Meet Chelsea

KPA-CTP Certified Dog Trainer

A person kneeling on the ground outside next to a black and white dog, both smiling and looking at the camera. The person is wearing glasses, a black shirt, shorts, and sandals, with a fence and greenery in the background.

My Science-Based, Positive Training Philosophy

My name is Chelsea Walsh (she/her). As a KPA-CTP Certified Professional Dog Trainer serving the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula, I am passionately committed to effective, fun, and force-free dog training. Backed by over a decade of experience as a professional educator, my expertise comes from a foundation in science and behavior-based methods, ensuring that your training is always efficient, humane, and designed for real-world success. This extensive teaching background allows me to clearly explain concepts and develop customized training programs tailored to both your pet’s unique needs and your learning style, teaching you both clear communication that strengthens your bond. By pledging to uphold the highest ethical standards, I help you and your dog build a relationship centered on trust and respect, making the training journey rewarding and joyful.

Free Consultation Call

  • My certification is through the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP), specializing in science-based, force-free training. This means I teach using modern, ethical, and effective methods, ensuring a strong bond between you and your pet. Learn more.

  • There’s plenty of dog training advice online and in books, but hiring a professional saves you time and gets better results. Consider hiring a trainer if:

    • You don’t have time to research and figure it out for yourself

    • Your dog has behavior issues that affect safety

    • DIY training hasn’t worked as well as you hoped

    • You want to improve your own dog training skills

  • Start puppy training between 8 and 16 weeks old for the best results. Early training focuses on socialization, basic obedience commands, and handling exercises to build confidence and ease future grooming and vet visits. Socialization is more than just taking your puppy to new places and introducing them to new people and dogs. The focus should always be on providing a positive experience and reinforcing calm reactions to new experiences.

  • Yes, older dogs can learn new behaviors and improve manners with patience and consistent training. Training works at any age.

  • I do not use shock collars, e-collars, prong collars, leash pops or other punishment based training methods. Positive reinforcement methods can address any behavior issue with lower risks. 

  • I am committed to making professional dog training accessible. We offer a variety of programs, including private training, virtual sessions, and group classes, along with an honor-based sliding scale option (read more here). For current pricing and to book a session, please visit my booking page. 

  • I offer private, in-person dog training across the Kitsap Peninsula, including Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Gig Harbor, and Seabeck. Limited service is also available for parts of Tacoma, WA.

  • Cooperative care is a positive reinforcement training method that teaches your dog to voluntarily and actively participate in their own handling, grooming, and veterinary procedures. It uses positive signals to give your dog choice and control, significantly reducing stress and fear associated with necessary care.