Andrea Hall doesn’t just train dogs—she transforms the bond between dogs and their owners. Through understanding, patience, and respect, Andrea has created a sanctuary for dogs where communication is key, and the results speak for themselves.
Andrea has always had a deep love for dogs—one that has shaped every aspect of her life and career. Determined to work with animals, her journey began with a childhood dream of having a pet dog, which eventually led her to pursue a career in the dog grooming industry. That led her to becoming a certified dog trainer at the Canada West Canine Centre.
In 2007, Andrea's dream of owning her own business came true when she purchased Roving K9 Kare, a storefront grooming business that offered daycare and training services. With the help of her parents, she took the leap into entrepreneurship. Over time, the business evolved beyond grooming and became a facility that also offered daycare and training. In 2010, she moved Roving K9 Kare to its current location at 839 Victoria Street.
Andrea runs the business with a dedicated team, which includes one groomer, Vicky Houska, an award-winning, certified master groomer with IPG. Her second groomer has an impressive 33 years of experience. Roving K9 Kare also has a wellness expert, Chayse Waddell, who focuses on holistic care. Chayse offers pet parents natural remedies and nutrition advice for issues like allergies and pain, helping dogs avoid prescription medications by providing massage therapy and more.
However, Andrea’s passion for dog training remains the core of her business. She believes in training dogs in a way that respects their natural instincts and communication styles, rather than relying on human-centric methods. She focuses on teaching people the “why” and not just the how when it comes to training their dog.
“Dogs don’t think like humans,” Andrea explains. “I focus on using their natural instincts and communication styles to guide them. When dogs are trained in a way that respects their nature, they become well-adjusted, happy, and harmonious members of their families.”
Not only does she help address common behavioural problems like separation anxiety, reactivity, and more, Andrea helps build a healthy relationship between dog and owner by teaching people how to interact in a way that fosters trust. She often involves the whole family, helping them understand the importance of being consistent and communicating effectively with their dogs.
One of Andrea’s favourite parts of her job is seeing the breakthrough moments when a dog connects with its owner. “That’s when I know the bond between them has truly strengthened,” she says. “When a dog looks to its owner for guidance and responds positively, that’s the real reward. It’s proof that clear communication and consistent training allow dogs to thrive.”
She encourages dog owners to start training their dogs as early as eight to twelve weeks. “Prevention is key,” she says. “The earlier you start teaching, the better equipped your dog will be to handle different situations as they grow.”
Over the years, Andrea has seen many clients who have tried other trainers and methods without success. She believes this often happens because these methods don’t always align with how dogs naturally think and learn.
“Training dogs isn’t about using gimmicks or medications,” she explains. “It’s about understanding their needs and teaching them what’s expected in a way they can comprehend. Behaviour problems require a deeper level of communication, and this is where my approach makes the difference.”
For anyone considering dog training, Andrea advises them to think about the long-term relationship they want with their dog. It’s not just about solving immediate problems—it’s about creating a strong foundation for the future.
“Dogs grow quickly, and their early experiences shape them for life,” she says. “Addressing issues early, being consistent, and understanding that each dog is unique is the key to building a lasting relationship.”
Andrea is available for private lessons and in-home consultations, where she works directly with dogs and their families to create lasting solutions that allow them to live in harmony with their pet. Andrea does offer classes occasionally in Kamloops and encourages anyone looking to improve their relationship with their dog to check the Roving K9 Kare website.
