About Your Trainer

My goal is to help you understand your dog’s needs so you can have a calm and more fulfilling life with your furry companion

Linda Ross, B.A., FDM, FFCP-Elite, LSHC-S, DN-HHCP
Industry-Educated Professional Dog Trainer

(678) 809-DOGS (3647)

Like many people in pet-related careers, I have fond memories of my early years growing up caring for pets in our home. I lived with dogs, cats, 4H chickens, ducks, doves, hamsters, a couple of Red-Eared Slider turtles, a rabbit, and a horse over the course of my life. I’ve always had an interest in science, more specifically the healing arts, and at one time I considered becoming a veterinarian. Instead, I chose the human healing arts as my course of study in college. I tested other fields after graduation, but no matter what I tried I didn’t feel like I was making an impact on my corner of the world.

When I started working with pets in a professional capacity my life changed forever. Since that re-direction in my career many years ago I have been exposed to the family environments of over 800 different pets. I’ve seen the ripple effects of fear-based behaviors in family dogs and cats. Those observations prompted questions of how I could keep myself safe when entering these homes, and how to reduce the stress of family pets in what should be their safe place. With other caregivers referring me to clients whose dogs were aggressive, I set off on a specialized path of education to learn how to ease a pet’s fear and protect myself from dog bites in the process.

While there were very few professional programs in animal training when I started my post secondary education, courses were beginning to pop up more and more just as the student was ready. Everything was falling into place to embark on a new journey.

Introducing L.E.G.S. and the specialized training of your Certified Family Dog Mediator!

With an education in human and animal learning theory, a background in teaching humans, and over 19 years of experience working with client pets, you can see how I am uniquely qualified to train your dog.

I am specifically a “pet” dog trainer, helping you manage your dog’s impulsivity rather than increasing their arousal levels like agility or protection dog sport trainers can. My motivation-based training uses a holistic, force-free approach to your dog’s Hierarchy of Dog’s Needs that helps your dog self-regulate to a state of relaxation!

You can see how well pets respond to my Fear Free® training by looking at the happy expressions on their faces. You can see the most significant change in emotions by checking out the “Reactive to Relaxed” Training Program that I offer where I show you the “before” and “after” photos of pet dogs I was hired to work with.

Most relevant education

I started my on my animal training education years ago but I continue to take courses in the ever evolving science and fundamental skills of training animals. Not only is my knowledge tested but my skills are tested as well.

I don’t just say that I have credentials… I can actually show you the certificates. And if the educational group has a pro directory you can find my name in their directory of graduates!

Your Trainer’s Educational History

Professional Memberships

 I am a proud member of The Pet Professional Guild (PPG), the International Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and other industry organizations that support their members by offering current science based studies for continuing education credits.

Respectful Communications Animal Training LLC

(678) 809-DOGS (3647)

Bonded and insured with a yearly background check

Currently serving Pickens, Gilmer, and Cherokee Counties, including the communities of Blaine, Hinton, Jasper, Marble Hill, Nelson, Tate, Talking Rock, Ellijay, Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Waleska, and Woodstock