Skip to content Skip to footer
About us

Zen Critter

An open mind and helpful hands can do much to change an animal’s future. We are a private, woman-owned, small business with years of experience. We believe in compassionate science-based training methods.
Zen Critter does not work with aggressive dogs.
If you need help with an aggressive dog in the Boise area please contact: Paul Kline at A Pawsitive Alternative Dog Training or Shawna Dowd at alliancedogtraining.com

An open mind and helpful hands can do much to change an animal’s future. We are a private, woman-owned, small business with years of experience. We believe in compassionate science-based training methods.
Christa began her career with animals as a veterinary technician. Distressed by the behavior issues her clients sought help with, Christa shifted her focus to animal training, founding Zen Critter, LLC.
Christa Shannon

CVT, KPA-CTP, Cert. SAPT, FFCP (Trainer)
Trainer

About Us

Christa

Christa began her career with animals as a veterinary technician. Distressed by the behavior issues her clients sought help with, Christa shifted her focus to animal training, founding Zen Critter, LLC. Zen Critter strives to use the most up-to-date scientific principles, using positive reinforcement and force-free training methods.

Christa’s achievements include graduating from the Karen Pryor Academy of Professional Dog Trainers, and being recognized as a Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer, as well as a Fear Free Certified Professional.

About us

Carey

Hi! I’m Carey, a proud local with a background in education and behavioral science. My love for animals and nature has led me to pursue a dog training apprenticeship with Zen Critter, where I’m learning force‑free, positive reinforcement methods rooted in scientific principles.

While apprenticing, I offer dog walking and pet‑sitting services in the area—whether it’s coastal strolls or quiet time at home, I strive to enrich pets’ lives with care and attention.

Hi! I’m Carey, a proud local with a background in education and behavioral science.

What Our Clients Say

Christa is always amazing with communication. She is always on time and does a great job of sending pics of the fun her and my pup are having. There is no one I trust with Brutus more than her.

Matt

My dog loves training time and walks with Christa! She is very kind and knowledgeable and it gives me great peace of mind to know he’s in good hands. Christa gave us some great things to practice to continue the good work they are doing together and he is behaving so much better on our walks since starting with her. She does a wonderful job!

Ana

Watson’s separation anxiety was a huge source of stress for us. We felt discouraged that none of our efforts seemed to help. We felt as though we were planning our lives around leaving him alone for as little time as possible, and felt guilty whenever we couldn’t take him with us. Working with you has decreased these negative feelings, and has helped us to feel empowered with the skills and knowledge to help our pup. We have been extremely appreciative of your thoughtful guidance from the very beginning, and how you’ve crafted the entire training process to meet our family’s unique needs. We are so encouraged by the progress we’ve seen thus far and are thankful for the opportunity to continue working with you!

Natalie