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.
Linda Ross - Family Dog Mediator - Certificate of Achievement (2024)
Master Course - Aggression In Dogs Certificate of Completion (2024)
Training and Handling of Aggressive Dogs - Certificate of Attendance (In person - 2019)
How To Work Aggression Cases A-Z - Certificate of Completion (2019)
Low Stress Handling® University - Silver Certified Certificate (2020)
LSHU - Behavior in Everyday Practice - Certificate of Completion (2024)
Fear Free® Elite Certification (2019)
Fear Free® Animal Trainer Certificate
Fear Free® Veterinary Certification Program Certificate - Equine (2022)
Fear Free® Veterinary Certification Program Certificate - Avian (2020)
Pet-Tech-Certificate-3-11-2023
DogNostics - Happier Healing Professional Certificate (2023)
DogNostics - Dog Training Journeyman Level Certificate (2023)
DogNostics - Dog Training Apprentice Level Certificate (2022)
Karen Pryor Academy - Dog Trainer Foundations Certificate of Completion (2018)
Fear Free® Shelter Program Certificate - Core Modules (2019)
Fear Free® Shelters - Intake and Admission Module Certificate of Completion (2020)
Vetfolio - Heroes for Healthy Pets Infectious Disease Management Program Certificate (2018)
DogNostics - Professional Pet Care Certification (2022)
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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!
