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Devene Godau, CPDT

Devene Godau, CPDT has had an obsession with dogs since she was old enough to say, "Can we get another dog?" In high school her mom sent her to work at a boarding kennel, hoping that cleaning up after 40 barking dogs would cause an overload and stop the obsession. Unfortunately, the ploy did not work.

She obtained a BA in Journalism form Michigan State University in 1995, and spent several years working in marketing and graphic design. However, when she adopted a problem dog of her own, she began to research ways to modify behavior and found several mentors at Trainers Academy. She first started apprenticing as a volunteer trainer before quitting her marketing job to work full time in the dog world. She apprenticed with several instructors, including Trainers Academy president, Lisa (Laney) Patrona, for three years, working as her Assistant Instructor for two of those years.

Devene has earned the title of Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), through the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. In addition, she has earned certification of Instructor and Behavioral Counselor through the Trainers Academy Behavioral Sciences Program. She is a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers,

She continues her studies by attending professional seminars, which has included seeing speakers such as Jean Donaldson and Brenda Aloff

She teaches Puppy and Intermediate Classes in Farmington Hills and Troy and created the curriculum for Trainers Academy’s Greyhound’s Only Class, and the CGG Proofing Class.

In addition, her written work has been published in Walk About Magazine and on national websites such as greyhoundsupport.org, WOOFology.com and ConnectingNeighbors.com.

Devene has been active with Greyhound and Galgo rescue for several years. Working with Michigan REGAP, she helps coordinate an educational program for new adopters of retired racing dogs.

She lives in Royal Oak with her husband, Mark, and their two kids. They are owned by Sparky, CGC, a Spanish Greyhound, and Kharma, CGC, a retired racing Greyhound. They also have 4 cats (one of which has been clicker trained).

And she’s still asking, "Can we get another dog?"      

Read what Devene's students say:

"Devene seems to genuinely enjoy the dogs and has a fun sense of humor. She is patient with the people."

- Karen Kulman with Ripley

"We chose to attend Farmington Hills (Trainers Academy location) because Devene was teaching and we had her for puppy class with our (now 2-year-old) Westie, Quinn. She is excellent. We drove 120 miles round trip to attend the program, which is wonderful."

- Mary Gaffney with Conor

"I jumped at the chance to get into the Greyhounds-only class. It's wonderful to see a groups of these dogs working and interacting. Lucy spooks easily and Devene spotted this immediately and showed me how to work with her."

- Nancy Sherman with Lucy


"Everyone is so positive - even the dogs! It has been a pleasure."

-Anna Pietrzak with Lacey