Alden Hanes

When I went to college in 2011, I had full intentions of pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, after taking a few chemistry courses, I decided that was not the route for me. I took some time away from school, but after some time in the work force, decided to go back to college part time. I got a job as a veterinary assistant in 2015, and then moved to a different vet clinic in 2018. I loved helping animals, even if being a doctor wasn’t in the cards. I graduated in the covid year, 2020, with a Bachelor in animal science and a minor in psychology.

After college, I struggled to determine my next move; until I discovered the dog training industry. I signed up for a “canine obedience instructor” course through Animal Behavior College. The course provided me with some fundamentals of dog training, gave me an opportunity to learn about group obedience classes while shadowing dog trainer, Rhonda York, gave me hands on experience working with shelter dogs and sparked my interest to find more knowledge. That was when I found my mentor trainer, Bobby, “The Kennelman”. I traveled to Wisconsin for a 3 week behavior modification bootcamp, with 4 dogs who needed our help with reported reactivity and aggression. Their transformation ignited my passion for helping dogs and humans communicate better and gave me the push I needed to start dog training as a hobby-job. I continued to work in the veterinary industry until 2023 until I made the leap to start my own dog training business and do it full time, founding Halcyon Canine LLC.

I currently reside in Rayville, MO; about 50 miles east of Kansas City, with my boyfriend, 4 dogs, 3 horses and 2 cats. Aside from dog training, I enjoy traveling, gardening, horseback riding, fishing, and hiking with my dogs.

Qualifications:

Bachelor Degree of Science in Animal Science, with a minor in Psychology from Northwest Missouri State University

Certified Canine Obedience Instructor through Animal Behavior College

Completed internship under Bobby Skatchke, at the Kennelman dog training in Wisconsin.

8 years of professional experience in the veterinary industry

Member of the IACP (international association of canine professionals