Kim has been training dogs since 2017.
Kim has been training dogs professionally since 2017, with an education built through private mentorship, hands-on experience, and a two-week pet dog training course at Tarheel Canine Training. She is also a sport dog trainer and currently trains and competes in French Ring.
For Kim, dog training has always been about more than commands. Her dogs are family, but she also wants them to be capable partners who can get out and enjoy everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. She believes a healthy relationship between dogs and their people is built through trust, clear communication, and fair expectations.
Her goal with every dog is to respect the individual in front of her, figure out what they need to thrive within their family, and help them become a better, more capable version of themselves.
Her partner in life and business, Damian, has been training dogs professionally since 2019, working with everything from pet dog obedience and behavior modification to protection and detection work. His greatest strength is communication, not only with dogs, but with the people on the other end of the leash.
His passion is helping owners better understand their dogs, communicate clearly, and build a relationship that creates more freedom and confidence in everyday life.
Before joining Free Reign K9, Damian led a trainer mentorship program, coaching new trainers through their first months working with clients. He has also instructed multiple two-week hands-on dog trainer intensives.
In 2024, Damian completed the six-month Master Dog Trainer program at Tarheel Canine Training in North Carolina, with extensive hands-on education in pet dogs, working dogs, protection, detection and police K9s.
Today, Damian focuses on in-home behavior modification and obedience, as well as private protection and detection training.
Freedom Through Training,
Kim & Damian
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Get out there with your dog,
and do more.
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Balanced dog training is a comprehensive approach to teaching dogs that uses a combination of both positive reinforcement and consequences. The goal is a well rounded, well behaved dog by utilizing the most effective methods of communication.
Positive Reinforcement
This involves rewarding desirable behaviors with treats, praise, toys or play. The aim is to encourage the dog to repeat these behaviors.
Consistency
Balanced training focuses on being consistent with rewards and corrections. This helps the dog understand what is expected and what behaviors are not acceptable.
Corrections
When a dog displays undesirable behavior, mild and appropriate corrections are applied as a consequence. We use slip leads, prong collars and e-collars.
Flexibility
This method is adaptable and allows trainers to adjust techniques based on the dog’s temperament, the behavior being addressed, and the context. It doesn’t rely solely on treats or punishments but combines both in a way that is effective for the individual dog.
In essence, balanced dog training aims to provide a harmonious relationship between the dog and the owner by using a fair and humane approach to both teaching and correcting behaviors.