I’m Malinda Zimmerman, owner and lead trainer at Chaos To Clarity K9. I work with families who want clear, practical guidance rooted in science-based, positive reinforcement training. My goal is to help people understand their dogs, communicate more effectively, and create calm, functional routines that support real-world living.

My journey into professional dog training began in December 2023 after firsthand experiences revealed how much the average dog owner is never taught about canine behavior. In 2022, we adopted a severely neglected bulldog mix who arrived at a local veterinary hospital malnourished, medically compromised, and emotionally fragile after a lifetime of abuse and confinement. I poured love into her, believing that safety and affection alone would be enough.

I was wrong.

Without understanding the mechanics of fear, trauma, and stress, or how structure influences emotional stability, her anxiety evolved into serious resource guarding and safety concerns. In April 2024, after a near-miss involving my toddler and another with a family member, I was forced to make the heartbreaking decision of behavioral euthanasia.

That experience shaped the foundation of my training philosophy.

I realized that good intentions are not the same as good training, and that far too many families are set up to fail simply because they lack accurate information. Dogs don’t fail homes. Homes fail dogs through misunderstandings of canine behavior that no one teaches us how to navigate.

Determined to close that knowledge gap, I immersed myself in formal study. During my first year, I read nearly 60 books from the APDT and CCPDT recommended reading lists, building a deep academic foundation before pursuing hands-on professional training. In 2024, I enrolled with Animal Behavior College (ABC) to further my education and gain structured field experience.

I successfully completed coursework, supervised externship hours, and shelter practicums totaling 40+ hours of applied training experience prior to graduating in November 2025, and I continue to advance my skills through mentorship and continuing education.

Today I work with families on:

• Puppy Foundations

• Leash Skills

• Manners and Everyday Obedience

• Lifestyle Integration and Enrichment Planning

• Behavior Support as needed for fear, anxiety, reactivity, and guarding behaviors

While fear and resource guarding are not my primary focus, they remain the reason I care so deeply about prevention, early intervention, and education. My priority is helping families build strong foundations before problems escalate.

My approach is grounded in what science continues to demonstrate: reward-based training improves learning speed, emotional regulation, and relationship quality while minimizing fallout behaviors and stress. I don’t rely on intimidation or punishment. I teach skills, clarity, and consistency.

Training should make life easier, not more confusing.
It should empower people, not overwhelm them.

Professional Network

Chaos To Clarity K9 works closely with the veterinary community. My husband, a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), medically retired MP K9 Handler and combat veteran, and 2013 graduate of the Tarheel Canine Police Trainer Program, is part of my professional support network. Through his clinical and working-dog background, our business maintains strong relationships with local veterinary hospitals and shelters, providing an integrated team approach to training and behavioral health.

My Philosophy

Dogs thrive when they are understood.

My mission is to bridge the gap between loving your dog and truly knowing how to support their emotional and behavioral needs. With the right guidance, structure, and compassion, families can experience the bond they hoped for when they welcomed a dog into their lives.

Because every dog deserves a fair chance.
And every family deserves clarity.