2008 Laura formed Total Teamwork Training llc. Her philosophy and training bring goal setting, systematic training, patience, compassion and leadership to the programs taught by her skilled teaching staff. Laura has earned her CPDT-KA credentials through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). She is an Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Laura served on the Education Committee as chair as well as the editorial staff for web site articles in support of the horse, parrot human animal mutualism (assistance and therapy animals) and cat divisions of the IAABC. Laura has published articles through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) industry magazine, The Chronicle of the Dog, as well as the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) dog division web site. She has also published a children’s book. Laura is currently training with an 8 year old Rat Terrier named Skippy. This amazing little rescue dog has passed her therapy dog testing, earned her Canine Good Citizen certificate and her Rally Novice Obedience title. She holds all three “degrees” through the APDT Canine Life And Social Skills program (C.L.A.S.S.) Her new found love is the sport of Nose Work. Skippy is currently working on her NW3 level three title.

Skippy helps with training classes and goes out on call to help other dogs in behavior modification programs. Skippy and Laura visit schools teaching children how to properly ask permission to meet and greet dogs.

Maxwell SMART is our 5 year old Min Pin. He has earned his first level degree – a BA in the APDT Canine Life and Social Skills. He’s also passed all three required Odor Recognition Tests (ORT’s) to qualify to enter NACSW nose work trials. Skippy thinks he’s the naughty little brother she’s always wanted. He’s smart, funny and cuddly. Total Teamwork Training is just that! Our team training is for the whole family, training together, living with and managing their family pet. The training utilizes the most comprehensive, science based, methods by means of dog friendly, reward based techniques. We teach our families to understand and “speak dog”. We believe in training, managing, and building a trusting relationship between dog and family.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers offers the only international, standardized certification for professional dog trainers that is both psychometrically sound and independent of any course of study.

To become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) trainers are required to provide recommendations from a veterinarian, a client, and a colleague. In addition, they must pass an independent, psychometrically sound and science-based exam to demonstrate knowledge in Instruction Skills, Animal Husbandry, Ethology, Learning Theory, and Equipment. A minimum of 300 hours as a dog training class instructor are also required.

The CPDT-KA exam is updated annually to reflect changes in the industry and the current scientific data. CPDT-KAs must re-certify every three years by accumulating continuing education units approved by the CCPDT. Visit the links page for more information.

American Kennel Club – Canine Good Citizen & Puppy S.T.A.R. evaluator

Dog training began for Sandra when she was a teenager. Her first dog was aggressive. The relationship ended sadly. She was determined to never let this happen again and began studying the world of dog behavior. She began training and competing with Siberian Huskies in American Kennel Club (AKC) conformation shows and obedience trials. She worked at the Brookfield Zoo west of Chicago. She started to learn about wolf behavior while working there. She raced a team of Siberian Huskies with a Border Collie as her lead dog. Sandra’s interest in conformation showing ultimately produced two Champion Siberian Huskies, one of which won Best of Breed at the Westminster Dog Show in New York. Working with family pet owners at High Country Veterinary Clinic in Craig, Colorado brought her full circle from her teenage experience to the present. It became clear to her that families needed help in understanding how to live successfully with the “alien canine”. To that end, in conjunction with Total Teamwork Training, LLC, she offers training classes, workshops and one on one consultations with families. She writes articles on dog behavior and human relationships for a local newspaper. Continuing education in the form of science-based research in canine behavior, cognition, learning theory and family counseling is an essential part of her professional goals. She attends seminars and workshops with highly acclaimed behaviorists, trainers and veterinarians. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), an AKC approved Canine Good Citizens Evaluator/Instructor, and an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator/Instructor. She is a Behavior Consultant, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She has worked for thirty years as a Veterinary Technician and Groomer with her husband, Ron, a small animal Veterinarian. In addition to Siberian Huskies, Border Collies and a Dalmatian, Sandra has owned and trained Welsh Corgis, Whippets, a Miniature Schnauzer, Irish Terriers, a Bull Terrier, Thoroughbred Horses, Quarter Horses, Arabian Horses, several pet cats and a Peach Faced Love Bird named Edward. Stuart is demonstration dog for training classes and events. He performs numerous tricks and has earned his Canine Good Citizen title. He has completed BA MA and PhD with honors through the Canine Life and Social Skills (CLASS) program under the auspicious of Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Sandra and Stuart are currently involved in K9 Nose Work® (scent detection work). And this is Stuart’s favorite activity so far.

