Testimonials

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We have been looking for a great trainer for our high-energy, reactive aussies for a long time. I am so glad we found Kate! Over the course of just a few sessions, we have seen a night and day difference from our dogs being overly protective to being able to walk through stressful situations, such as a nearby aggressive dog, and keep their attention with little effort. 

Prior to her work with them, our dogs would pull on their leashes, always want to walk in front of us, and cross back and forth in our path. Today, they are both great at walking by our side with a loose leash and their attention focused on us. 

She has also gone out of her way to ensure that the pups are ready for the upcoming birth of our first child and all the challenges that includes. 

- The Hendricksons

Kate is fantastic! She has been working with my very leash-reactive dog Marlo for about 6 months - this includes initially assessing Marlo at our house (it went great - Marlo loved her and I learned a ton just by watching Kate interact with Marlo and describe what she was noticing), introducing Marlo to 3-4 different dog-walkers all with great success, and best of all working one-on-one with me to show me how I can assess and manage my behavior while walking Marlo. Kate is an expert when it comes to understanding the interaction of  dog behavior and human behavior. She has shown me how to assess and manage my body language and mindset in order to help Marlo while on leash. This has made walks with Marlo much more enjoyable and much less stressful! Kate is also full of kindness, humor, and enthusiasm - I have full confidence in her as a trainer.

- The Carpenters

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Simply put - Kate is the best!  

We were fortunate to be referred to Kate after my husband and I adopted our two rescue pups Dusk (our Shepherd mix) and FozzyBear (our Newfoundland mix). Both dogs went through so much before finding their way to us. They were terrified of the world - loud noises, other people, new experiences and places.  Everything scared them!  My husband and I have both had dogs for most of our life and felt we were competent dog handlers. Until we adopted Dusk and FozzyBear. We weren't sure how to help them with their fearfulness and anxiety. We knew we needed expert guidance.  

At our first meeting, I told Kate one of my goals was for others to be able to see what my husband and I saw in Dusk and FozzyBear - all sweetness and love! I had my doubts that our dogs would ever be able to accept strangers in our home or be able to go on adventures with us to new places.  But with Kate guiding us, we got there!   

Dusk is a total superstar who can now go on hikes and other outings with me ignoring other dogs, noises, and people while she confidently trusts and focuses on me.  And everyone who meets FozzyBear can now see his goofy personality as a true gentle giant.

Kate helped us understand how to communicate with our pups, teach them needed foundational skills, and, most importantly, build a strong, positive relationship with them so that they can live in this world as confident, happy dogs. Kate is patient, kind, and an incredibly effective communicator.  She is always willing to respond to my seemingly endless questions and calm my worries with her wealth of knowledge and experience.  She helped not only build my dogs' confidence but mine as well.  I've learned so much from our sessions with her. She truly is the best! 

- The Brentons

Kate is an invaluable member of the Close to Home team. Her deep expertise in dog behavior—particularly with over-reactive dogs on walks—sets her apart. She is also an exceptional communicator, and through her training, our staff has been able to elevate the level of service we provide. Whenever I have a concern or question about dog behavior on a walk, I know I can count on Kate for thoughtful, effective guidance.

- Drew Benson, CEO Close to Home Pet Services, LLC