KAREN PRYOR CLICKER TRAINING IS DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU TRAIN BETTER.
About Us
Founded in 2001, Karen Pryor Clicker Training (KPCT) is a leader in the field of animal training and a recognized world leader in the science and application of marker-based positive reinforcement, or what is often called "clicker training."
The company believes passionately in the power of the clicker training approach to enrich the lives of pet owners, animal professionals, and the animals they live with, work with, or study.
Pictured to the right is Karen Pryor with Ken Ramirez. After Karen's retirement, Ken has lead all the company's training and related areas and co-leads the company with long-time CEO Aaron Clayton.
We use our expertise to:
Build strong bonds between people and the animals in their lives.
Many people think of training as an end point. We don't. Our training method is a means to the end of a strong bond between people and the animals in their care. In fact, the essence of clicker training is a system of communication that allows people and animals to get as close to talking as possible; some people say it is better than talking because it's so efficient!
Help people attain specific goals that support having animals in their lives.
We help people accomplish a variety of important specific goals. For example, we have helped countless new dog guardians raise great family dogs, we have helped animal behaviorists develop a tiger enrichment program, and we have helped search and rescue canine teams hone their training skills.
Enrich the lives of the animals and the people who care for them and work with them.
We help people rethink what's possible, to formulate goals and achieve them. Clicker training enables people and animals to do more with and for each other. Our work with animal shelters is a good example. For instance, kennels at animal shelters are usually very noisy. We show people how to transform a bark-filled, stressful kennel into a calm, quiet environment, reducing stress in the lives of both the animals and the shelter volunteers. Now others are teaching this skill at shelters across the country.
Help professional trainers and other animal professionals succeed.
We publish, produce, and help market the works and services of skilled animal professionals committed to positive training techniques.
We accomplish our mission through:
Education
Promoting the adoption of clicker training among pet guardians and animal professionals.
Development
Bringing to market innovative, quality products and services consistent with our mission.
Partnering
Joining forces with excellent trainers, customers, and vendors whose own capabilities and mission complement ours.
Community
Clicker training is a worldwide movement involving new ways to communicate positively with pets and other animals. The growing global community of enthusiastic clicker trainers and practitioners is a major source of advice, tips, and inspiration for newcomers. Our company supports this community and the growing number of business partners and shelters that help to educate and spread the word about clicker training.
Our Brands
Karen Pryor Academy
Founded in 2007, Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (KPA) is a private educational institution teaching inspired animal training through innovative educational programs, classes, and courses designed for experienced and aspiring trainers, teachers, and pet guardians. We advance the field of force-free training through community and peer collaboration, and we help our faculty, students, and alumni become more successful through close mentorship and partnership. Learn more about Karen Pryor Academy, our courses, and our global network of Certified Training Partners
KPA Certified Training Partners
Every Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) is a graduate of KPA’s Dog Trainer Professional program and has demonstrated excellent technical knowledge and hands-on skills in positive teaching and training. With thousands of Certified Training Partners worldwide, KPA CTPs are an integral part of our mission to promote positive training and demonstrate their knowledge first-hand by working with veterinarians, pet owners, and other trainers around the world. Learn more about becoming a KPA Certified Training Partner, about the credentials of a KPA CTP , or find a trainer in your area.
ClickerExpo Conferences
Our signature conference series, ClickerExpo, draws dog enthusiasts and animal professionals from all over the world. Chock full of insightful Sessions, hands-on Learning Labs, lunchtime roundtable discussions, and special dinnertime events, ClickerExpo offers the greatest opportunity to learn from the world's best trainers. Learn more about ClickerExpo, the world’s most innovative training conference.
The Ranch - The KPCT National Training Center
The Ranch, the KPCT National Training Center, offers comprehensive multi-day courses and focused two-day seminars and workshops designed for professionals who care for and train dogs, exotic animals, marine mammals, and more. Work with our animals, learn in our modern training center and classroom, and engage in meaningful conversation with world-class trainer and teacher, Ken Ramirez—all in the stunning 13-acre property at the foothills of Mount Rainier, WA.
The Ranch is also where we produce Live from the Ranch—our real-time training webcast with Ken and special guests every month! Learn more about the upcoming broadcast and view prior episodes.
Karen Pryor Clicker Training Products
The Karen Pryor Clicker Training line of products—including training kits, videos, books, clickers, and training gear—have been specifically created to help spread the tools and techniques of clicker training. Karen Pryor's 40+ years of in-field experience and scientific knowledge, combined with the insights and talent of experienced writers and trainers, result in our unique, science-based training solutions for pet owners and animal professionals. We also distribute, promote, and sell products produced by others if they meet our standards. Explore our product line or get more information on our wholesale program.
Video On Demand- Streaming Video
Our expansive library of training and behavior videos featuring expert speakers, trainers and scientists tackling everything from foundational training skills to aggression and behavior management techniques, problem solving and performance. Featuring high quality, direct from the stage, exclusive presentations from the ClickerExpo conference series, individuals and organizations can stream videos directly to their computers or compatible mobile devices, anytime, anywhere. Learn more about Video On Demand.
Our Leadership Team
Founded in 2001, Karen Pryor Clicker Training (KPCT) is a leader in the field of animal training and a recognized world leader in the science and application of marker-based positive reinforcement, or what is often called "clicker training.".
After Karen Pryor's retirement, Ken Ramirez has led all the company's training and related areas and co-leads the company with long-time CEO Aaron Clayton.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Karen Pryor Clicker Training is committed to conversation, education, and steps that lead to greater understanding and that can make the profession more inclusive. We believe diversity is a source of strength, equity is worth pursuing, inclusive practices foster progress, women's and LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, individual control over our outcomes is fundamental, and kindness reflects true character.
We reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusivity in training and behavior. In 2025, we have expanded our scholarship opportunities for those who represent and/or support underserved and underrepresented communities. In the weeks, months, and years ahead, we will continue to evaluate and explore ways to further support our principles through our various platforms and brands.
We welcome your opinions, thoughts, and ideas—comment on our social channels or by email at inclusion@clickertraining.com. You can read our latest updates here.