About Us

Ben Scougale

"Training should be fun for you and your dog!"

My story proves to be a little different than your typical dog trainer I suppose. It may not be as filled with certifications, degrees and experience as some but I challenge anyone to match my love, passion and dedication to making our community a better place through well trained dogs.

During high school and college I worked for a few pet stores. From these jobs I developed a passion for helping people with their animals. I was however at the time unable to see it as my true calling.

After finishing college I began working in the field of Architecture. I spent 14 years building a portfolio which includes clients such as Safeway, Starbucks, QFC, multiple restaurants and Costco as well as a year in China teaching companies how to do things the way they are done in the USA. Though the work was enjoyable and the people I worked with were inspiring I did not find the work as rewarding as when I worked with people and their animals. So I began to look for that special feeling that only a job of true passion could provide.

My wife and I got our first dog Jasper, a Golden Retriever, who proved able to learn the extent of my training knowledge in a matter of months. We knew quickly that we would need more than your average trainer to be able to keep up with Jasper’s intelligence. By shear luck and chance we heard about Isis Caney. “She’s only the BEST trainer around,” our neighbor explained to us. So we went to see what all the fuss was about.

After meeting with Isis and taking a few of her classes I talked with my amazingly supportive wife and left architecture behind to become a dog trainer. I went back to school to obtain my degree in dog obedience training and began an apprenticeship with Isis. Isis, seeing my drive and knack for working with dogs as well as my business smarts quickly saw an opportunity and approached me with an offer I could not refuse.

After a few short months of planning and paperwork we easily developed what I’m sure will soon prove to be the best training and doggie daycare facility in Washington and beyond. With the desire, education, passion and love for what we do, Blue Dog is a company that you will want to keep your eyes on. We promise to do amazing things!

Isis C. Caney 

"Dog's are not just our job, they are our lives!"

I was born into a family who loved animals of all types. I was raised on a small farm, joined a local 4-H club at a young age, and showed my farm animals & pets at the Evergreen State Fair each year. My strongest interest in 4-H was Veterinary Science. I was able to assist Veterinarians at the Fair each year.

In my early teens, I became severely ill from pesticide poisoning. My active life, involved with many types of animals came to a halt. I was on bed rest for several years, only getting out for an hour or two a week, if I was lucky. It as during this time of severe my illness that I had the opportunity to rescue a mixed breed puppy. He was living in deplorable conditions. While I was rescuing him, he actually “rescued” me!

I named my puppy Tutankhamun or “Tut” for short. Tut’s constant companionship and my new responsibilities as the owner of a puppy helped me through a difficult time. I spent weeks and months researching what breed mix he must be – and what needs these breeds had. My research soon became a hobby. I quickly became the expert in breed recognition; knowing what “mix” a dog was. From there I started to study animal behavior, health and training.

As my health gradually came back, I spent even more time educating myself through online college courses and reading books by experts in the field of dogs.

I was finally well enough to physically go to college and to work. I furthered my studies while going to work at Homeward Pet Adoption Center in Woodinville. This is a no-kill dog and cat shelter. This helped to further my skills, becoming a dog breed expert, identifying what breed-mix a new “intake” dog was. This allowed us to identify what type of family (and age of children) the new dog should be adopted into. I went on to doing all temperament testing as well as the training for the shelter. I also became the vet assistant for Homeward.

I had the opportunity to work with dogs that were blind, deaf, or even dogs with “level 3” bite histories. These dogs would normally be put to sleep, but I was able to rehabilitate most of them.

Fun with our WonderDogs

My specialty was working with aggressive dogs and dogs with severe behavior problems. It gave me a chance to give back to animals, since they were the ones who pulled me through my illness. This dangerous, yet rewarding specialty was something that launched me into full-time dog training.

While working full-time, I pursued my education by becoming certified not only in advanced Dog Training as well as Nutrition. I have a certification in Wildlife Management. My love of large cats (as in tigers!) led me to these certifications. These certifications would allow me to work at a wildlife refuge.

I began Blue Dog Pet Training and Sitting three years ago as a part-time venture out of my home, while at the Homeward Pet Adoption Center. I did in-home dog training and sitting. After leaving Homeward Pet Adoption Center, I went to work as the Lead Dog Trainer at a pet store in Issaquah, WA for 2 years. Teaching groups of dogs and owners was definitely my passion! I love sharing my expertise and sense of humor with others. My enthusiastic and energetic style of teaching moved me to want to open up an actual “brick & mortar” business!

My dreams became a reality, when I met Ben. He and his wife, Renee, took a few courses from me with their dogs Jasper and Molly. Ben saw my passion fortraining dogs, and approached me to apprentice to become a dog trainer. He had so much energy and eagerness to learn everything he could about dogs. He apprenticed through me, as well as took many courses to become a certified dog trainer, following his true passion.

Through his apprenticeship, I saw many qualities that Ben had, that I lacked. He had business savey and an in indepth knowledge of running a business.

We soon saw an ideal opportunity – to open up a business together! Thus, Blue Dog World was created!