Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Bissing
Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with Beyond the Leash Foundation started with a deep passion for training dogs and a firm belief in the power of animal assisted therapy. As a professional dog trainer, I have spent years helping dogs and their handlers build strong, effective partnerships, whether in pet obedience, behavior modification, or therapy dog training. Over time, I saw firsthand how therapy dogs could provide an unmatched level of comfort and emotional support, especially in high stress environments.
Beyond the Leash Foundation was born out of the realization that first responders, who face intense pressures daily, could greatly benefit from highly trained therapy dogs but not just any therapy dogs. The traditional model was not enough. These dogs needed to be trained to handle the unique challenges of first responder environments, from loud tones at the station to providing comfort for first responders who experience higher levels of stress than the general public. That is why our approach goes beyond national therapy dog standards, focusing on specialized training that prepares dogs to thrive in these settings.
From the start, our goal has been to build something that lasts, not just placing therapy dogs in departments but creating sustainable programs with ongoing training, support, and a clear structure. By setting a higher standard for therapy dog certification, we ensure these teams are truly prepared to make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape Beyond the Leash Foundation into what it is today. One of the biggest struggles has been raising awareness about the difference between a properly trained therapy dog and simply having a dog in a department. Many agencies love the idea of a therapy dog, but they do not always realize the level of training and commitment required to ensure long-term success. Educating departments on the importance of proper training and certification has been an ongoing effort.
Another challenge has been establishing higher standards than national organizations while earning the trust of first responder agencies. Many programs take a one size fits all approach, but we have worked hard to develop specialized training that prepares therapy dogs for the specific challenges first responders face. This has meant pushing past outdated expectations and proving that a higher standard is not only possible, but necessary for these teams to truly be effective.
Like any nonprofit, securing funding and resources is always a challenge. We are constantly working to build partnerships with sponsors and donors who believe in our mission. Despite the obstacles, seeing the impact these therapy dogs have on first responders makes every challenge worth it. The road has not been easy, but I believe in what we are building and am committed to making a real difference.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I founded Beyond the Leash Dog Training in 2017 with the goal of making high-quality dog training accessible and affordable to as many people as possible. We offer group classes, board and train programs, and day camp, all designed to help owners build a strong, balanced relationship with their dogs. We use a balanced training approach with positive reinforcement as our primary method, ensuring that training is both effective and rewarding for dogs and their owners.
What sets us apart, is that we focus on real-world training and long-term success. Whether we are helping a family train their new puppy or guiding a therapy dog team through advanced skills, the goal is always to strengthen the bond between the dog and human. I am most proud of the community we have built, both through our clients who trust us with their dogs and through the partnerships we have formed to bring therapy dogs into spaces where they can make the greatest impact.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have had many mentors along the way, including professional dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, and clients who have shared their knowledge and guidance throughout my entrepreneurial journey. Their expertise has helped shape not only the way I approach my work but also how I have built and grown my business
More than anyone, my husband has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter. He has stood by me through every challenge, every late night, and every big decision, always encouraging me to keep pushing forward. His belief in what I do has been invaluable.
I also have an amazing team, many of whom have been with me since the beginning. Having a consistent, dedicated staff has been a huge part of our success. Each team member is passionate about what we do, and that commitment is what allows us to provide the best training experience possible for both dogs and their owners. I could not do this without them, and I am incredibly grateful for the community we have built together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beyondtheleash.dog/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheleashfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondtheleashfoundation/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-bissing-bs-041b2311a
