About

I am a science-based, positive reinforcement trainer.

I believe positive exposures & socialization, life skill development, physical and mental enrichment, and play will create an amazing bond and a fulfilled canine companion. I believe in a holistic approach to care and a commitment to science-based training.

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I am a Seattle dog trainer and certified separation anxiety professional behavior consultant. After graduating from Washington State University with a BS in Civil Engineering, I knew I wanted to move my life in a completely different direction. I got my first dog Wally in 2014 and my work has been centered around dogs ever since. I have worked as a dog walker in both Park City, Utah and Seattle, WA, worked for a pet health insurance company, have volunteered and fostered with a local Seattle dog rescue, and now work as a canine behavior consultant. Currently, I have Wally and a little gal named Raisin. Raisin has separation anxiety and is fearful of dogs and strangers. Working to improve her quality of life has helped develop my foundational skills as a trainer, led me to specialize in working with shy and fearful dogs, and to create our separation anxiety online training program!

I am a certified canine behavior consultant, certified control unleashed instructor, certified trick dog instructor, trick dog evaluator, and AKC canine good citizen evaluator! Play, teaching tricks, and pattern games are amazing ways to help build a trusting and positive relationship with your dog! Raisin has her Expert Trick Dog title and AKC Virtual Scent Work beginner’s title.

Hi! I’m Kelly!

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Certifications, Education, and Professional Associations

Ardent Dog LLC is licensed and insured by the Business Insurers of the Carolinas.

Certifications
A badge displaying 'Certified SAPro Behavior Consultant' with the name Kelly Hayden.
The AKC Evaluator logo features a blue and yellow color scheme with an illustration of a person and a dog shaking hands in the center. The outer ring reads 'Caring Good Citizen,' and the inner circle contains the American Kennel Club emblem with the words 'Founded 1884.' The word 'EVALUATOR' is prominently displayed at the bottom in a yellow rectangle with blue text.
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Silhouette of a dog with a leash and the words "Control Unleashed" in a speech bubble, with the text "Certified Instructor" below.
The image is completely black with no visible objects or details.
A small black and brown puppy on a pink and gray paddleboard in a body of water, with a city skyline and a bridge in the background.
Two dogs, a large brown and white spaniel and a smaller black dog, sitting on a wooden bench outdoors by a body of water with mountains in the background. The spaniel has its mouth open and tongue out, while the smaller dog has its tongue out and clo
A brown and white English Springer Spaniel lying on a beige and black patterned rug next to a small black puppy with floppy ears wearing a pink, purple, and red bandana.
A dog with black and white markings sitting on a rocky beach by a calm body of water during sunset.