When you start looking for a trainer you want to know who you will be working with, I thought this would be a good place to introduce myself and give you an idea of who I am and why I do what I do.
I have been training dogs professionally for the last 10 years. I was always interested in dogs and horses. I wanted to be a vet, work at a zoo with big cats, I trained my own horse starting at the age of twelve. But my biggest dream was actually to be a K9 handler for a police department, I always wanted the bond and the partnership they have with their K9 partners. I started my first dog when I was 19 years old and I was hooked! The trainer I was working my dog under encouraged me to pursue training as a profession.
I attended the Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers from July-Dec of 2011. I bought my first school dog Tucker a Yellow Lab, and then I added Ahiga a Belgian Malinois.
Both dogs were trained in obedience, tracking, detection, and protection. At school were were also able to further our education by working board and train dogs, conduct private lessons and instruct group classes. My training approach is a balanced method, I believe in using positive reinforcement to shape and mold desirable behaviors, and utilizing corrections to help keep them accountable.
But learning never stops, every dog I have had the pleasure of working with has taught me something new. The best thing I can do as a trainer is work the dog in front of me. Some dogs take a little more time, they have different motivators, and you have to modify your training approach but it all comes down to balance teaching them what is acceptable and what is not and how we would like them to behave. I have seen it all from the crazy puppy, to the reactive dog on a leash all they need is some structure and guidance and that's what I am here to teach you.
I thank you for taking the time to allow me to introduce myself and please feel free to ask any questions, I'm always here to help!
~Happy training
Met Katie yesterday at the Groomer (Peace, Paws, & Harmony). I got a positive vibe from her and we spoke briefly about how she trains and pricing. I booked my first session for Feb 13th. I hope it works out well for me and my new dog JUDGE. He’s a rescue. I rescued him on January 14, 2023 from the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society at 510 N. LaSalle Street (Chicago). I’ll post a pic below (if I can figure out how).