Certified Dog Trainer
International Association of Canine Professionals. A professional certification involving case-study-based assessment and peer review of training knowledge and practice.
The person behind Creating Companions
Meet Madalyn
Castello.
Trainer. Student of the craft. Believer in what dogs and their people can accomplish together.
Get to know meWhere it began
A lifelong belief in capable dogs.
I grew up around dogs that were part of everyday life. They joined their people on adventures, understood how to navigate the world, and were trusted companions. That picture of life with a dog stayed with me.
My interest in training started young. I bought my first dog-training book at an elementary-school book fair, and I still have it. By thirteen, I was working with waterfowl retrievers.
From there, my work expanded into training service dogs for veterans, behavioral rehabilitation, and dog sports. I later served as training manager for a dog-training company outside St. Louis before building Creating Companions.
Today, I focus on helping people develop confident, capable dogs and enjoy the work it takes to get there.
Madalyn Castello · Owner & trainer
My philosophy
“A great companion isn't simply a dog who listens. It's a dog you can build a life with.”
Training should give both ends of the leash more confidence, freedom, and opportunity. Whether we're building puppy foundations or refining advanced skills, I want owners to understand their dogs and enjoy the process of learning together.
Professional development
Education behind
the experience.
I believe trainers should continue learning, welcome professional evaluation, and be able to explain the reasoning behind their methods. Both credentials below were issued by the International Association of Canine Professionals.
Cynopraxic / Principles of LIMA
Education in Steven Lindsay's cynopraxic framework and Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive principles, awarded through the International Association of Canine Professionals.
Professional credentials are separate from competition titles earned with my own dogs.
Beyond the classroom
I train because I love doing it.
The skills I teach are informed by hands-on experience across different kinds of training, including advanced obedience, retrieving, service-dog tasks, and dog sports.
01 / SPORT
Working toward more.
My own dogs have earned titles in dock diving and GRC. I value the teamwork, precision, and resilience that come from preparing for new challenges.
02 / SKILL
Details matter.
My training experience includes advanced heeling, rally foundations, tricks, retrieving, competitive obedience, and specialized task work.
03 / PARTNERSHIP
Always a team.
The real reward is helping owners learn to communicate with their dogs and build skills they can continue developing long after a lesson ends.
My husband and our dog during a 5K.
Why Creating Companions exists
For the dogs who could do so much more.
I want owners to feel welcome asking questions, learning new skills, and taking pride in their progress. Training can become a shared adventure, whether that means an easier outing together or a new hobby.
Whether your goal is a puppy who confidently explores the world or an experienced dog learning remarkable new skills, I want to help you see what's possible.
Explore private trainingYour first step
Let's see what's possible together.
We begin with a one-hour, $50 assessment, typically in your home. We'll talk about your dog, your goals, and whether we're a good fit. There is no obligation to enroll.
One-hour assessment
$50
Personalized conversation and observation · Typically in-home · No obligation to enroll
Request an assessment