For inquiries, call us at 760-822-7174.

Welcome
Compassionate Service Dog & Dog Training
Fun, Effective, Positive & Trustworthy Training for over 20 years.
For inquiries, call us at 760-822-7174.
Fun, Effective, Positive & Trustworthy Training for over 20 years.
Hello and welcome to my site.
My name is Kathlyn, and I go by Kat. I am dedicated to supporting dog owners and other dog trainers in achieving success. Growing up, my family and I took great pleasure in rescuing and rehabilitating pets, as well as lending a helping hand to those less fortunate than us. As a toddler, I was always captivated by animals; it felt as though they sensed that I understood them. When I was nine, my family lived with my aunt and uncle for a year, who had a lot of land and many animals. This period in my life helped me discover a deeper connection with animals. I became eager to know how their brains and bodies worked. I spent every day with the animals, and that experience proved invaluable when I later became a trainer at SeaWorld.
My journey to becoming a trainer at SeaWorld was a serendipitous one. I was pursuing a degree in marine biology and, while in college, I struggled to pass the math requirements. I decided that if I became a trainer at SeaWorld, I could expedite the process by working from the inside. I wanted the job there so much that I created a vision board focused on getting the training position. After my interview, I received a call from the director informing me that I was one of 300 candidates selected for the job. I was chosen to work as a trainer at SeaWorld in San Diego for the show "Pets Rule." During my time there, I learned how to rescue and rehabilitate a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, pigs, ducks, exotic macaws, and pigeons. Karen Pryor and Ian Dunbar trained me. I trained these animals to perform behaviors on stage independently, without the presence of a human. A couple of years later, I left SeaWorld and launched my own dog training company. While establishing my business, I started collaborating with a South African trainer, and we operated a West Coast K9 business. Our first endeavor involved training a service dog for a well-known author. During this period, I also began working with local humane societies to train and rehabilitate dogs on their behalf, to prevent euthanasia. I helped educate numerous volunteers at these organizations throughout the county by facilitating workshops.
I am incredibly honored and appreciative that over the past 20 years, numerous reputable service dog companies, famous people, and high-profile clients worldwide have reached out to me and requested my assistance, opening their homes and lives to me. I was invited to take charge of training dogs to save lives in the ocean as the head trainer for the nation's only canine water rescue team in 2010. I'm so passionate about what I do that word of mouth has brought me most every client. I've had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people—many of whom start as clients before evolving into friends and family. I've also had the privilege of instructing hundreds of service dogs that save lives daily.
I love every aspect of training dogs, including finding the right service dog, teaching basic obedience, search and rescue, scent training, and task training to help people manage their disabilities. In 2011, I moved to Colorado. I worked in a therapy dog program at two hospitals in Colorado. At the Air Force base in Colorado Springs, I had fun teaching dogs to detect bombs and narcotics. I had fun performing search and rescue missions. My unwavering commitment to helping people and their dogs has gained recognition and reached a global audience. I've been interviewed several times regarding laws about service dogs and their presence in public schools. My current activities include inventing new methods to provide service dogs to individuals in need, training other trainers, and leading community Q&A workshops. I collaborated with renowned bike manufacturer SRAM in 2016 to increase office efficiency by allowing staff members to bring their dogs to work. Allowing employees to bring their dogs to work has been shown to increase productivity as both employees and dogs are happier. In 2023 my family and I moved to Washington State where I currently I provide Q&A workshops that are free at the Spokane libraries (in-person or virtually). I give speeches nationwide to staff members of doggie daycare centers, shelters, and rescues to help them understand dog psychology. As a community member, I believe it's essential to provide a forum for these discussions, as they benefit both dog owners and the community at large by enhancing our understanding of canine behavior. My training philosophy is positive, emphasizing rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play. However, I fade out treats as quickly as possible because the outcome is that the dog learns to make decisions based on consistent guidance. This approach focuses on teaching dogs what to do instead of punishing unwanted behaviors. The goal is to build a strong bond and trust between the dog and the trainer through a positive learning experience. I love supporting you. I enjoy training other trainers to become service dog trainers. I have a strong enthusiasm for it that originates from my spirit.
No matter where you live, you can get the support you need to build a calmer, happier dog. Through live video sessions, I’ll guide you step by step to address problem behaviors, strengthen your bond, and create lasting results.
Virtual coaching is perfect if you:
Each session is personalized to your dog’s needs, and you’ll leave with clear, actionable steps to practice between calls.
👉 Book your Virtual Coaching Session today and start transforming your dog’s behavior from anywhere in the world.
Thinking about investing in training, tools, or programs, but not sure what’s right for you and your dog? This brief phone consultation can save you hundreds of dollars by helping you avoid common mistakes and choose the most effective path forward.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll walk away with:
👉 Book your Money-Saver Call today and start training smarter.
Every dog deserves a way to develop excellent listening skills by providing a solid foundation for learning. In these private sessions, I’ll work directly with you and your dog to build essential obedience skills that make daily life easier and more enjoyable.
Together, we’ll cover:
Each session is personalized to your dog’s needs and your lifestyle, so you’ll leave with clear steps to practice at home.
👉 Book your One-on-One Obedience Session today and start building a calmer, more confident companion.
Going out of town or just want your dog to get a jumpstart on training? My Custom Boarding & Training program combines safe, comfortable boarding with daily, personalized training sessions.
While your dog stays with me, they’ll receive:
At the end of the program, you’ll receive a transfer session where I show you exactly what your dog has learned and how to keep the progress going at home.
👉 Book your Custom Boarding & Training program today and come home to a calmer, better-behaved companion.
Are you a fellow dog trainer who loves working with dogs but feels stuck when it comes to building your business? I offer one-on-one coaching sessions—by phone or video—designed to help you gain clarity, attract more clients, and create a business that feels sustainable and rewarding.
Whether you need help with marketing, client communication, or structuring your services, I’ll guide you step by step.
👉 Book a Trainer Business Coaching Session today and let’s grow your business together.
Copyright © 2018 Kathlyn Ross Professional Dog Training Services, LLC - All Rights Reserved.