Revival Dog Training was founded by Hayley Kenner in May of 2021 with Yennifer Mejia beginning her investment in RDT and becoming Co-Owner just earlier this year. With both locations in the heart of the city, Revival Dog Training is Houston's latest and most innovative in the dog training, day care, and boarding experience. Our training ideology is progressive, science-based and welfare-focused as we strive to consistently deliver practical and positive solutions to the full spectrum of behavioral challenges.
Our training philosophy regards the integrity of the dog as well as the owner. This approach can be applied to all breeds, ages, and behavior problems to create the most transformative outcomes for our dog-human teams. We believe that authentic and reliable behavior change is a process that requires instruction for both dogs and their humans. Our team of Certified Professional Trainers, behavior experts, and Training Apprentices are working hard each day to bring you and your dog a learning experience unlike any other.
Revival Dog Training and its Trainers are committed to the framework of LIMA which stands for Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive.
We rely on The Humane Hierarchy to ensure that we are practicing methods that:
- DO NO HARM. First and foremost, we do not believe in causing pain or discomfort to any animal, whether this be physical, psychological or emotional. We do not subscribe to philosophies which involve the mistreatment of animals. In every case, we address the welfare and wellbeing of the dog first and during every step of our training processes.
- Ensures the dog is enjoying the training and wants to come back for more! This means that training should be FUN and should include plenty of things your dog loves; treats, toys, physical touch, freedom, and plenty of other life rewards!
- Improves the interaction, dynamic, mutual trust, and the overall relationship between owners and their dogs. This means that we help you understand one another better!
- Lessens the stress of the dog and improves their quality of life by building confidence and creating a common language that is clear, concise, and consistent! We want your dog to be fluent in the behaviors as well as their vocabulary.
- Implements protocols that are PRACTICAL for owners to follow through with. It’s crucial for dogs AND owners to be set up for success! This will ensure that the training stays reliable in the long term.
- Manages the behavior of the dog and the environment. We want to prevent the rehearsal of unwanted behaviors. We do not set dogs up to display undesirable behaviors at any point. This is all part of implementing positive reinforcement.
- Uses tools and equipment that are appropriate for you and your dog. For RDT, these tools are limited to harnesses (front and back connecting), martingale collars, flat collars, head halters, and slip leads when moving a dog from point A to point B. We heavily rely on owner preference when it comes to the type of tools we will use on a dog. We DO NOT use any tool for leash corrections, nor will we demonstrate, recommend, or advise communicating with the leash itself.
- Takes into account that EVERY dog, owner, and situation are different. RDT deals with the full spectrum of behavior challenges, thus we approach every human-dog team as unique individuals.
Founder, Owner, Trainer
West University/The Heights
From a very early age, Hayley knew she wanted to work with dogs. She grew up with a rescue dog that had some behavior challenges which inspired her to learn as much as she could about training. Right out of high school, Hayley pursued a dog training apprentice program. After that, she went
Founder, Owner, Trainer
West University/The Heights
From a very early age, Hayley knew she wanted to work with dogs. She grew up with a rescue dog that had some behavior challenges which inspired her to learn as much as she could about training. Right out of high school, Hayley pursued a dog training apprentice program. After that, she went on to work at some of Houston’s most premiere training facilities. In 2013, she earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed Certification (CPDT-KA). In 2019, she earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge and Skills Assessed Certification (CPDT-KSA). Hayley is a member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), learn more about what that means here: https://apdt.com/about/ and https://m.iaabc.org/about/.
With over a decade of experience, Hayley has helped hundreds of dog owners achieve lasting behavior change. Hayley loves to find fun and engaging ways to help both dogs and humans approach training as a relationship building activity. Her specialties are fear and reactivity, but she enjoys dealing with the full spectrum of behavioral challenges. You and your dog can meet Hayley during Peace On The Leash class or in Private Lessons.
Co-Owner, Trainer
West University/The Heights
Yennifer began pursuing a dog training career in early 2012. In 2019, she earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed Certification (CPDT-KA). In 2022, she earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge and Skills Assessed Certification (CPDT-KSA). Yennifer is a
Co-Owner, Trainer
West University/The Heights
Yennifer began pursuing a dog training career in early 2012. In 2019, she earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed Certification (CPDT-KA). In 2022, she earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge and Skills Assessed Certification (CPDT-KSA). Yennifer is a member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and is a certified Trick Dog Instructor. With her knowledge and expertise, she helped establish Revival Dog Training. You can find Yennifer teaching Private Lessons or Group Classes, or operating the day to day at Revival. Yennifer is a native Houstonian and she enjoys spending time with her seven year old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier named Odie.
