Kendra Rose's Story

I graduated from Northwest Canine Studies in June of 2023 and provide professional positive reinforcement, force-free, relationally-centered training services in order to support healthy, enriching, and safe lifestyles for companion dogs and their humans. I grew up around dogs and participated in 4-H guide dog puppy raising. In 2007, I worked with Summit Assistance Dogs to become a certified handler of a therapy dog named Sassy to provide further support to students who receive special education services.  I am in my 22nd year as a special education teacher in Seattle and the 12 years Sassy was in the classroom were the highlight of my career as I watched her and students thrive together. However, looking back at what I know now, I have numerous questions. Back then, I didn't know about dog body language and how to interpret what dogs are constantly communicating to us. I got caught up in the media frenzy and advice of others regarding human-centric training methods based on the need to be the alpha and take charge (methods that have been debunked by science). I know now that I missed important communication from Sassy and other dogs and know I made mistakes. And, these real experiences help me see the human in all of my clients as we utilize scientifically-backed, force-free methods that support the quality of life of our dogs and ourselves.  A year after Sassy passed away, Venus entered my life. Venus is a sensitive soul who is full of joy and fun and a love of people. Her first few years with me were full of numerous, painful health obstacles that had us in and out of the vet as well leading to her selective reactivity to other dogs. I am so grateful I began working with a force-free, R+ trainer who helped me grow in my skill level of listening to Venus and developing strategies and tools to support our relationship while creating boundaries to help her navigate the world safely. In 2023, I took the plunge to become a certified trainer through Northwest Canine Studies and graduated in June of 2023. I am currently continuing my learning journey with hundreds of professional dog trainers around the world through the Nordic Education Center for Ethical Dog Training, where I am currently working on my Level 3 certificate. In the summer of 2025, I received my certificate in Family Dog Mediation through Kim Brophey's L.E.G.S. 2.0 course. I am also learning more to understand pain in our dogs and will begin taking a certification course through Galen Myotherapy in the UK in the fall of 2025.  Additionally, in the summer of 2025, I spent a week at the Karen Pryor National Training Center learning more about Positive Reinforcement (R+) Training from Ken Ramirez and applying that knowledge with a donkey and a goat.  I have taken courses on Predation Substitution with Simone Mueller, K9 NoseWork, Barn Hunt at Argus Ranch, a variety of relationship-centered training classes with Suzanne Clothier, Canine Essentials with Sindhoor Pangal, and numerous others. During the past several years, I have joined into a collaborative relationship with another Force-Free trainer and we run puppy and socialization courses as well collaborate and learn together, which helps me to deepen collaboration and professional practice. 

Venus has opened up my world to the lives of dogs and I am forever her Rose.

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Kendra Rose, CCS, FDM, M. Ed

Certificate in Canine Studies

Certified Family Dog Mediator

Fear Free Certified

Nordic Education Center for Ethical Dog Training, Level Two

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Skills I am supporting with Current Clients:

-Herding Dogs Living in Urban Environments

-Separation Anxiety

-Parallel Walking (Supporting positive dog-dog socialization)

-Puppy Enrichment and Socialization

-Loose Leash Walking and Importance of Letting Them Sniff

-Relaxation

-Supporting our dogs and ourselves when guests come over

-Fear and Reactivity

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