5.0 300+ Reviews
I help dogs and their people understand each other more clearly.
My work is grounded in observation—how a dog moves, how they respond to pressure, and what they’re communicating in each moment. From there, we build timing, clarity, and trust so behavior becomes more workable without sacrificing the relationship.
I take a force-free, relationship-centered approach guided by the humane hierarchy. I don’t rely on pressure, correction, or labels like “stubborn” or “defiant.” Behavior is information. When we understand what’s driving it, we can support better choices in a way that holds up in real life.
I began training animals as a child, teaching two dogs—and even two cats—to perform structured routines in my backyard. They learned to wait their turn, respond to their names, and move through sequences like jumping through hoops and navigating obstacles on cue. I even invited neighborhood kids to watch.
At the time, I didn’t have formal language for what I was doing. I relied on observation, empathy, and an understanding of body language, shaping behavior through games and reinforcement. That early experience still influences how I approach training today.
I also spent much of my formative years around an Arabian breeding and endurance training operation. That environment shaped how I see handling: timing over force, awareness over assumption, and respect as the foundation of everything.
For over a decade, I was mentored by Edith Nikiel, a German Shepherd breeder and accomplished Schutzhund competitor from Austria. One of her dogs earned the title of Bundessieger, an international-level championship in the sport.
Working together brought a useful balance of perspectives—traditional working-dog training alongside the relationship-based, reinforcement-driven approach I was developing.
Over time, as she worked with me and observed my work with Trinka, she began to incorporate more positive reinforcement into her own training, including with her final stud dog.
After I trained Trinka, a dog from Edith’s program, to earn her Therapy Dog certification, Edith told me,
“I’ve never said this before, but I now pronounce you a dog trainer.”
I understood what that meant, coming from her.
I continue to study and refine my work as a student of Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Academy and through mentorship and coursework with trainers worldwide. I am currently preparing to sit for the CPDT-KA certification.
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20
Acre
Apple Orchard Setting
My German Shepherd, Trinka, played a central role in shaping me as a trainer.
I trained her for Schutzhund, therapy work, and later service work, including blood sugar detection and mobility support. She also worked as a demonstration dog in training sessions.
More than anything, Trinka taught me how much clarity, timing, and trust matter. She was direct and honest in her responses, which required me to pay attention, adjust my handling, and stay present in each moment.
A great deal of how I work today comes directly from what she showed me.
Tell us about your dog. goals, routines, and any concerns.
We learn about your dog's behavior, comfort level, and training needs.
We help you select the best service for your dog's needs.
Your dog receives patient guidance, structure, and compassionate care.
Before working with dogs full time, I spent years in roles where careful observation, clear communication, and trust were essential.
As a corporate trainer for a group of paratransit companies, I hired and trained every driver across multiple operations. The work involved real responsibility—safety, timing, and reliability—and required earning cooperation and trust across a wide range of people.
I also worked in risk and safety analysis, where I learned to look beyond surface issues and examine the systems underneath them. That perspective carries through in my training: if something isn’t working, we look closer rather than push harder.
Clients often notice that I don’t rush the process. That’s intentional.
I’d rather:
You’ll hear me say things like:
Because in the end, we’re not just changing behavior—we’re building understanding.
Janet Kelley’s trusted reputation extends to Rover, where pet parents value her compassionate care, clear communication, and natural bond with dogs of all ages. At Kelley’s K-9 Camp, every dog is treated like family.
Kelley’s K-9 Camp proudly serves dog families in Tieton, Yakima, Selah, Naches, Cowiche, Wapato, Union Gap, Moxee, Toppenish, and surrounding Washington communities.
You don’t need to rush your dog. You don’t need to force understanding.
We’ll take the time to get it right.
