Head Trainer

Alex is the proud co-owner of Albany Off Leash K9 Training and has been a dedicated trainer with OLK9 since 2014. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience, Alex has worked with countless dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes, confidently addressing a wide range of training needs. Her adaptability and skill make her a trusted expert in canine behavior and obedience.

From a young age, Alex has been passionate about animals, immersing herself in their care and behavior. Growing up, she was surrounded by a variety of pets, including cats, dogs, horses, and birds. Her fascination didn’t stop at domesticated animals—Alex eagerly sought out opportunities to engage with exotic species like ostriches, lynx, raccoons, and monkeys. This rich and diverse background fostered her deep understanding of animal behavior and fueled her enthusiasm for a career centered on working with animals. As a trainer, Alex is committed to helping both dogs and their owners succeed. She focuses on building trust, communication, and consistency, transforming even the most challenging dogs into confident, obedient companions. Her ultimate goal is to strengthen the bond between dogs and their families, ensuring a harmonious relationship for years to come.

Alex is thrilled to continue making a positive impact through Albany Off Leash K9 Training, where she combines her lifelong love for animals with her expertise in canine training. Whether working with a playful puppy, a senior dog, or a challenging case, Alex approaches every training journey with dedication and a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners thrive.

Certified Behavioral Modification and Obedience Specialist

Based in Broadalbin, New York, Crystal has built a reputation as one of the Capital Region’s most experienced and trusted dog trainers, helping families overcome everything from everyday obedience challenges to severe aggression and behavioral issues. She offers private lessons throughout Amsterdam, New York, where she is passionate about helping owners develop confident, reliable dogs through clear communication and proven training methods.

Crystal’s passion for animals began long before she became a professional trainer. Growing up in the swamps of Florida, she was surrounded by wildlife, gaining hands-on experience with everything from snakes, alligators, crocodiles, bats, and tarantulas to countless other native species. After relocating to New York in 2017, she continued her journey in animal care by working on a farm dedicated to preserving rare and endangered livestock breeds. There, she cared for an incredible variety of animals, including chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats, and llamas, further strengthening her understanding of animal behavior and communication.

While her experience spans numerous species, dogs have always been Crystal’s true passion. As a Certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, she has trained and certified numerous therapy dogs while helping hundreds of pet owners build stronger, healthier relationships with their canine companions. Throughout her career with Albany Off Leash K9 Training, Crystal has successfully trained hundreds of dogs representing virtually every breed, age, temperament, and behavioral challenge imaginable.

Crystal is especially recognized for her expertise in behavior modification, aggression rehabilitation, fear-based behaviors, and reactivity. She believes that every dog deserves an opportunity to succeed and that even the most difficult cases can improve with the right training, structure, and leadership. Her calm demeanor, exceptional ability to read canine body language, and individualized training approach have helped countless owners regain confidence and control with dogs they once believed were beyond help.

Committed to mastering her craft, Crystal regularly invests in continuing education by attending advanced seminars and workshops taught by some of the most respected names in the dog training industry. She has trained under and learned from world-renowned trainers including Larry Krohn, Stephanie Vichinsky, Nick White, and other leading behavior specialists, continually expanding her knowledge of aggression, reactivity, advanced obedience, behavior modification, and balanced training techniques. She believes great trainers never stop learning and is constantly refining her skills to provide the highest level of training for every client.

Whether she’s preparing a future therapy dog, helping a family achieve reliable off-leash obedience, or working through severe behavioral challenges, Crystal brings patience, honesty, and an unmatched level of dedication to every dog she trains. Her mission goes far beyond teaching commands—it’s about helping owners better understand their dogs, restoring trust and communication, and creating lasting transformations that allow both dogs and their families to enjoy life together with confidence.