40 Under 40: Bailey Palmer

The owner and header trainer at Northwest Canine Coaching, LLC, Becky Palmer understands how dogs think — and how to make them be the best versions of themselves.

Her introduction to the world of dog training and education came when she adopted her first dog when she turned 18. 

"She was naughty and a huge challenge," Palmer said. "That made me seek help from professionals. I then started to learn by volunteering to train friends, family and their pets."

Dog training is about more than teaching rote behaviors. It is, Palmer said, about learning about each dog as an individual and what motivates them.

"Dog training is about understand the psychology of dogs, figuring out what makes them tick and the science behind their brain and bodies," she said. "My two apprenticeships helped me gain practical knowledge when it comes to applying that science and educating owners."

Her approach comes from the experience gained from working with hundreds of untrained dogs and learning from the masters of her craft, from around the United States and across the world. Each experience and each person has taught her something and has shaped her path as a dog trainer. She also regularly attends seminars and workshops to learn the latest information and ways of helping dogs be the best versions of themselves. By staying up to date in her skills, she is able to pass that information on to clients and their pets.

Palmer said she can't imagine doing anything else and plans to stay in the field, educating new trainers as well as continuing to be hands on with dogs and owners. She hopes to open a dog training facility that has indoor training space and host dog sport competitions to encourage owners to be active with their dogs.

Her advice to her younger self: "Don’t settle. Don’t settle with a 'good enough' approach in anything. Do what’s hard, do what’s scary and be patient."