American Kennel Club – Canine Good Citizen & Puppy S.T.A.R. evaluator

Arlene, in her own words: I am a third generation Meekerite. Going to work at High Country Veterinary clinic in the fall of 1995 as a veterinary assistant, I learned a lot more about animal care and behavior. After awhile our groomer decided to retire, so she taught me to do the grooming.

I moved back to Meeker In 2001, after a year of commuting and one car later, and decided to start my own grooming business. I teach family dog training classes in Meeker with Laura. I also teach a dog obedience class through the recreation center. I am also one of the 4H dog leaders. I am currently owned by 4 border collies. Two of these dogs were rescue. A couple of cats and horses round out our family unit.

Sandra Kruczek and her husband Dr. Ron Kruczek DVM owned High Country Veterinary Clinic in Craig, Here’s what Sandra has to say about Arlene: When Arlene joined our staff in 1995, she brought with her, knowledge, enthusiasm, determination, and a wonderful way with people and their pets. And she had an open mind. She was a highly valued team member in the veterinary clinic and even took on the role of groomer when that was needed! I would describe Arlene as “Capable and Unstoppable!” Sandra Kruczek

My 2 cents: When Arlene heard the story that two Border Collies living in Montana were about to be destroyed, she got in her car, drove up there, and rescued them. The female was very pregnant. She raised a beautiful, healthy litter, found suitable homes and kept one puppy for her crew. Through her grooming business in Meeker, Arlene does much more than grooming. She travels to the homes of people shut in and helps them care for their pets. We are so lucky to have her as part of our team!

Total Teamwork Training, LLC - Laura Tyler:

Our Training Philosophy

At Total Teamwork Training, we believe that every dog is an individual, and every family has unique needs. Our approach blends positive reinforcement, clear communication, and systematic goal-setting to build lasting bonds between dogs and their people. We draw on decades of combined experience in competitive obedience, agility, tracking, and behavior modification to tailor each program to the learner in front of us.

We emphasize humane, science-based methods that respect the dog’s emotional well-being while achieving real-world reliability. Whether you’re raising a new puppy, working through a behavior challenge, or preparing for competition, our team helps you break down skills into achievable steps and celebrate progress along the way.

What Sets Us Apart

Our instructors bring not only dog training expertise but also backgrounds in coaching, sports psychology, and veterinary care. This unusual combination means we understand how people learn as well as how dogs learn. We help you become a better trainer for your own dog, rather than simply doing the training for you.

We also maintain an extensive library of professional resources and stay current with ongoing education in the field. Our commitment to professional development ensures that the techniques we teach are effective, ethical, and up to date.

Community Involvement

Total Teamwork Training is deeply rooted in Northwest Colorado. We partner with local schools, youth programs, and community organizations to promote responsible dog ownership and safe interactions between children and dogs. Our outreach includes classroom visits with therapy dogs, demonstrations, and workshops on bite prevention and canine body language.

We believe that education extends beyond the training room. By helping the public understand dog behavior, we reduce surrenders, prevent bites, and strengthen the human-animal bond throughout our region.

Programs and Services

We offer a range of classes and services designed to meet dogs and families wherever they are:

• Puppy socialization and foundation skills
• Basic and advanced family dog manners
• Canine Good Citizen and C.L.A.S.S. preparation
• Behavior consultations for fear, reactivity, and aggression
• Nose work and enrichment classes
• Private coaching and in-home sessions

Each program is structured yet flexible, allowing us to adapt to your dog’s pace and your family’s schedule. We also provide resources and support between sessions to keep you on track.

Continuing Education for Professionals

In addition to working with pet owners, we support fellow trainers and behavior consultants through mentorship, workshops, and speaking engagements. Laura’s experience on the IAABC Education Committee and her published articles reflect our dedication to advancing the field. We regularly host seminars and study groups for professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge of humane, effective training.

If you’re a trainer, veterinary professional, or shelter worker, we welcome you to join our learning community. Together, we can raise the standard of care for dogs and their families.