⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly Recommend
We were honestly on the fence about hiring a trainer. We’ve owned many large-breed dogs over the years, including a prior Doberman, and weren’t sure what someone new could really add. We’re very glad we gave this a try.
She was quick to respond, willing to drive a long distance to come out to our home, and spent a full three hours with us for an introductory session. That alone says a lot. What really stood out, though, was how much we learned — not just our dog.
We have an 18-month-old Doberman, Odin, who would occasionally make a non-aggressive sound we didn’t fully understand. She clearly explained what was going on: excited stress combined with him feeling physically restricted, and more importantly, how to recognize the signs before it happens. After just one session, we already understand his behavior better and feel more confident handling it.
Her energy is calm, confident, and easy to work with. She’s extremely knowledgeable and does a great job teaching the owners how to train themselves, not just manage the dog. She also showed us how smart Odin really is and how training can actually be enjoyable for everyone involved.
Chris Simonds
Kelsie was amazing! I reached out to her for help around my 4 year-old dog's anxiety and barking. The whole process of signing up and scheduling was so smooth. It also felt centered around me and my dog's strengths, so that by the time she came to my house--I was feeling excited and ready.
When she was here, she was deeply prepared and personable to me, my partner, and my roommates (who are all involved in my dog's life). ✨ Kelsie was also able to balance direct feedback while celebrating the foundations we already had in place. I never felt embarrassed or ashamed, and I left the whole situation feeling really hopeful and with clear goals in mind.
Kelsie (& Kind Animal Services) is incredible. She is as compassionate and caring as she is insightful and educated.
After a 4 thumbs down experience with another trainer in Bingen, WA, we engaged Kind Animal Services to help build/rebuild our traumatized & timid rescue puppy's confidence, and teach us how to best blend him into our household and lives. She took time to know Wylie and his unique challenges while slowly gaining his trust, first. During these one-on-one sessions we learned a lot about Wylie and gained tools to support his growth.
A month-long board and train at her private facility sealed the deal.
Kelsie's business name says it all, but don't mistake "kind" for being a "softie". She has been thoughtful & savvy at every step.
We highly recommend Kelsie and Kind Animal Services!
We first met Kelsie some years back when we were trying to get a Service Dog for my Disabled Veteran Husband. We had been told before that it would not be easy to find a suitable dog, since we had all sorts of two- and four-legged farm animals at the time, along with dogs and cats.
At the time, Kelsie was working with an organization in Hood River training Service Dogs for Veterans, and was willing to give it a try. A few months later, she called to let us know that she had found “the perfect dog”. That perfect dog was too old to be trained as a Service Dog, but would we be willing to adopt him anyway? Of course, we would – it was a decision we never regretted! If we had a Dollar for every person that wanted to take that dog home, we’d be really rich now! Kelsie’s judgement was absolutely spot-on. “Luke” is the perfect dog for my husband!
Fast forward a few years, and our youngest son was diagnosed with a medical condition that requires extensive physical therapy. Walking/Jogging is part of this therapy. Since there are cougars in our area, we needed a dog to be with our son while running. Luke is getting on in years, and his legs are a little too short to keep up with our son as his jogging partner.
Both my husband and I had grown up with dogs and had had one or more dogs for over 25 years, but we are not dog training experts. Neither are we able to pick the “right” dog at a shelter, since their behavior there is usually different from what it is in a home environment. KAS to the rescue!
One call to Kelsie, and she started setting things in motion. She took our son to a few shelters to look for another “perfect” dog, and after a short time called to let us know she had found………….WHAT?
You want us to adopt a malnourished, scared, hyper, not house-trained female dog that is unable to relax, likes to run away, was probably abused/beaten, and won’t listen?
As you guessed it, Kelsie was right again. Her ability to judge a dog is incredible. After spending two weeks with Kelsie, “Serenity” came to live with us, and has become an absolutely lovable, goofy, spoiled family dog. Actually, that dog that was unable to relax has turned into a complete couch-potato. There are no accidents in the house, she loves to snuggle (on her terms), is perfectly crate-trained, roaming the pastures without a leash, always coming back when we blow the whistle. She also seems to enjoy farm-life and likes riding on the tractor with our son. Another “perfect” dog thanks to KAS!
We would without hesitation recommend Kind Animal Services to anybody who needs training for their dog. It is important to mention that Kelsie does it all very gently, without harsh words or punishing the dog for unwanted behavior.
Not only has Kelsie trained our dog, but she also taught us how to continue training her.
Sincerely,
M.B.