Director of Operations
West University/The Heights
Mallory was born and raised in Austin and moved to Houston in 2016 to pursue her Bachelors degree in Biology at the University of Houston. While in school, she began working at Houston Pets Alive and immediately found a passion for working with dogs. She had always grown up around animals,
Director of Operations
West University/The Heights
Mallory was born and raised in Austin and moved to Houston in 2016 to pursue her Bachelors degree in Biology at the University of Houston. While in school, she began working at Houston Pets Alive and immediately found a passion for working with dogs. She had always grown up around animals, but working at the rescue helped allowed her to understand them in a new way. Mallory found a purpose in understanding and connecting with each dog she worked with to find their forever families. She went on to work at a dog daycare and boarding facility where she had an amazing mentor who strengthened her understanding of working with dogs and introduced her to the world of owning and operating a dog caretaking business. She has been working in management at dog care facilities since 2019 and absolutely loves what she does! She has a passion for learning and enjoys researching, reading, and spending time with her friends. She is always looking for ways to challenge herself and grow from new experiences.
Director of Training, Trainer
West University
Lindsay is Revival’s newest Training Manager, working as a Day Trainer, Group Class Instructor and Private Lesson Instructor. You and your dog can meet her in our Skills 1.0, Skills 2.0, Elementary and Juniors classes or during Private Lessons, where she enjoys working with dogs and their owner
Director of Training, Trainer
West University
Lindsay is Revival’s newest Training Manager, working as a Day Trainer, Group Class Instructor and Private Lesson Instructor. You and your dog can meet her in our Skills 1.0, Skills 2.0, Elementary and Juniors classes or during Private Lessons, where she enjoys working with dogs and their owners on a wide range of behaviors including reactivity. She was born in Chicago and traveled the world a bit before landing here in Houston, her favorite destinations being Germany and the Czech Republic. When she isn’t managing our trainers here at Revival, she is hanging out with her dog Spatterdash, reading or painting.
Board and Train Manager, Trainer
West University
Mari started her dog training journey in Fall 2018 after finding a service dog organization at the college she was attending. This organization raised puppies from the age of 3 months to 2 years old teaching life saving skills to help their future veteran companions. During the 4 years tra
Board and Train Manager, Trainer
West University
Mari started her dog training journey in Fall 2018 after finding a service dog organization at the college she was attending. This organization raised puppies from the age of 3 months to 2 years old teaching life saving skills to help their future veteran companions. During the 4 years training service dogs, she fell in love with helping dogs grow and reach their full potential. With each new dog, she learned the importance of creating a partnership and meeting each dog at their level. Seeing the dogs placed into their service teams inspired her to continue helping dogs and parents connect and learn to communicate effectively. Throughout college she worked with dogs in both grooming and daycare environments and found working with parents and their furry friends very rewarding. After graduating in Studies of Veterinary Medicine at A&M, Mari wanted to explore new challenges and work with dogs of all breeds and backgrounds to expand her dog training knowledge and experience. In her free time, Mari loves to be with her dogs Noah and Adonis as they explore new parks in the Houston area. She is working towards obtaining her CPDT-KA in Fall 2023.
Trainer, Board and Train Program,
Day Training Program
West University
Joshua began his pet oriented career in 2020. In the midst of the pandemic, he applied to a large pet retailer who was in need of trainers. He had previous interest in the pet industry after his wife taught him about dog nutrition and animal husbandry, which allowed him
Trainer, Board and Train Program,
Day Training Program
West University
Joshua began his pet oriented career in 2020. In the midst of the pandemic, he applied to a large pet retailer who was in need of trainers. He had previous interest in the pet industry after his wife taught him about dog nutrition and animal husbandry, which allowed him the confidence to gain further knowledge and experience in a new dog training position. He first practiced with Otis, his bichon/poodle mix rescue, who had previously been abandoned and was in need of some serious training. After some time of robust training, Otis would overcome much of his social anxiety and disagreeable mannerisms. Eventually Josh discovered Revival and noticed how similar their values were. Revival offered him an opportunity to engage his skills, in order to use them to benefit dogs from diverse backgrounds and environments. Everyday he looks forward to increasing his skills and abilities, in order to champion Revival's commitment to treating dogs with fairness and respect in pursuit of desirable companionship. Josh is planning to obtain his CPDT-KA in the fall of 2023.
Trainer, Board and Train Program,
Day Training Program
West University
Navi has had a soft spot for dogs since childhood, whether it was her family pets or a stray. She discovered her passion for dog training when she joined a Non-Profit Organization that helps raise and train puppies to become Service Animals. Navi is very proud of one of
Trainer, Board and Train Program,
Day Training Program
West University
Navi has had a soft spot for dogs since childhood, whether it was her family pets or a stray. She discovered her passion for dog training when she joined a Non-Profit Organization that helps raise and train puppies to become Service Animals. Navi is very proud of one of her dogs who has recently graduated to become a Service Animal, and is currently a Working Guide Dog for the Blind. You will find Navi training dogs in both our Day Training Program as well as our Board and Train Program.
