Inspiring Conversations with Kimberly Artley of PackFit Dog Training and Behavior

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Artley.

Kimberly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
My story begins with a dog named, “Lobo.” 

I was eyeballs deep in the (human) health and wellness arena at the time. Investing in ongoing education, offering health and nutritional consulting, life coaching, and teaching yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing classes. I thought this was going to be “my path” in life, but Life had other plans for me. 

Lobo was my first solo-responsibility dog. I’d gotten him when he was 8 weeks of age- he was my everything. 

As most people do when they get a new puppy, I’d taken him to puppy then, later, obedience classes and thought we were pretty much squared away. I’d soon learn otherwise. 

Life changed (divorce), “home” changed, my energy and emotional state changed… and Lobo changed. Who was once a well-rounded, social, balanced dog all-of-a-sudden became aggressive, protective, and uncontrollable. I was at a complete loss and had no idea what was happening. 

I hired several trainers and spent thousands of dollars (I didn’t have) trying to “fix” my dog. In my mind at the time, it was Lobo with the problem and Lobo who needed training (common mentality). Only… nothing was working. Nothing was helping. The trainers I’d hired were just popping him full of “treats” and focusing on “obedience training,”… and his behaviors were getting worse. 

There was much I wasn’t aware of at the time, and a number of ingredients in play the trainers weren’t speaking to. I’d hired obedience trainers– not behavioral ones. Looking back, I don’t even think they were aware of this difference. 

Somewhere along the way, “obedience training” became synonymous with “dog training,” so most people seek this out and stop there (hence why so many end up struggling behaviorally). 

My greatest fear ended up occurring. Lobo bit someone and, subsequently, lost his life early. 

This didn’t just crush me; it destroyed me and also changed the entire trajectory of my life. 

I set out to learn everything I could about dog training, behavior, and psychology. I wanted to learn what all those trainers had missed so no other human – or dog – would suffer the same experience. At least, not on my watch. 

Through this, the PackFit Dog Training and Behavior mission and business was born. 

Dog training and behavior is, very much, a “both ends of the leash” ordeal. Little did I realize in the very beginning of this journey *just how much* the other part of my background in human coaching, behavior, and psychology would factor into it all. My approach is holistic and highly individualized, allowing me to effectively prevent, address, and rehabilitate even the trickiest of issues. 

PackFit has continued to evolve over the last 15 years and now has an online suite of Masterclasses and digital courses, a dog walking meditations album, an apparel Shop, and a number of digital and paperback books. The book I’m currently writing (and incredibly excited about) is called, “The Human End of the Leash: Dog Training’s Missing Link.” 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve never hoped for or expected “easy,” as I’m well aware of the educational impact of **experience.** We learn far, far more through “mistakes,” mishaps, struggles, and hardships. As the saying goes, “Smooth seas don’t make skilled sailors.” 

I’d say my initial struggles centered primarily around organizing and maximizing my time, figuring out the which, what, how, and why’s when it came to the various tech platforms, getting to know the biorhythms of the business, creating (and maintaining) personal and professional boundaries, and the path to creating that certain flow – from initial client contact all the way through the process to the end of our work together – that was the most effective. 

Later in the business, the biggest struggle became navigating the pandemic and the impact of its aftermath. The market and economy have completely changed, and- to be perfectly honest- I’m still trying to figure it all out. 

Not only this, but I’ve been seeing more and more people “wing it” when it comes to dog training and behavior. They’re either watching free videos on social media for help and information… or completely wiping their hands clean- which has become a heartbreaking reality to witness. At the moment, animal shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed and operating at max capacity, with dogs and people giving up for various reasons. Euthanasia rates have skyrocketed. Thousands upon thousands of *amazing* dogs’ lives being cut short simply because they were born into a world that’s *not set up* to welcome and support them. It’s an utterly gut-wrenching and devastating moment in time. 

We’ve been impressed with PackFit Dog Training and Behavior, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
PackFit is a dog training entity specializing in *behavior*- understanding it, preventing problematic patterns of it, maintaining it, and rehabilitating it. Educating, equipping, and even empowering the human end of the leash figures prominently in this work. Again, very much a “both ends of the leash” ordeal. 

I’d say what sets me apart from others is my background- allowing me to skillfully and effectively speak to the varying components influencing behavior. 

Brand wise, turning a painful story into passionate sense of purpose – and being able to call it “work”- is what I’m most proud of. This is what I was born and led to do, and the fact it’s often referred to as “transformational” and “life-changing” by clients is the deepest, purest form of satisfaction. 

I never want someone to reach out for help and not be able to afford it, so I’ve created multiple ways to obtain help and information at various price points, as well as an installment program as a payment option. Thanks to technology, I’m able to effectively work with folks all over the globe, and have several books out, digital Masterclasses, online courses, and more. 

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Work and “sense of purpose” have always been synonymous for me. Any work I ever did, or job I ever held where this was missing always left me feeling depressed, anxious, and hopeless. Like something was missing (and it was). 

Having a sense of purpose is intrinsically motivating. Choices are made in more alignment with our values, and it gives far more meaning to what we’re doing in life. Instead of “work,” it becomes *contribution,” and instead of “doing it for the money”, we do it to make an impact, a difference… and because it (literally) feels good! I believe everyone is here with something to contribute. A seed to plant and a difference to make. No matter what it is. 

Having a sense of purpose acts as a guiding light in life. When I was life and health coaching years ago, whether or not the individual had a *sense of purpose always came up. In most cases, they did not. 

To help them identify it, I’d ask them to close their eyes, take a deep breath, and think back to when they were children. What was it they gravitated towards? What activities did they lose themselves in? What captivated their focus and attention *so much* that they’d lose all sense of time? Where were they in total bliss? 

For me, it was writing, drawing, singing, cooking, and surrounding myself with animals. Animals (especially horses and dogs) particularly. Wherever an animal was, there I was. 

Fortunately, all of these still figure prominently in my life today. Drawing, singing, and cooking are enjoyed on the regular; and writing and animals? Both figure prominently in how I’m contributing to “the greater good.” 

Looking back, Lobo was one of my greatest teachers— and, I dare say, an angel in disguise. I owe everything I’ve done, who I’ve become, and this incredible work I (get to) do in great part to him. In fact, the morning after he departed this earth, I was walking down King Street in Old Towne Alexandria (VA) with my other dog, Tucker. I was grieving and not in a good place. When we reached the end of the street, I looked down and saw his name spray-painted in bright pink across the concrete. “LOBO.” I ran to CVS, bought all their disposable cameras (this was a pre-phone camera), and exhausted each one, taking pictures of that one extraordinary word. I like to think that was his way of saying all was well, he did what he came here to do, and was still – very much- with me. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.packfit.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberly.artley/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PackFit2014/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-artley-09443126/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Packfit1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEZQkROrU9UWcKy_jUrGElg
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@packfit1

Image Credits
Amanda Ghobadi
The Branding Babe