Who are we?
Meet the best caretakers in the Gallatin Valley
About Kenzie
Owner and Head Trainer
My name is Kenzie Hegstad. Spending time with dogs has always been my greatest passion, and that love inspired me to expand my services and build a place where dogs and their owners can thrive together.
I grew up with retrievers and started my training career with a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, competing in multiple dog sports. Since then, I’ve continued to grow as a trainer and now also compete with my Belgian Malinois. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in and competing across a variety of disciplines, including AKC Obedience, Trick Dog competitions, Dock Diving, Schutzhund (IGP), and different styles of hunting with dogs.
In addition to hands-on experience, I’ve attended numerous dog training schools and earned certification as a LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) trainer. My approach is centered around understanding each dog as an individual—learning what motivates them, ensuring they’re mentally fulfilled, and channeling their natural drives into fun and meaningful training.
Beyond my practical experience, I also hold a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife, which has given me a strong foundation in animal biology and behavior. This background allows me to better understand canine instincts and behaviors, helping me create training plans that are both effective and compassionate.
At Storm Castle Canines, my goal is simple: to help dogs and their owners build stronger, happier relationships through training, enrichment, and teamwork.
OUR TEAM
We are committed to providing the highest standard of care and ensuring every dog in our care is treated as one of our own.
Trainer
With nearly a decade of experience being a barn manager at horse training and boarding facilities, I’ve spent much of my life surrounded by animals of all kinds. While my early passion was rooted in horses, I eventually discovered the world of sport dogs—and was instantly captivated by the precision and complexity of their training. Watching handlers teach such advanced behaviors sparked a deep curiosity and inspired me to begin my own journey with dogs.
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After getting my first sport dog and becoming part of an incredibly supportive training community, my interest quickly grew into a true calling. I dove into classes, hands-on learning, and every opportunity to expand my knowledge. My experience working in Kenzie’s Day Training program further solidified my commitment to pursuing a career as a professional dog trainer.
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Today, I bring together my lifelong experience with animals, my dedication to continued learning, and my passion for helping dogs and their owners succeed.
Hannah Devery
Animal Husbandry Coordinator
My love for animals developed early in life. I grew up on a farm in a small town, surrounded by many different kinds of animals. This upbringing gave me a strong foundation in animal husbandry and care from a young age.
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We often had stray and abandoned dogs come through our property, which exposed me to a wide variety of breeds, personalities, and temperaments. This was an invaluable experience that helped me develop an understanding of canine body language, communication, and behavior.
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Our personal dogs were always Rottweilers, so I have a special place in my heart for the breed. Growing up, my family and I also raised puppies for a service dog program for the blind. Working with so many different puppies and learning about the process of developing a dog into a service animal was an incredible experience—and it was during this time that I truly fell in love with training.
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When I moved away for college, I quickly got a dog of my own, and training soon became a major part of my life. Hiking, exploring, and finding ways to enrich my dog’s life became some of my greatest joys. What started as a hobby eventually led me to discover different dog sport communities, where I began taking my training more seriously and was exposed to higher-level training and handling.
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One of the things that captivated me most was seeing the incredible bond between handlers and their sport dogs. I knew I wanted to create that same kind of partnership with my own dogs and help others build it with theirs.
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Since then, I have worked in several different kennels and continued to expand my experience working with dogs. I currently work full-time as a groomer at Dee-O-Gee, while also helping Kenzie with the care and training of the dogs at Storm Castle Canines.
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My goal is to help people better understand their dogs, build a strong relationship with them, and create a fulfilling life together through thoughtful training, clear communication, and meaningful engagement.
