Introducing Abbi Ward, a Virginia native turned Denver dog trainer whose lifelong passion for animals and behavior laid the groundwork for a career built on empathy, experience, and transformation. In 2025, Abbi realized she wanted to do something truly transformational: help people change their lives by changing the way they relate to their dogs. For her, training isn’t just about addressing behavioral issues; it’s about coaching humans to show up for their dogs with confidence, clarity, and genuine connection.
Her journey to professional training wasn’t a sudden decision; it was shaped by years of lived experience. Abbi grew up with well-behaved dogs, attending puppy kindergarten classes as a child and learning early on that consistency, clear communication, and patience are essential for building a great relationship between dog and handler. She has trained every dog she has owned, recognizing that some dogs require more time, more support, and a different approach, depending on their personality and history. With years of pet knowledge, reading animal behavior, and a heart for helping others, Abbi has always been the friend to turn to when their dogs start acting out. It was when Zeke came into her life that her passion transformed into a career.
In 2023, Abbi adopted Zeke, a highly reactive Cattle Dog mix. A simple walk around the neighborhood turned into full-blown meltdowns at the sight of another dog; Zeke would spin, bark, and lunge at the end of the leash, completely overwhelmed. That’s when Abbi found Chill Out Dog Training and began working as a client with Scott. Zeke was one of the most reactive dogs Scott had seen, but together, they made progress. Big progress.
Since then, Abbi has been studying dog behavior formally, learning under Scott, Cameron, and a Utah-based mentor after attending a drive-centric workshop in Los Angeles. In September 2025, she joins the Chill Out team as a professional dog trainer, combining her lifetime of hands-on animal care with a structured, proven training system.
Abbi’s approach is centered around the “whole dog” experience. A philosophy that considers a dog’s emotional, physical, mental, and energetic needs, not just surface-level obedience. She knows how overwhelming and shame-inducing it can feel to have a reactive or anxious dog, and she brings warmth, empathy, and real-life coaching into every session.
Today, Zeke joins Abbi and her other dog, Dewy, on mountain hikes, backcountry ski tours, and chill neighborhood strolls. He is living proof that a calmer, more connected life is possible for every dog and handler team. Abbi specializes in helping owners of reactive, high-energy, or misunderstood dogs find peace, structure, and trust.
When she’s not working with clients, Abbi is out exploring the beauty of Colorado with Zeke and Dewy by her side, diving into an artistic endeavor, or completing a DIY home project. Her mix of real-world experience and compassionate training makes her an ideal partner for any dog owner ready to build a better bond with their pet.
If you’re tired of chaos and craving connection with your dog, Abbi is ready to help you transform frustration into freedom: one walk at a time.
