Dan & Yana Carlson
Yana and Dan had the name "Walk A Pup" picked out years before they professionally walked their first dog. As lifelong animal lovers, they dreamt about leaving their hectic work and school schedules behind and perusing a passion they were certain was destined to be embraced. Encouraged by the success of a trial run, Walk A Pup the dream, became a reality and quickly established itself as a valuable asset in North Shore’s pet care community.
Since 2008, Yana and Dan have been building on their dream, constantly growing their knowledge of canine behavior and training, and learning the invaluable lessons each and every pup they see has to offer! A dog-less apartment in Salem has turned into a cozy rural home in Rowley MA, happily occupied by their beautiful Weimaraner- Nesta the #BossDog, Rescue Pittie Fig the #BossDogJr, their two kids Ezra and Maya, and consistent canine visitors.
Walk A Pup is Bonded and Insured through the Business Insurers of the Carolinas. Staff is Certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.
Qualifications and Memberships:
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers - Knowledge Assessed
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers - Professional Member (APDT)
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- The Association of Force Free Pet Professionals
- Pet Sitters International
- National Association of Professional Pet Sitters ( NAPPS)
- DogGone Safe
Dan Carlson is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed ( CPDT-KA), a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Dan grew up in the North Shore of Massachusetts, in a house filled with dogs, cats,guinea pigs, snakes, and once even had a flying squirrel as a family pet!!
Many family road trips as a child inspired a love of travel, so after finishing school, Dan set out to explore the country which brought him to reside in parts of California, Arizona and the Mid West. Although he worked mainly in the music industry during that time, Dan was always the one friends turned to when they needed help with their pets. Life's journey soon brought Dan homebound back to the East Coast, where he began to explore and expand his knowledge of animal behavior and dog training. Through reading and studying, research and hands on volunteer work, and years of training with some of the best trainers in the area at the New England Dog Training Club in Cambridge, Dan had began what was a life long dream of a career with animals!
His continuously growing knowledge and expertise is expanded through seminars, workshops, classes, and continuing education programs. Dan loves to learn and grow his knowledge of canine behavior modification and perfect his handling skills. He is determined and passionate about spreading the understanding of positive relationship building between dog and owner. His dedication, consistency, calm demeanor and strong leadership skills allow him to connect with each dog and owner on an individual basis!!
In his spare time Dan can be found trail running with his Weimaraner, Nesta, perfecting his Jiu-Jitsu Skills, and playing on the jungle gyms at the local playground with his kids Ezra and Maya!
Yana Carlson was born in St. Petersburg Russia, and was fortunate to grow up surrounded by a large loving family, none of which included any pets. In 1990, her family had moved across an ocean to Melrose MA, where Yana spent the next ten years of her life.
After High School, Yana went on to pursue a degree in Economics and Anthropology from UMass Boston. During her time there, she developed a very strong travel bug and a fascination with the art of foreign culture. After a bit of worldly travel, Yana settled down in Salem, MA with her new found partner Dan Carlson and began a "right out of college" career in the corporate world. Two years later, Yana found herself a bit empty on the inside because little of her days were devoted to something she was truly passionate about. She decided to put the travel bug on hold for a while and along with her partner in life and love, went on to pursue an even greater passion- working with animals! Since then, she has been learning from each and every animal she has the pleasure to work with! Yana has had the amazing opportunity to intern under some of the greatest trainers and behaviorists Boston has to offer, at the New England Dog Training Club. In 2013 Yana completed an invaluable Instructor Training Course with the amazing Sue Sternberg, Pia Silvani and Carolyn Barney.
The ‘business side” of Walk A Pup keeps Yana pretty busy these days however she still finds time to teach classes along side Dan, and spends a great deal of time broadening her knowledge of canine behavior and human/animal relationships. Along with Dan, she attends seminars, workshops, and continuing education courses.
In her downtime, Yana's favorite activities include trips to Singing Beach with their Weimaraner Nesta and the kids, Yoga and cooking delicious, "real-food" meals for her family, and gardening!!
