Irith Bloom (she/her) finds joy in helping people teach with kindness while developing choice-rich environments for their companion animals. She has been training since the 1980s and has worked with animals ranging from chickens and rabbits to dogs and horses—not to mention humans. She is a sought-after presenter, and her writing has been published in countless online outlets, as well as in print media including the recent book “Your Puppy and You: A step-by-step guide to raising a freak'n awesome dog.”
Irith is co-founder of the Freak’n Awesome Dog Project, which helps people live the life of their dreams with their dogs. Her training company, The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, provides both peer-to-peer and trainer-to-pet-family services worldwide through the magic of online meetings.
Irith is a CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, VSPDT, KPA CTP, CSAT, CBATI-KSA, and a Fear Free Certified Practitioner (FFCP - Trainer). She is also certified in TAGteach, a positive-reinforcement method for teaching humans, and is on the faculty of Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior.
Irith has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is on the Board of Directors of the IAABC Foundation, on the Advisory Board for Pets for Vets, Chair Emeritus of the Education Committee of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and was on the Board of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) from 2019 to 2024. She also volunteers for National English Shepherd Rescue. Irith is between dogs at the moment, but shares her home with a well-behaved human spouse named Aaron.
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This was my first Fenzi course. I really enjoyed it and definitely thought I got my money's worth. Will definitely be signing up for more courses in the future. Also really enjoyed the instructor -- she was knowledgeable and did a great job. Thank-you! I've taken a class ever since the academy opened and I plan on taking a class every session - even if it is like this session where I am so busy with other things I can't take full advantage. I can always go back and re-look at the lessons and that is worth the low price I pay. Once again Fenzi Dog Sports Academy hits a home run! Fantastic content, great instructor! I learned a ton and can't wait for more. The Fenzi Academy has opened up a whole new world for me. I'm learning things I didn't even know I needed to know and I'm realizing why I've struggled in the past. Each course is jammed full with great information and the instructors are top notch. This is a learning journey for me and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Read all testimonialsI've taken a number of classes by a number of instructors at FDSA. I appreciate how well they overlap, and that the message is often the same despite who's teaching.The FDSA online site is so great! Not complicated; it has been easy to use. I am really impressed with Denise's mission to bring into her Academy absolutely top-notch instructors! Plus, I really love the 3-tier options for her students! With these options, the online courses are affordable for everyone that is interested in improving their dog training skills and building the best relationship with their dog(s) -- whether they do, or plan on doing dog performance sports, or just want to spend time with their dog and have a well-trained dog ... a dog that is a wonderful representative to the community at-large....all achieved with positive training methods! The depth of knowledge that i am getting from the classes I am taking is invaluable. It has opened a door to training and overall learning for me that I wouldn't be able to get elsewhere. I am in a power wheelchair and finding transportation to classes is often difficult for me. These online classes have given me the guidance I've needed to stay focused and motivated to work with my dog.
Read all testimonialsThis class model has been so helpful, regardless of level of participation. I feel I learned so much from the lecture materials and the participants' videos/feedback. Feedback was specific and easy to follow. I can see so much change already in my and my dog's performance, and in our relationship. I can't wait for the next class!
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