Katarina Maya Wakil’s journey into the world of dogs began with her own dog, Oliver. She was initially terrified of dogs but Oliver changed her life and inspired her to start training dogs. She has been working as a dog trainer for the past 5 years and has applied it to all aspects of her life. She currently owns a 6-year-old faded calico cat, M&M, and her current service dog, a Greater Swiss, Hyperion.
Training Philosophy
Katarina Maya Wakil believes in positive reinforcement methods and strives to create a happy, loving environment for both pets and owners. She emphasizes communication and understanding between dogs and their owners, building trust and a strong bond. She believes dogs are a part of the family and deserve to be cared for and listened to as such.
Services
Katarina Maya Wakil offers a wide range of services including:
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Dog Training:
Private training sessions, basic obedience (sit, down, stay, leave it/drop it, loose leash walking, touch, etc.), therapy dog work, service dog work, and mild to moderate reactivity.
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Dog Walking:
She follows the owners’ walking rules and encourages sniff breaks for mental enrichment. She also walks reactive dogs.
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Dog Sitting:
She treats each pet as if they are her own, following the owner’s rules and providing love and respect. She offers overnight stays and multiple visits during the day.
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Walk and Train:
She combines walking with training, teaching loose leash walking and basic commands. She offers a 30-minute transfer lesson halfway through and at the end of the program.
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Group Classes:
Puppy socialization classes and Puppy PreK (basic obedience).
Certifications
Katarina Maya Wakil holds the following certifications:
- CCPDT-KA (Canine Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed)
- CCDT (Certified Canine Dog Trainer), or CATCH Academy Certification
- Cat and Dog First Aid and CPR Certified
Specializations
Katarina Maya Wakil specializes in:
- Positive reinforcement training
- Basic obedience
- Therapy dog work
- Service dog work
- Mild to moderate reactivity
- Puppy socialization
- Loose leash walking
Training Methods
Katarina Maya Wakil uses positive reinforcement methods, scientific methods, and management techniques to solidify the relationship between owners and their dogs. She emphasizes going at the dog’s pace and building a foundation of learning.
