Meet Your Trainers
Science-based, kind, expert dog training. Helping your dog thrive with care and confidence.
Carrie Lumsden
Iām Carrie, and connecting people and dogs is my passion, and my purpose.
On a lifelong path of learning the science of animal behaviour and over two decades coaching and training the human-animal bond, I am committed to fear-free and force-free canine training. My goal is to build a bridge of understanding between dogs and humans, cultivating trust and effective communication at both ends of the leash.
My philosophy is simple: make a plan, follow it consistently, and witness the magic happen. Dogs thrive on clear and consistent communication, and Iām dedicated to teaching clients how to create lasting behaviour changes using humane and practical solutions.
How K9 Kind Started
Before founding K9 Kind in 2010, I trained dogs and humans in various roles as a senior trainer, shelter manager, and adoption coordinator in rescue organizations. Iāve had the privilege of working with prison programs where inmates train and rehabilitate shelter dogs to become more adoptable. Through fostering and rehabilitating many dogs to successful adoption, Iāve been through it myself. Frustration, guilt, worry, disappointment, hope, love, and success, have all been part of my personal and professional dog experience. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of dogs and a well-rounded perspective on our relationships with them. Each dog and person I have worked with has taught me something valuable, and I am thrilled to share my expertise with you.
Positive reinforcement trainers are the ultimate choice for dog parents seeking knowledgeable professionals with the expertise to ensure the best outcomes for both you and your dog. Training is a science and like all science, I am committed to staying up-to-date on the most recent findings concerning canine behaviour and dog welfare. Committed to high-welfare standards utilizing fear-free, evidence-based methods, Iāve helped thousands of dogs in the Comox Valley live their best life with reward-based coaching and education.
TESTIMONIALS
I had the privilege of working with Carrie Lumsden, an exceptional dog trainer, and I can’t say enough good things about the experience. My rescue pitbull was struggling with anxiety and reactivity issues, making everyday life a chal-lenge. However, thanks to the expertise and dedication of the trainer, things have taken a remarkable turn for the better.
From day one, my dog quickly formed a bond with the trainer, which immediately put both of us at ease. The training sessions were not only in-credibly effective but also enjoyable. The train-er’s patience, kindness, and extensive knowledge were evident throughout the process.
What sets this trainer apart is their holistic ap-proach. They didn’t just focus on addressing the immediate behavior issues; they provided me with a comprehensive toolkit to help my dog lead a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
I can confidently say that the investment in these training sessions was worthwhile beyond meas-ure. My rescue dog and I now have a clear path forward and I am a more confident and informed owner. If you’re seeking top-notch dog training that truly makes a difference, I wholeheartedly recommend Carrie.
– Emma and Whiskey
Despite being active dog owners for dec-ades when we rescued our terrier cross his behavioural issues were unlike any-thing we had encountered. My male ego told me that if I couldnāt fix his difficult and agitated nature then nobody could.
And then a friend suggested that we talk to Donna.
What a turnaround. Donna taught us how to better manage his behaviour.
World of difference.
Donna is a very talented trainer and be-haviouralist. I especially appreciate her diagnostic capacity and how quickly she can strategize a course of action.
Very impressed!
– Ross and Buddy
Eleven years ago I got my best friend, Bro-die, a fearful rescue dog. Never having had a dog before, I heard about Carrie as being excellent at teaching both dogs and their humans so I enrolled in a beginner class. This evolved into some extra private work. Carrie was able to teach me, my husband and Brodie about having a good respectful relationship and we have had the most amazing 11 1/2 years because of it. It takes a community to grow together and Carrie was the best person I could ever have imagined to help us all. Carrie was kind, calm, enthusiastic and very pro-fessional and I highly recommend her for learning how to grow together and learn how to speak “dog”.
– Barb and Brodie