Whitney, the owner and lead trainer of Best Dog Training Academy, is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting relationships. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of canine behavior, she has built a reputation for delivering real, lasting results.

She has worked with countless dogs across the Pacific Northwest, successfully training a wide variety of breeds and temperaments—from eager-to-learn puppies to more challenging behavioral cases. To stay sharp and continuously improve her methods, she attends specialized seminars led by industry leaders such as Say It Once Dog Training, Packlife LA, and Brian Agnew’s Drive Workshop. This ongoing education ensures she provides the most effective and up-to-date training possible.

Her balanced, personalized approach and commitment to excellence are the foundation of Best Dog Training Academy’s philosophy. When you train with Whitney, you’re working with a dedicated professional who genuinely cares about your dog’s success and well-being.

Kate began working with dogs professionally in 2020 at a dog daycare as a play attendant and grooming assistant. She’s had dogs her entire life and has always been passionate about learning canine behavior—watching dog training videos and reading books even as a child. Katie currently has two dogs, one of whom she’s training for hunting. She enjoys doing fun agility work at home with her dog Stella, including jumps and weaving poles. Her interest in training grew from firsthand experience with challenging dogs—one with severe anxiety from past abuse and another with extreme jealousy and aggression. After seeing many untrained dogs in daycare and public settings, she became determined to be part of the solution.

Corey grew up on a farm in the woods of Mississippi, where he learned early how to connect with animals—especially the wild canines that wandered near his home. His training philosophy centers on building trust and clear communication between dogs and their humans, turning problem behaviors into lasting companionship. Corey and his wife Kelly have been boarding dogs for over a decade. His passion led him to train formally through Best Dog Training Academy, where he refined his skills and reconnected with the deep roots of his upbringing.

Mara is a skilled and experienced trainer with a strong foundation in rescue, rehabilitation, and canine behavior. She spent over three years at Oregon Dog Rescue, where she worked hands-on with hundreds of dogs, including complex behavioral cases. In addition to fostering dogs of all breeds and temperaments, Maura has developed a reputation for her exceptional handling skills and specializes in working with fearful and shutdown dogs. Her calm, confident demeanor and deep understanding of canine communication make her especially effective with sensitive cases. With over a decade of hands-on experience—starting as a neighborhood dog walker at age 11—Maura brings a science-based, adaptable approach to every dog she works with.