Kay Ross
Kay Ross, Senior Instructor at Partners Dog Training in Scottsdale
About Kay
Hi, I'm Kay! I'm a balanced dog trainer who got my start here at Partners. I began as an apprentice under Christopher and Leighton, where I developed a strong foundation in training before working my way up to become a trainer myself.
As a balanced dog trainer, I believe in training the dog in front of me. Every dog is an individual, so my approach is tailored to their unique temperament, needs, and goals. By combining positive reinforcement, clear communication, and fair accountability, I help dogs understand what is expected of them while building confidence, trust, and reliability. I also believe that successful training is a team effort, which is why I focus on equipping owners with the knowledge and skills they need to continue their dog's progress at home. Whether I'm working with a new puppy, addressing behavioral challenges, teaching reliable off-leash obedience, or refining advanced skills, my goal is to help you build a calm, confident, and lasting relationship with your dog. I emphasize practical, real-world training methods that fit seamlessly into everyday life, ensuring the progress we make together extends well beyond our training sessions.
What Kay loves
Favorite programsYour dog's world is only as big as you make it.
Training Philosophy
I believe in training the dog in front of me, not a formula. My focus is manners, confidence, and reactivity, and I move each dog through our four stages: Teaching a new skill, Reinforcing it for consistency, Proofing it around real distractions, and Maintenance so it holds for life. I lean on positive reinforcement, clear communication, and fair accountability so a dog understands exactly what is expected while building trust in the process. Training is a team effort, so I also equip owners with the knowledge to keep their dog's progress going long after our sessions end, whether that is through Foundation Camp, Behavior Camp, or our group classes.
Ideal Client & Goals
My ideal client is someone who wants their dog to confidently be their adventure buddy. Reaching that goal starts with understanding that training isn't a one-time event, it's a lifelong commitment that evolves through every stage of your dog's life and in every new environment they encounter. My goal is to help them build lifelong training habits that create a regulated and reliable companion who can enjoy new places and experiences by their side.
Questions About Kay
Personally I like to utilize their crate. When you let your pup out of their crate, take them immediately outside to potty. If they don't go, put them back in and try again in a few minutes. This method works well for dogs that don't fully empty their bladder outside or have patterned going inside the house. Once they fully potty you can let them free in the house supervised or tethered to you. You should also time potty breaks after every meal and nap. A puppy will need to go out generally every one to two hours. If you notice your puppy having accidents in between that time, you can utilize the crate again to break that habit and get them on a structured potty schedule. Adult dogs should be able to hold it longer than puppies and will need to go out less, but every dog's needs are different, so take the time to learn their cues to avoid miscommunication with your pup and build a strong potty schedule.
I often have clients tell me they don't care about their dog walking perfectly in heel next to them and just want them to stop pulling on the leash. Heel is a fantastic command that teaches your dog more than just walking next to you. Heel encourages: Your dog's engagement The ability to track their handler and their movements Their ability to account for spatial awareness, including yours, others, and their own hind end Mitigating reactivity while bypassing triggers Navigating crowds or busy environments Reliability in busy or dangerous situations A perfect unbroken heel isn't necessary in every circumstance, but it's a great tool to have and sets your dog up for success.
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