Visit Cathy’s personal dog training business page here!
How long have you been working as a dog trainer?
Since 2008
What inspired you to become a dog trainer?
Growing up I was always enthralled with dogs. In college I adopted a dog who was an absolute terror. But after attending a clicker training class, it was amazing to see the transformation in how we could communicate. He ended up being my heart dog and my inspiration to help other people with the same thing.
What kind of training do you specialize in?
Aggression
What’s your favorite high value snack? (For yourself)
Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches
What’s one accomplishment you’re especially proud of in your training career?
Getting my behavior consultant certification – it takes a long time to build up the case hours and the test was really difficult, so earning the designation was incredibly rewarding.
Why do you swear by positive reinforcement? (We know it works, but we want to hear your why!)
It focuses on what you want your dog TO DO, rather than just assuming they know what we want. I believe there’s no need to use positive punishment techniques or aversive tools to communicate with our dogs – we need to prioritize our relationships before “obedience,” and once we do that, the rest follows.
Give us a tale of a training success that makes you do a happy dance every time you think about it:
I worked with a Golden Retriever named Darcy, who was exhibiting resource guarding aggression toward her people over things she’d steal, like napkins or tissues, and her chews. It was amazing to see her progress when her people stayed consistent with the training and management. I worked with them virtually, and the video of her happily giving up stolen items they sent me, along with videos of them playing together make me so happy.
What’s one piece of advice you wish every dog guardian knew?
Prevention is easier than treatment! True for a lot of things, but implementing management and putting in some work as early as possible to prevent unwanted dog behaviors really pays off in the long run.
If you weren’t a dog trainer, what would you be doing instead?
I’d probably be a lawyer.
Do you currently have any pets? Tell us about them! I have two Cardigan Corgis. Sookie Bean is 15 years old and queen of the house. Fozzie Bear is almost 5 years old (and Sookie’s great-great-grand-nephew) and keeps me on my toes.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
It’s All Coming Back to Me Now by Celine Dion
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
It’s a tie between Antigua, Guatemala and Chang Mai, Thailand. I can’t decide.
If you were a dog, what breed would you be and why? 🐾
A Chow Chow. Aloof, fluffy, and no expectation to be social.
