Who we are
Hello, my name is Kendra, I am a professional dog trainer based in Edmonton, Alberta, with a strong focus on building confident, capable dogs and empowered handlers. My background is rooted in sport-dog training and real-world behavior work, which means I don’t believe in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all programs, every dog and handler team is unique, and training should reflect that.
I specialize in structured training programs, including day training, private lessons, and sport dogs, with an emphasis on clear communication, fair expectations, and practical skills that carry over into everyday life. Whether I’m working with a high-drive sport prospect or a family dog who needs better manners and confidence, my goal is always the same: create clarity, trust, and reliability.
I’m known for my detail-oriented approach, transparent training plans, and honest guidance. I value progress over perfection and prioritize the dog’s mental and emotional well-being just as much as performance. Training should be challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable—for both ends of the leash.
I am continually expanding my own education, attending seminars, running training clubs, training my personal dogs, and staying actively involved in the dog-sport community. I’m passionate about raising the standard of training and helping handlers feel capable, supported, and proud of the work they put in with their dogs.
Training Philosophy
My training philosophy is rooted in empathy, clarity, and respect for the dog as an individual. Every dog comes into training with their own genetics, learning history, emotional state, and lived experiences. My responsibility as a trainer is to listen to what the dog is communicating, meet them where they are, and create a plan that is fair, ethical, and effective.
I follow LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles as the foundation of my work. This means starting with the least invasive, most humane options available, prioritizing management, reinforcement, and clear communication before introducing additional tools or pressure. Training is not about forcing compliance—it’s about helping the dog understand how to succeed.
My approach is relationship-biased, meaning the relationship between handler and dog is central to everything we do. Trust, predictability, and emotional safety are not “extras”—they are prerequisites for real learning. I aim to build dogs that feel secure working with their handler, not dogs that simply avoid mistakes. A strong relationship allows dogs to work with confidence, resilience, and engagement, even in challenging environments.
Above all, I emphasize emotional welfare and clarity for the dog. Behavior does not exist in a vacuum; fear, stress, frustration, and confusion all influence learning. Training plans are adjusted to support the dog’s mental state, not just the outward behavior. Progress should feel sustainable for both dog and handler, not rushed or overwhelming.
My goal is to create dogs who are not only well-trained, but confident, thoughtful, and capable, and handlers who understand their dogs deeply and can advocate for them. Training should improve a dog’s quality of life—and strengthen the partnership between dog and human.
Meet my dogs
Val
Val is a working-line German Shepherd Dog who has played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of high-drive dogs and arousal control. Through working with her, I’ve learned how to channel intensity productively while maintaining clarity, structure, and emotional balance.
She is my secondary reactivity decoy dog, intentionally bringing motion and pressure into training scenarios to help reactive dogs learn how to remain calm, thoughtful, and responsive under distraction and pressure. Her ability to work with intensity while staying clear-headed makes her an invaluable teaching partner.
Val actively competes in multiple dog sports, including IGP, NASDA, Rally Obedience, and agility, where her drive, athleticism, and focus shine.
Sochi
Sochi is a Siberian Husky from my breeding program whose independent, humorous nature has taught me how to truly become the most interesting thing in the room. Working with her has reinforced the importance of engagement, creativity, and relationship over control.
She is level-headed and socially stable, able to maintain her composure around a wide variety of dogs. This consistency makes her my primary reactivity decoy dog, where she helps teach reactive dogs how to remain calm and thoughtful in challenging situations.
Sochi actively competes in multiple dog sports, including NASDA, Rally Obedience, agility, and conformation where she shows that every breed with the right training can succeed.
Yukon
Yukon is a Siberian Husky from ArcticSun Siberians and my first sport dog, the one who introduced me to the world of dog sports. Working with her laid the foundation for my training journey and shaped my early understanding of teamwork, and patience.
Together, we began in conformation and rally, and through Yukon I developed a deep appreciation for agility using the OneMind Dogs methodology. She taught me how clarity, consistency, and joy in movement build confident, motivated dogs.
Now retired from competition, Yukon is enjoying a well-earned life of leisure—spending her days being lovingly spoiled by grandma.
