About Your Trainer

My goal is to help you communicate with your dog and understand his (or her) needs so that you can enjoy a calm, safe, adventurous, and memorable life together!

Linda Ross, BA, 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 got a degree in psychology studying everything from general psychology to more specialized educational psychology, organizational psychology, child psychology, clinical psychology, and even abnormal psychology. But I also had an interest in biology, medicine, and natural healing.

When I got out of college I had a chance to try out many areas I had studied, including work in the corporate sector but quickly veered toward healthcare fields. I learned about herbal medicine and natural healing, even owning my own health food stores for years before selling them. Life changed direction and I moved back into the corporate world of small business before owning my own pet care enterprise. I was even voted a Top Five Finalist in the Pet Sitters International’s 2021 Pet Sitter of the Year Award.

But over the years I saw more and more of 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. I became a science nerd and was hungry to learn everything I could about animal training… not necessarily the basic sit, down, stay type training, but more specific behavioral modification that could help pets and their people reduce the stress in their life and communications. I had found the perfect way to help people and animals with the education I started back in college.

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 know about the pharmaceuticals your veterinarian my prescribe your dog as well as some of the alternative treatments that may help them live a better life.

Note: 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 do. 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!

Unlike many trainers who suddenly decided they could train your dog because they trained their own, I don’t use stock photos. All of the animal photos on this site were taken by me or others who were there to capture my training and enrichment sessions in individual homes or at local animal shelters. You can see how well pets respond to my Fear Free® education and training by looking at the happy expressions on their faces. But the most significant change in emotions is evident when you check out the “Reactive to Relaxed” Training Program Page on this site. On that page you can see the “before” and “after” photos of pet dogs I was hired to work with. How they went from Reactive to Relaxed was a game changer for their lives and with no force training there was less stress in the process.

I didn’t just decide to start working with fearful animals. My education has been years in the making, and I am not done learning even now. The more I learn of the newest science and research, the more I can help you and your dog live a better life. Continuing education keeps me and your family safe and gives my training value you can count on.

I look forward to meeting you and your family soon!

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