Trinh Tran Hoan Kim, from Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City, embarked on a lifelong mission to become one of Vietnam’s top canine trainers after being bitten by a dog when she was just a child.   

Training dogs has been Kim’s calling since she was inspired to understand canine behaviors after her accident.

‘Why do dogs always chase and bite me?” she wondered.

Now, years later, she is considered one of the country’s top canine behavior specialists, known for her expertise in providing dog training and nutritional care.

Kim offers three dog training courses.

Trinh Tran Hoan Kim carefully puts on a dog muzzle before a training session at a park in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

There is a three-month beginner class which focuses on training dogs to live healthfully and follow daily routines.

Kim’s intermediate course is designed to prevent aggressive behavior in dogs that are over one year old.

This course lasts from three to six months depending on the dogs’ personalities.

The highest level Kim offers is an advanced course in which dogs are trained to work with humans.

Dogs in Trinh Tran Hoan Kim’s beginner class practice healthy lifestyles and following simple commands in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Much of Kim’s love for man’s best friend comes from her own personal struggles with affection.

“I suffered from postpartum depression,” she said, explaining that the love and affection she receives from the canines helped her overcome that condition.

A dog’s lifestyle and mental health are based on its owner’s love and enthusiasm, according to Kim.

“I see dogs as friends, as family members, not as animals born to be kept in the house,” Kim shared.

Trinh Tran Hoan Kim and her husband Nguyen Tran Nam often take their dogs out for training every week, from Monday to Friday. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Trinh Tran Hoan Kim and her dogs always have a good time together. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Trinh Tran Hoan Kim prepares food for her dogs. Each consumes about a kilogram of pate, over three meals a day. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

A dog practices sniffing and recognizing different smells. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Trinh Tran Hoan Kim sees dogs as friends and family members, not as animals born to be kept in the house. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Nhu Nguyet - Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News