Meet the Team

Brian Ponder

Owner & Professional Dog Trainer

Brian was born and raised in Fort Worth. Some of his fondest memories growing up was spending time with his family pets. He had a German Shepherd that would walk him to the bus stop and go home when he got on. (and would be waiting for him when he got back!). For Brian, there always seemed to be a deep connection between him and dogs. In his free time, he would train his dogs to do different tricks that would impress family and friends.

Brian graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University in Alabama. After years of working as a stock broker and day trader, Brian realized he was ready to pursue a new career in an area that he found more rewarding. Since he had always enjoyed teaching and talking to people about dog behavior, it seemed like a natural progression to become a professional dog trainer. Brian enrolled in the Training and Behavior Specialist program at the prestigious Starmark Academy in Hutto, TX. He was immersed in a world of dogs with hands-on training in everything, from obedience and behavior modification to nose work and agility. Brian has trained many dogs for the Canine Good Citizen certification including his own. He is working on being a CGC instructor and enjoys doing service dog work, as well as agility with his own dogs.

Brian decided to join the trainers at Canine Trade Group for additional support and to create a business partnership with a nationally recognized training network. Brian graduated the rigorous trainer’s course that Canine Trade Group offered, and he became certified to at Heart of Texas Dog Training. Brian continues to expand his dog training education, working with other professional trainers, veterinarians, and behaviorists through Canine Trade Group.

Kristen Flora

Head Trainer & Manager

Kristen was born and raised in New Jersey. From a young age Kristen loved animals. Her family always knew she would grow up to be involved with animals in some way. She was always rescuing and caring for all sorts of different pets.  Kristen has always had a passion for all animals and has spent her life dedicated to them. While Kristen has owned everything from rats to horses, dogs have always been her favorite. Her first dog, Frankie, is a Pug that was rescued from a pet store.  Since then her canine family has included 4 other dogs; Layla, Hera, Jaxx and Theo.  

She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Animal Biotechnology and Conservation.  She also has an Associates degree as a Veterinary Technician and has worked as a Vet Tech for ten years. Kristen recently became involved in dog rescue in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  She has saved, fostered, and found forever homes for 5 dogs in the past year. 

Kristen’s training career started when she began working with and training primates. Since then animal behavior has become a huge passion for her which led her to Heart of Texas Dog Training and Canine Trade Group.  Through Canine Trade Group Kristen was able to complete a professional dog trainers course in Washington D.C. where she trained a rescue puppy named Ryker, and several other dogs.  She is certified to help address all behavioral issues, including aggression. She is very excited to start this new journey in her life. 

Animals, behavior, and training have always been her passions and through Heart of Texas Dog Training and Canine Trade Group she will now be able to share it with the world. 

Dennis Peters

Professional Dog Trainer (Dallas, TX)

Dennis is a dedicated dog trainer with a deep understanding of canine behavior. He has a passion for building confidence in dogs while fostering positive relationships between them and their owners. With years of hands-on experience, Dennis has worked with a wide variety of breeds, including his own pack of six dogs: two Chihuahuas, two Pit Bulls, and two German Shepherd/Pyrenees mixes. He brings both expertise and empathy to every training session, ensuring that each dog is treated as an individual, with their own needs and personality. 

Dennis’s background includes over 10 years of experience as a certified veterinary assistant, providing him with invaluable insight into animal health and behavior. This experience allows him to approach dog training from a holistic perspective, understanding how physical health impacts behavior. He is also got certified as a trainer under Joel Silverman, and holds certifications from Carrington College and St. Louis Community College. These credentials, combined with his years of hands-on work, make Dennis a well-rounded, knowledgeable trainer who is committed to meeting the unique needs of each dog and owner. 

In addition to his professional expertise, Dennis’s personal passions inform his approach to training, his love of music (he plays guitar), and a regular practice of yoga and meditation contribute to his calm, patient, and disciplined approach. Driven by his love for dogs, Dennis strives to strengthen the bond between dogs and their families, ensuring that each training session is not only effective but also compassionate and enjoyable for both the dog and owner. 

Cat Petrus

Professional Dog Trainer (Fort Worth, TX)

Cat is from North Louisiana and has been handling dogs all of her life. She has worked in shelters, boarding facilities, and animal hospitals. Caring for animals has always been a part of her life and career. Five years ago she started training dogs full time and hasn’t looked back. It has always been her true passion to help dogs and their owners reach their training goals.

Cat owns 4 dogs, a Catahoula, a chiuhuha, a mini dachshund and a doberman mix. When she isn’t seeing clients she love spending time playing with and training them.