Trainer, Day Training Program
West University
Chris rescued his first dog Nikki right at the beginning of COVID, then spent his time in quarantine building his foundations of dog training. He started in our Daycare Program here at Revival and since then has expanded both his knowledge and expertise of dog training. You will now find Chris
Trainer, Day Training Program
West University
Chris rescued his first dog Nikki right at the beginning of COVID, then spent his time in quarantine building his foundations of dog training. He started in our Daycare Program here at Revival and since then has expanded both his knowledge and expertise of dog training. You will now find Chris working with dogs in our Day Training Program, and working towards earning his CPDT-KA Certification. Chris recently rescued a Belgian Malinois puppy and is excited to begin learning more about bite work and obedience sport training.
Trainer, Day Training Program
West University
Ellie's love for dog training started with her five (yes, five) Corgis at home. She has been a professional dog trainer for two years now, and has learned that both being consistent and not giving up are the keys to seeing those end results you're looking for! You will find Ellie working with dogs in our Day Training Program.
Trainer, Puppy-K Program
West University
Born and raised in Houston, Abby grew up in a very pet-loving home. She graduated from Heights High School in 2017 and then went on to start her career in the pet industry. While attending college, Abby gained several years of experience working in doggie daycare facilities before she decided to pur
Trainer, Puppy-K Program
West University
Born and raised in Houston, Abby grew up in a very pet-loving home. She graduated from Heights High School in 2017 and then went on to start her career in the pet industry. While attending college, Abby gained several years of experience working in doggie daycare facilities before she decided to pursue dog behavior and training with Petco. In 2023, Abby found her new family here at Revival Dog Training. Abby has 4 rescue doggies at home that she loves and adores. She is dedicated to learning more about the development of puppies and helping them through their impressionable stages.
Daycare Supervisor
West University
. ***Check back in to learn more about Lesly!***
Lead Trainer, The Revival Rec Club
The Heights
Caroline’s training journey didn’t start out with dogs, but actually with dolphins! After graduating from Kansas State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and Industry, she pursued the aquatic world of animal training at Marineland Dolphin Adventure in Florida. Here, she l
Lead Trainer, The Revival Rec Club
The Heights
Caroline’s training journey didn’t start out with dogs, but actually with dolphins! After graduating from Kansas State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and Industry, she pursued the aquatic world of animal training at Marineland Dolphin Adventure in Florida. Here, she learned about reinforcement-based training and how humans can communicate with animals in a positive manner. Caroline then decided to continue training, just with two different species… humans and their dogs! Caroline graduated from Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Trainer Professional Program and earned her KPA CTP. She has since then taken her rescue dog Onyx, a German Shepherd, through the program. Onyx was rehomed multiple times for behavioral issues before finding Caroline, but with proper training Onyx has found her "furever" home! Caroline has been training dogs for six years and has earned her CPDT-KA. Caroline has helped hundreds of dogs in Houston, through Group Classes and Private Lessons, thrive within their homes, customizing each situation as needed.
Lead Trainer, The Revival Rec Club
The Heights
Ana started her dog training journey after rescuing a puppy named Laika. She wanted a well rounded dog and knew signing her up for puppy classes was the right step in the right direction. After taking several classes with her puppy she was instantly drawn into the dog training world realizing h
Lead Trainer, The Revival Rec Club
The Heights
Ana started her dog training journey after rescuing a puppy named Laika. She wanted a well rounded dog and knew signing her up for puppy classes was the right step in the right direction. After taking several classes with her puppy she was instantly drawn into the dog training world realizing her love for training. She started volunteering at Friends For Life and Houston Pets Alive where she noticed that the main breed was Pitbulls mixes (often most misunderstood breed) This inspired Ana in wanting to help dogs become more adoptable so she decided to become a Professional Dog Trainer in hopes of being able to help owners train their dogs and help shelter dogs find a furever home. Ana had the fortune of rescuing her second dog, a bully mix puppy named Koa who was found roaming the streets. Since achieving her CPDT-KA (certified professional dog trainer knowledge assessed) certification, Ana has had the pleasure of working with dogs from distinctive ages, sizes and temperaments. She has worked with dogs with all types of skill- levels from potty training, basic obedience, behavior modification, reactivity, fear and confidence building. Ana’s training philosophy is allowing a dog to make their own choice ,while adding in some structure, to ensure a dog has the best chance at living a happy and well trained life.
Lead Trainer, The Revival Rec Club
The Heights
***Check back in to learn more about Hunter!***
Revival Dog Training
West University: 2507 Bissonnet Street ~ (713)679-8850
THE HEIGHTS: 835 W 20TH STREET ~ (832)857-1786
Copyright © 2023 Revival Dog Training - All Rights Reserved.
info@revivaldogtraining.com
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