About Seattle Soul Dog
Our mission: To provide opportunities and experiences through our training and adventure programs that will enrich the lives of the dogs in our care and foster rich relationships between the dogs and their parents.
We believe that dogs provide us so much love and joy and they deserve our best. All our services are designed to help you get the most out of this unique relationship and to support you through your dog's development.
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Our adventures are designed to help meet your dog's core needs. Behavioral wellness is contingent on your dog's needs being met. With our busy lives, and city environment it is hard for the modern dog owner to meet these needs on their own. We are here to partner with you in supporting your dog's well being by providing opportunities for dogs to engage in species specific behavior, building trusting relationships and providing access to nature rich environments.
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Our training methods:
We use humane, evidence based practices. We seek to build trust and cooperation in the dog-owner relationship. We do this by training with positive reinforcement and setting our dogs up for success. We will never use fear or intimidation to "train" your dog. We train to build cooperation, confidence, trust and freedom.
Seattle Soul Dog: What's in the name?
Webster defines soul as:
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an active or essential part
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the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is
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the quality that arouses emotion and sentiment
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spiritual or moral force
Synonyms: essence, heart, center, core
At Seattle Soul Dog, we believe we have an ethical and a moral obligation to the dogs in our care. This may sound heavy but we are serious about dogs and our love for dogs. We believe they have the right and the need to express themselves in species typical behaviors and it is our responsibility to give them access to the freedom of this self expression in safe and appropriate ways.
We also believe that our lives are richer and fuller when we are actually with our dogs, watching them be dogs, watching them live from their core, their essence, delighting in their being. Dogs bring us so much joy and love and we believe it is time for us as a species to reciprocate by creating opportunities for our dogs to be dogs.
Ali Bradshaw, CCFT, UW-AAB
Owner & Head Trainer
Seattle Soul Dog is the culmination of nearly three decades dedicated to the well-being of dogs. My journey began in my teens at traditional kennels, followed by five years in veterinary medicine—including emergency care—and twenty years of owning and managing dog walking and daycare businesses. Since 2010, I have focused my expertise on training, but how I work with dogs today is an integration of every facet of my career.
As a lifelong learner, I stay at the forefront of research in canine behavior and psychology to ensure our programs are as scientifically sound as they are compassionate. To me, a "Soul Dog" is about the essence of the animal. I believe we have a moral obligation to let dogs be dogs—to express their true natures, explore the world, and live from their core. My mission is to help you reciprocate the joy your dog gives you by building a relationship rooted in trust, cooperation, and the freedom to explore.
Shawn- Our Adventure
Specialist
Dogs have always played a significant role in my life, offering the kind of love and
companionship that is truly unparalleled. My love of animals and the outdoors isn’t separate for
me—they’re completely intertwined. The Pacific Northwest is the perfect place to bring that
connection to life, and I feel deeply fortunate to do work that reflects both. Watching a dog find
their stride on a forest trail, discover new scents, or splash in a creek brings me so much joy. It’s
the kind of work that doesn’t feel like work.
When I’m not out with the dogs, you’ll find me hanging out with my own dog Kaiya, hiking,
camping, kayaking, or gardening.
Kelly- Adventure Guide
Kelly joined Seattle Soul Dog as an Adventure Guide because she believes a dog’s true nature is best revealed in the great outdoors. A Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LFDM) and CATCH-certified trainer, Kelly approaches every hike as a conversation. By refusing to accept the "obvious" explanations for behavior, she listens—to the dogs, to their guardians, and to the subtle communication that happens in between.
Her approach is deeply relationship-based and grounded in body language, rooted in the belief that we connect with animals not through control, but through paying attention. Gentle, a little unconventional, and stubbornly hopeful, Kelly is here to help your dog find freedom on the trail and help you see your companion in a whole new light.
Mitchel- Adventure Guide
Mitchel brings a unique and profound perspective to the Seattle Soul Dog team, drawing from his professional background in both dog daycare and zoo environments. His experience working with exotic species gave him a masterclass in animal observation, patience, and the importance of enriching a natural environment. This "big picture" understanding of animal behavior allows him to connect with dogs on a level that is both deep and intuitive.
Known for his remarkably calm presence, Mitchel has a natural gift for grounding the energy of a pack. Dogs are instinctively drawn to his steady demeanor, which helps even the most high-energy explorers feel settled and secure. Whether he’s navigating a trail or managing group dynamics, Mitchel’s focus is on ensuring every dog feels understood and at ease. He is a firm believer that when we provide a calm, safe space, a dog’s true "soul" can shine through.
Jen-Overnight Sitter &
Adventure Guide
Jen is dedicated to bringing the highest level of pet and client care. She pays particular attention to each individual dog to make sure their needs are being provided for whether she is watching a dog in their home or while they are out with us on an adventure. Jen brings a level of professionalism and clear communication to her overnight sitting that is unmatched in our industry and provides the same level of care while she is out with the dogs on their adventures. Dogs quickly gravitate to her and love her energy. She sees who they are as individuals and quickly responds to them and their individual needs.
