Meet Hayley Kenner

We were lucky to catch up with Hayley Kenner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hayley, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I think imposter syndrome showed up a lot in the beginning when we were just starting out. It’s all about challenging and reframing that negative self-talk. I also think that confidence comes after action, not before, so after some wins it became easier to believe that we were who we said we were. It became easier to trust in our own abilities.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Revival Dog Training was founded in 2021 and is owned and operated by myself and my longtime friend and colleague, Yennifer Mejia. Together, we created the signature training programs at RDT and have expanded the business to 14 team members across 3 locations; 2 in Houston and 1 in Manhattan. We are known for our comprehensive services that are tailored to urban dogs, humane and welfare-focused training, and forming long-term bonds with our clients. We believe in meeting clients and dogs where they are, both behaviorally and emotionally. Yennifer and I have always had a team-oriented mindset, and are extremely client-focused. We prioritize the quality of education and safety of every dog in our care.

We just recently opened our Manhattan location and are currently working on tapping into that community. We see that fear and reactivity is a common problem there, and we hope to reach more dogs to help. We do specialize in these behavioral challenges, so there is certainly a need for our services in the big city.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Yennifer and I started out as dog trainers by trade over a decade ago, so we already had a strong expertise in the field. We also naturally bring a blend of interpersonal, strategic, and technical skills. Growing RDT to a multi-location operation took scalable systems, branding and business acumen, and visionary leadership. I think developing these skills takes time, practice, and intentional growth. It’s good to surround yourself with mentors who have aligned values. They don’t have to be in the same field as you, but they should actively push you and support your growth. A solid mentor should reflect the kind of professional or human that you aspire to be. It’s also helpful to be able to perform every role within your organization. I think a good leader is someone who is willing to be in the trenches with their team. They understand the way things operate because they’ve worked their way from the bottom up, and they’ve literally walked in the shoes of every person they employ.

How would you describe your ideal client?

An ideal client for RDT is someone who understands our values, methods, and commitment to relationship-based training. They’re curious and coachable, and they value ethical practices over quick fixes. They want more than just obedience; they want to reduce fear, build trust, and meet their dog’s emotional needs. They understand the importance of structure and enrichment. We love clients who want to become apart of the culture and are in it for the long game. Those people become like family to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://revivaldogtraining.com/
• Instagram: @revivaldogtraining @dogtrainersofhouston
• Facebook: Revival Dog Training
• Youtube: @revivaldogtraining

Image Credits

Revival Dog Training