July 2025 KPA CTP of the Month: Khafren Ruiz
Tell us about the first animal you ever trained.
My first experience training an animal was with Opie, an American Staffordshire Terrier. He died tragically while playing fetch in the park—he choked on a ball that was too small. At the time, I had no idea what I was doing, but Opie's joy, vulnerability, and trust pulled something out of me. He made me slow down, pay attention, and show up with compassion. That loss didn't just lead me to training—it changed how I saw myself. Opie started the journey I'm still on.
Outside of dog training, do you have any hobbies?
I'm a father of four and a grandfather, so most of my hobbies revolve around family. I also have a background in multimedia and audio engineering, and I enjoy working on creative projects, including video editing, writing, and storytelling. That creative lens definitely shapes how I approach training—it keeps me open to new ways of solving old problems.
Do you have any memorable stories from your time in the DTP?
So many moments stand out—but one in particular changed everything.
When I started, I wasn't even sure I wanted to be a dog trainer. I just knew I wanted to be a better caregiver to my dog, Hope.
The DTP program pushed me in ways I didn't expect. For our final assessment, Hope and I had to perform in front of our instructor and classmates. The clock ran out before we finished. We failed. The room went quiet. I wanted to disappear—it felt like I let Hope down.
We still had one more day. That night, I did everything I could to set us up for success—made sure she rested and knew I loved her. I kept training simple.
The next day, we performed our behavior chain brilliantly. I didn't know if my score was high enough to pass—and in that moment, it didn't matter.
After a long week, Hope showed up in a strange place—around unfamiliar dogs and people—and stayed with me the whole way. That connection—I'll never forget it.
What do you do to continue your training education?
I completed LLA (Living and Learning with Animals) with Dr. Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D., and I continue to audit the class to strengthen my understanding. I take KPA courses, attend ClickerExpo, and stay engaged with the science and ethics behind our work. I also learn a ton from my clients—every dog adds something to how I think, teach, and observe.
Who has been your inspiration in the animal training community?
Terrie Hayward has continued to mentor me long after the program ended. Dr. Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D., has had a profound impact on me. Laura Monaco Torelli's thoughtfulness, Sarah Rodriguez's creativity, Debbie Martin's work on sound sensitivity, Ann Waterbury's passion for nose work, Michael Shikashio's safe handling protocols, and Emma Parsons' amazing work with reactivity through Click to Calm—each has meaningfully shaped my journey.
I've also learned a great deal from Joey Iversen, Grisha Stewart, Annie Chastain, Breanna Norris, Ken Ramirez, my incredible classmates, and Irith Bloom—the skilled dog trainer I hired to help Hope and me.
I feel deeply fortunate to be part of such a generous and inspiring community. Thank you, all of you. I'm excited to continue learning from the many educators who lead the way with clarity, compassion, and commitment.
Was there a particular dog/animal in your life that was your most important teacher?
That would be Rocco, a Blue Heeler mix that was nearly returned to the shelter after struggling in a busy apartment complex. He came into my life early in my career, showing what most would call "fear-based aggression": barking, lunging, air-snapping, and biting—he likes herding, who would've thought? He challenged my skills and forced me to grow.
With Rocco, the work went beyond teaching behaviors—it was about helping him feel safe enough to even learn. It meant learning to slow down, be more observant, and give him the space to make good choices.
Rocco taught me how to be fully present. With him, one wrong move had consequences. You learn fast that way. I like to say I'm certified by Rocco—and I've got the scars to prove it.
Today, he lives with the same couple who rescued him—in a quiet house, enjoying his forever home.
Love and miss you, buddy.
What is your proudest training moment?
It's the moment a dog chooses to take a step forward. When they opt in. When they say, “Okay.”
It's not compliance—it's participation.
It's the moment a dog chooses to take a step forward. When they opt in. When they say, “Okay.” It's not compliance—it's participation.
I think of Belle, a fearful pup who struggled to cope with the world around her. We were walking through a park that once overwhelmed her. Up ahead, a small stream cut across our path—nothing big, but enough to make her pause. She looked at it, looked at me, then back at the water. And then—she jumped.
She landed, turned around, and I could see it on her face. I just did that.
Those are the moments that stay with me. When a dog works through fear. When they let a trigger pass without reacting. When they choose to move forward. That's not just behavior. That's courage.
What is the most important piece of advice you can give to a new trainer?
Don't get bit. Know that you're needed. Keep going.
This work can be challenging at times, but it matters. Stay humble, stay curious, and take care of yourself so you can continue to show up for the animals—and the people—who need you.