History
Katie attended Clearwater Christian College and earned her degree in biology with minors in both chemistry and Bible. After ten years of working in customer service at a medical equipment provider/pharmacy, Katie decided to follow her passion for the care and training of animals by volunteering at the Humane Society of Pinellas (HSP). The volunteer program at HSP focuses on dog behavior, which encouraged Katie to continue her training from outside sources. Katie continues her commitment to HSP and enjoys working with the dogs each week. She is part of the Red Core volunteer team, and is part of the mentoring team, which helps guide and assist new volunteers.
Katie furthered her training through an extensive internship, enabling her to complete her examination through CCPDT, and become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT – KA). She is also a member of Pet Professional Guild and The Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Training Philosophy
Katie’s philosophy is that each dog has something to teach us.
Services
For Paws and Noses serves the Central Florida area and live online training with a commitment to training based on the science of applied behavior analysis and using positive reinforcement. We focus on manners training, behavior modification, and the sport of K9 Nose Work®.
MANNERS TRAINING
For dogs of any age, even with a few grey hairs, we focus on sit, down, loose leash walking, stay, attention, coming when called, and many other behaviors. We also offer services for you and your puppy such as mouthing, potty training, polite greetings, the importance of socialization, and other puppy needs. Katie is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and can prepare you and your dog to take the Canine Good Citizen evaluation.
BEHAVIOR CONSULTING
We each have concerns at different moments in our life and so do our dogs. Whether the concerns are with other humans, other dogs, or just being fearful in new environments, at For Paws And Noses we use applied behavior analysis when addressing these concerns. We focus on positive reinforcement training, prevention and management, and setting the dog up for success by going at their pace. We teach and reinforce the desired behaviors, create positive associations, and grow the communication between you and your companion.
K9 NOSE WORK®
An amazing dog sport open to dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. It builds on a dog’s natural scenting ability; did you know a dog has up to 300 million scent receptors in their nose, while we humans have only six million? We use what comes naturally for the dog, and begin with searching for food or a toy, and eventually introducing special target odors to the search. This is excellent mental exercise which is so important for our companions. K9 Nose Work® builds confidence and is a great way to have fun with your dog. Katie is a Certified Nose Work Instructor.
Certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI)
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Specializations
Manners training, behavior modification, K9 Nose Work®, puppy training, socialization, polite greetings, mouthing, potty training, loose leash walking, sit, down, stay, attention, coming when called, behavior consulting, fearful dogs, dogs with other humans, dogs with other dogs, new environments
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement, applied behavior analysis
Customer Reviews
“I recently adopted my dog Josie from a local shelter. She is a high energy and intelligent dog that had little social interaction. I quickly figured out that I required some training in order to have Josie be a happy dog. I wanted tools that would create peace and harmony in our relationship, a way of training that was kind and positive for both Josie and me. Katie was the prefect fit for accomplishing that. She brings kindness, knowledge, and a sense of humor to frustrating situations. I also appreciate that she kept our appointments and was on time for them. I think she is great and I feel confident referring friends to her. “
— Erin (on behalf of her & her dog, Josie)
