About Blue Mountain Canine

About Blue Mountain Canine

Living Well with Dogs

We believe our relationships with dogs are about more than teaching behaviors or achieving obedience. They're an opportunity to understand another living being, build trust, and discover ways to learn and thrive together.

Our goal is to help dogs and humans thrive together by acknowledging that both dogs and humans bring their own histories, instincts, personalities, and needs into a household. At Blue Mountain Canine, great training begins with finding ways to communicate that helps everyone feel more capable, connected, and confident in everyday life. 

You don't need to arrive with a perfectly behaved dog, a perfect training history, or all the answers. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are enough to begin.

Understanding the Dog in Front of Us

Our work is grounded in animal welfare science and deeply informed by Family Dog Mediation, a framework that encourages us to understand dogs as whole individuals rather than collections of behaviors to change.

We consider each dog's Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self—the LEGS that help us understand why a dog behaves as they do, what they may need, and what approaches are likely to be helpful.  Rather than focusing solely on suppressing dog behaviors, we look for appropriate ways for dogs to express natural behaviors and meet their needs as individuals and members of their species.   

We also consider the people who share that dog's life. Your needs, hopes, routines, resources, and capacity matter.

Sometimes the answer is teaching a new skill. Sometimes it's changing an expectation, changing your own behavior, adjusting an environment, or learning to see a situation differently.

Learning Together

Life with dogs can be wonderful, messy, funny, frustrating, and deeply rewarding—sometimes all in the same afternoon!  

Because humans play such an important role in their dogs' lives, our approach asks guardians to reflect on their own habits, expectations, responses, and to make changes that support learning and well-being for both ends of the leash. 

We provide professional guidance, education, and practical skills, but lasting progress requires your own observation, consistent practice, and willingness to apply what you learn in everyday life.

We approach this process with compassion rather than judgment. Learning something new can be challenging for humans and dogs alike, and we believe honest feedback, encouragement, and collaboration are essential to making meaningful progress.

The People Behind Blue Mountain Canine

Blue Mountain Canine is a small, family-owned dog education and training business based in Pendleton, Oregon, founded by Frances and Mycal.  

Over the last 14 years, our work with dogs and their people has continued to evolve. Meaningful progress rarely comes from a single method or a one-size-fits-all solution. It grows from careful observation, sound knowledge, collaboration, and a commitment to keep learning.

Our faith helps shape our commitment to compassion, hospitality, honesty, service, and respect for the dignity and needs of both people and dogs. These convictions guide how we approach our work and the relationships we build with clients.

Professional Education & Credentials

Our work is supported by professional education, experience, ongoing mentorship, and a commitment to continued learning.

Our qualifications include:

• Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LFDM-T)

• Accredited Dog Trainer (IAABC-ADT)

• Certified Dog Bite Prevention Educator (DN-DBPE)

• Licensed Dog Team Evaluator, Pet Partners

• Certified Drink With Your Dog Instructor®

• Pet First Aid/CPR certification

We also participate in continuing education and professional communities, including the Pet Professional Guild and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

We consider it an honor to be invited into your relationship with your dog. Our services offer not only useful skills and knowledgeable support, but also encouragement, understanding, and a little more joy in the everyday experience of sharing life with dogs.