.png)
Christina Evans
CPDT‑KA, ACDBC, LFDM‑T
Founder, Cohesive Canine
Vice President, American Pit Bull Foundation
My passion for dogs began as a child with our first dog, Buster, a rambunctious adolescent Labrador. Later, we had a Lhasa Apso named Thurman, who was a true cuddler. As a teenager, I grew up with German Shepherds, Missy and Zeus, and Chihuahuas, Corona and Lola. The Chihuahuas ran the house! I always felt like a house wasn’t a home without a dog.
I entered the animal welfare industry in 2014 while volunteering with Cuse Pit Crew, helping shelter dogs, especially Pitbull mixes, find their forever homes. One long-term Pitbull mix, Copper, inspired me to become a trainer. He showed me how behavior challenges can affect a dog’s chances for adoption and that loving a dog isn’t enough. You have to understand and address their needs to truly help them thrive.
Today, as Vice President of the American Pit Bull Foundation, I continue that mission on a national scale. Advocating for Pitbull welfare, educating communities, and supporting families in building safe, compassionate, and fulfilling relationships with their dogs.
I’m deeply committed to surrender prevention, working with families and different rescue organizations to address behavioral challenges so dogs can remain in their homes and thrive.
I’m also passionate about children’s safety around all dogs, focusing on bite prevention and educating families on how to build strong, lasting bonds.
Credentials
I graduated from the Master Class Program in 2016 through CATCH, Canine Trainers Academy, where I am currently a mentor trainer. In 2017 I became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). In 2022 I became an Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (ACDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). In 2023 I became a Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LFDM-T).
I regularly attend conferences, webinars, and training to stay up to date on the latest training techniques.
We believe our dogs are part of the family
I reside in Liverpool, NY alongside my loving and supportive husband Bobby, our two adorable children, Ava and Max, and our two beloved rescue dogs, Winston and Summer.
I strongly believe that our dogs are an integral part of our family, and their emotions and well-being should be valued, especially in a household with children. Having witnessed it myself, I understand that most children are eager to be involved in the training process.
One of the reasons I find working with families so fulfilling is that I can assist in distinguishing what is safe for children to handle and what should be left to the adults. In my opinion, training should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved!
