Debi McKee

Hi, I’m Debi McKee

Founder of Rescue Dogs 101
Dog Behavior & Holistic Care Advocate
Volunteer Since 2014

My mission is to help you and your rescue dog live your best life together... one filled with trust, joy, and love.

My Expertise

I help rescue dog parents navigate adoption, training, and wellness with compassion, evidence-based strategies, and a holistic touch. My focus is always on the whole dog... from behavior and confidence to gut health and natural remedies.

Specialties:

Rescue dog adoption & smooth home transitions
Holistic health and natural remedies for dogs
Building confidence through play and positive training
Reading canine body language
Supporting foster and shelter dogs during change

Debi McKee with her dog Bear between her legs.

Debi McKee with a small dog, volunteering at the Humane Society.

My Experience

Since 2014, I’ve been actively volunteering with a local rescue, fostering dogs, and helping match them with loving homes. I’ve also worked as a Canine Care Assistant at a humane society, where I made it my mission to give every dog individual care and kindness.

Highlights:

Fostered dozens of rescue dogs since 2014
Performed home visits to help rescues find the perfect match
Volunteered at adoption events and fundraising campaigns
Member of my local kennel club, helping at community events

My Education & Training

I believe learning never stops, especially when it comes to helping dogs thrive. Over the years, I’ve invested in continuing education from some of the most respected experts in dog behavior and training.

Key Training & Certifications:

Dr. Ian Dunbar – Resolving Dog-Dog Reactivity & Results-Based Training (2024)
Steffi Trott, Spirit Dog Training – Masterclass Lifetime Member
Dr. Katie Woodley, The Natural Pet Doctor – Healthy Holistic Pet for Life Blueprint
Susan Garrett’s Recallers Program
Multiple seminars on body language, reactivity, agility, and shelter dog care

View Full List of Qualifications

Key Certifications & Courses

Dr. Ian Dunbar – Resolving Dog-Dog Reactivity & Results-Based Dog Training (2-day seminar, 2024)
Dr. Katie Woodley, The Natural Pet Doctor – Healthy Holistic Pet for Life Blueprint (Lifetime Member since 2023)
The Dog Calming Code Course – The Online Dog Trainer (2022)
Spirit Dog Training – Masterclass (Lifetime Member since 2021)
Susan Garrett’s Recallers – Online Training Program (2019–2020)

Key Certifications & Courses

Dog Agility Training (2020–2022)
Dog Body Language & Defensive Handling – Bridget Pieper (2019)
Dog Behavior & Training Seminars – Majors Dog Academy, Sit Means Sit (2015–2018)
Multi-Dog Interactions & Play – Fetch WI (2016)
Dog Play & Behavior Strategies – Fetch WI (2015)

Key Certifications & Courses

Active volunteer performing home visits for local dog rescue (2014–present)
Active volunteer at adoption events, fundraising campaigns, and educational outreach (2014–present)
Foster home volunteer for local dog rescue (2014–2020)
Canine Care Assistant – Dane County Humane Society (2019–2020)

Key Certifications & Courses

8-week dog training courses with my own dogs (1995–2006)
Early experience with positive reinforcement, leash skills, and behavior shaping

Dr. Ian Dunbar standing next to Debi McKee, Rescue Dogs 101.

Why I Do This

Rescue Dogs 101 started as a way to share what I’d learned through fostering and training dogs, and quickly grew into a trusted resource for dog parents worldwide.

My passion is rooted in a belief that every dog deserves not just a home, but a life filled with health, trust, and joy.

Through this blog, I’m here to help you:

Understand your dog’s needs and behavior
Build trust and confidence through training and enrichment
Choose natural, holistic care options that support long-term health

Beyond the Blog

You’ll also find resources in the Rescue Dogs 101 Shop, including planners, guides, and training tools... all designed to make dog parenting simpler, healthier, and more joyful.