Debi McKee

Debi McKee outside with her dogs, Bear (a yellow lab) and Ginger (a mixed breed dog) and Thunder and Wizard (border collies)

Hi, I’m Debi McKee

  • Founder of Rescue Dogs 101
  • Certified Holistic Pet Health Coach™
  • Dog Behavior & Holistic Care Advocate
  • Rescue 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.

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My Expertise

I help rescue dog parents navigate adoption, behavior, and wellness with compassion, real-life experience, and a whole-dog approach. As a Certified Holistic Pet Health Coach™, I look at how your dog’s behavior, confidence, gut health, nutrition, stress, environment, and daily routine are all connected.

Specialties:

  • Rescue dog adoption and smooth home transitions
  • Whole-dog wellness support for rescue dogs
  • Holistic health and natural remedies
  • Understanding the connection between behavior, stress, and health
  • Building confidence through play and positive training
  • Reading canine body language
Debi McKee with her dog Bear between her legs.
Debi McKee with a small dog, volunteering at the Humane Society.
Foster Dog Prada
two dogs nose to nose

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:

  • Certified Holistic Pet Health Coach™ through Dr. Ruth Roberts’ Holistic Pet Health Coach Program — Training in whole-pet wellness, nutrition, gut health, stress, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) constitutional frameworks
  • Dr. Ian Dunbar – Resolving Dog-Dog Reactivity & Results-Based Training
  • 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

I am not a veterinarian and do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prescribe. My work is educational and supportive, and is meant to work alongside your veterinarian, not replace veterinary care.

Dr. Ian Dunbar standing next to Debi McKee, Rescue Dogs 101.
Debi McKee kissing her dog Ginger.

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.