Alyssa Rose is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist. She has a degree in psychology, with a concentration on the science of learning, behavior and motivation. She used this degree in the human mental health field as a counselor. First, with children diagnosed with oppositional defiance, bi-polar disorder and autism. Later, with adults diagnosed with schizophrenia, generalized anxiety and major depression.
In 2008, Alyssa and her dog, Kodi, took a six month hiatus to Alaska. During this time she lived on a boat with Kodi, and worked as a guide in an animal sanctuary. She and Kodi thrived going on daily hikes and frequent camping trips. The natural environment helped to center her, and find a new path forward. She felt that she was meant to continue teaching others about animal behavior.
The mutually beneficial relationship between dogs and people also became more apparent. She found that her new routine improved her connection with her dog. As a result, he was healthier and happier than he had ever been, and so was she. She wondered if it was possible to replicate this with other dogs, even without a cross country move to Alaska. She felt that good training could act as this bridge. One that could improve our dog’s behavioral and emotional well-being, as well as, our own.
In 2009 Alyssa enrolled in an academy for professional dog trainers, and headed to Texas to study under two internationally renowned trainers. During this time she learned about beginner and advanced obedience training, behavior modification, and sport work. The sport work included agility, search and rescue, scent detection, tracking and protection training. A comprehensive understanding of training has enabled her to create and implement behavior modification plans that help bring out the best in every dog
After receiving certification as a professional dog trainer, Alyssa began working at a prominent dog care facility in New York City. She was the head trainer and behavior consultant in the upper west side of Manhattan. Conducting behavior assessments, private sessions and group classes – she knew she was headed in the right direction.
In 2011 she branched off to create her own business and focus more intently on behavior modification for difficult dogs. This is when Legends Dog Training was born. Since this time she has invested herself in creating a specialized approach to behavior modification. A system, with lasting results, that helps dogs work through behavior challenges including anxiety, reactivity, hyperactivity and aggression.
Training Philosophy
Alyssa advocates for behavioral training that focuses on building foundation skills. With the right know how, foundation skills like Mat Work, Heel Work, Recall and Sendaway can be used to condition calm behavior with triggers.
Services
Alyssa Rose specializes in working with dogs that exhibit anxious, reactive, hyperactive or aggressive behavior. Her training is designed to help dogs better regulate stress and arousal that may otherwise generate challenging behaviors in the home or on walks.
Alyssa’s behavioral classes breaks the training down into easy to follow steps that will build your dog’s focus, confidence and attention. You will also learn simple and effective methods of practicing the training in real world situations to make the most progress. All the classes are taught online, which means that you will have the ability to watch the lessons at a time that is most conducive to your schedule, and practice the training in your home and on walks where the training is most needed.
Learning is optimized when your dog feels safe. Your living room is the perfect classroom for your dog, setting the stage for success as you build the training into more challenging scenarios in your home and routine.
Each week you will have 1-2 exercises that you can practice for 10 minutes once or twice each day. This allows you and your dog to become fluent with each new skill and sets the stage for success as we build on the training.
Having a dog with behavior challenges can be very isolating. These classes give you the opportunity to connect with others that have similar behavioral concerns and to hear their questions. It also enables you to support one and other through frustrations and celebrate successes. Some of the best learning happens when we have others to learn with.
In-person training or group classes may leave you thinking “how did the trainer do that again?” “Or why was this important?” Alyssa’s training demonstrations and discussions can be paused and rewound to review exercises and concepts as needed. This flexibility also allows all family members to partake in training, even if schedules don’t always line up.
Certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Specializations
- Anxiety
- Reactivity
- Hyperactivity
- Aggression
Training Methods
- Positive reinforcement
- behavior modification
Customer Reviews
“I’ve tried other dog trainers…”
Alyssa has truly helped me better understand how to communicate with my dogs and is an amazing dog trainer. She has been training my two dogs Tin Tin and Sandi for about 3 months. Tin
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Sherry Z
“Alyssa is a mix of a therapist, and a dog trainer.”
“Alyssa is just incredible! She is a mix of a therapist, and a dog trainer. She is very knowledgeable, and an excellent clear communicator. She doesn’t waste your time, and always has helpful visual aids
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Sarah S.
Media Appearances
Alyssa Rose interviewed by Juliette Nash, the Community Training Coordinator at the San Diego Humane Society.
