According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, behavior issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under 3 years of age. "Behavioral problems are the greatest threat to the human-animal bond." When this bond weakens or breaks, pets are often relinquished to shelters...usually with an uncertain fate. To help clients understand and better communicate with their dogs, we offer puppy class, private lessons at our hospital, and in-home training and behavior modification sessions. Training is provided by Danada Veterinary Staff member, Darci Reagan, BBA, CPDT-KA.

Darci is a Danada Veterinary Hospital staff member and trainer certified through Purdue University's highly respected DOGS! program as well as the National Certification Council for Professional Dog trainers; this council is the first organization to offer a standardized certification program for dog trainers.

Darci has been involved with dog training for over fourteen years. After earning a bachelors degree in marketing from the University of Iowa and successfully working in that field for several years, she followed her passion for animals to the veterinary medicine industry. Darci initially worked for Danada Veterinary Hospital as a veterinary assistant. She then gained valuable experience while employed at the American Veterinary Medical Association where most of her responsibilities dealt in human-animal bond and animal welfare issues. Darci came back to Danada Veterinary Hospital to offer training services as part of our hospital in 2006.

Darci is also an assistant trainer with Creative Paws, Inc., a former agility instructor with Apex agility and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. A canine sports enthusiast, Darci and her dog Blitzen, an AKC Good Citizen and certified therapy dog, earned over 40 flyball and agility titles, with placements at the national level.

Adopted in 1995 and passing at the age of 12, Blitzen was an integral part of Darci's involvement with dog training and he is deeply missed. She currently has 'feelers' out for that next very special dog to add to her life.

Darci’s passion is helping people achieve that special connection between owner and dog; she does this by fostering positive and mutually respectful human-animal interactions. Using dog-friendly methods, our goal is to teach you to teach your dog to better assimilate into our (often confusing!) world so your dog will become a treasured member of your family.