Meet the Expert!

You and your dog are in exceptionally skilled and understanding hands.

About Renee Rhoades, MSc

My fascination with animals has been a lifelong passion. When I was around 5 years old, my first dog entered my life, and that marked a turning point - my heart has been shaped by dogs ever since!

My journey into the world of working with dogs began with volunteering at my local ASPCA, where I gained hands-on experience and a profound appreciation dogs of all ages and types.

Driven by my love for animals, I embarked on a path in veterinary medicine, dedicating over a decade to this field. However, my true calling emerged when I delved into the intricacies of canine behavior. I loved healing dogs physically, but I wanted to get to the core and grow to truly understand them.

After several years of dedicated canine behavior study, I sought to join a like-minded team, but I soon discovered that the ethical standards of the organizations I encountered did not align with my own values and principles. It was then that I decided to start R+Dogs, where I could uphold the highest standards of practice that I believed dogs and their guardians deserved. No smoke and mirrors, just genuine, compassionate care.

At the center of my world are my two boys: Nero, a senior border collie cross whippet (lurcher), and Lycan, an adult working-line German shepherd. I don't know what I would do without them!

Beyond my work with dogs, I have a diverse range of interests, from indulging in documentaries and creating art to immersing myself in a good book, cherishing quality time with my husband, and enjoying the occasional video game.

My dedication to dogs and my commitment to their well-being have shaped my personal and professional journey, and I'm excited to share my expertise and passion with you.

Continued professional development (recent)

Aggression in Dogs Conference 2020, 2021, 2022
Lemonade Conference 2020, 2021
The Dog Behavior Conference 2020, 2021
Geek Week - For the Love of Science! Conference 2020

Canine Principals: Canine Anxiety
Ethology Institute: Canine Behavior
Michael Shikashio and Grisha Stewart: Learning the Ropes: All Things Leash Handling
Marissa Martino: Big Feelings: Supporting our Clients Living with Dog Reactivity
Dr Lore Haug: Understanding, Managing, and Resolving Reactivity in Dogs
Dr. Amy Cook: Management for Reactive Dogs
Kellie Sisson Snider: Constructional Aggression Treatment Revisited
Kathy Sdao: But My Dog is Not Food Motivated
Dr. Susan Friedman: Living and Learning with Animals
Dr. Chris Pachel: Desensitization and Counter conditioning
Dr. Naomi Harvey: Adolescence in Dogs: From Brain to Behaviour
Dr. Conor Brady: The Role Of Nutrition on the Behaviour of Dogs

and many others.

Qualifications & Certifications

MSc level in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, Law and Behavior
Level 3 in Biological Sciences and Pharmacology
BS level in Animal Management and Behaviour
BS level in Canine Psychology

Certified Aggression in Dogs Master Course
Certified Fear Free Professional
Certified Family Dog Mediator
Certified Control Unleashed Instructor
(in progress)
Certified Veterinary Technician (non-practicing)


Kassie Dickson - Canine Behaviorist

About Kassie Dickson

Specialist Areas - Aggression, Fear, Puppies and Rescue Dogs
Kassie has been working professionally with dogs for 15 years, starting with regular cue response training and sports her career evolved into behaviour consulting and a full time job working in animal welfare with shelter dogs, as well as cats and special species.

Kassie started training at a very young age and once she started working training she quickly grew to see the need for more evidence based training, she began her studies through books and eventually turned to in person seminars and online learning. She certified officially in 2015 and has continued to put emphasis on bettering herself and the families she works with. She has a passion for ensuring humane ethical care for both ends of the leash and prides herself on continuing education. Teaching adolescent and newly adopted dogs the ropes of their newly found homes is one of Kassie's favorite parts of her job.

Kassie shares her life with a flock of hens, and all the foster animals she can muster, her late pup Norco is always in her thoughts.

Qualifications & Certifications

International Association Of Animal Behaviour Consultants: CDBC(Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant)
Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers: CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed
Fear Free Pets: Fear Free Shelter Certified, Fear Free Animal Trainer (Lapsed)Association of Animal Welfare Advancement: Certification in Organizational Leadership, Certification in Whole and intentional Leadership

Continued professional development (Recent)

Kassie is regularly pursuing continuing education in ethology, training, behaviour and multiple species.

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