About Me
Kathleen Higgins has a well-rounded background in animal science and dog training. Kathleen holds a BSc. in biology from the University of British Columbia and an MSc. in biology from Simon Fraser University. Kathleen worked as a conservation biologist studying insects and frogs in Costa Rica and Panama before moving back to her hometown of Vancouver BC in 2019. In 2019 Kathleen was hired as a private dog walker for a company that specializes in walking reactive dogs. Through this experience she found a passion for dog training, which allows her to apply science to improve the lives of dogs and their families. She has since completed her Dogsafe Canine First Aid 101 and is a graduate of the Victoria Stillwell academy dog trainer program. In 2023 Kathleen moved to a large property in Maple Ridge where she could expand her services to include in-home boarding for reactive dogs and board and train services. Kathleen offers services in Spanish, English and French.
Kathleen’s first dog Penny. Kathleen and her mom were Penny’s fourth home, who had been abandoned several times due to her behavioral problems. Through Penny Kathleen was introduced to the world of training reactive dogs and all of the emotions that come with it. Kathleen approaches reactivity cases with abundant empathy and support for the families working through their training journeys.
Ducky is Kathleen’s current dog and the face of head and heart training! Ducky came to Kathleen in Panama when she was 3 years old. At first Ducky struggled with fear aggression towards people and other dogs, but she has improved drastically through Kathleen’s training.