Kate Naito
Kate, now based in Connecticut, started as a dog behavior consultant and trainer with the renowned group Doggie Academy in Brooklyn, NY in 2013. She is fully certified by both IAABC and CCPDT, and regularly participates in continuing education to learn the most current methods and research. Prior to becoming a trainer, she was an instructor at the City University of New York for many years.
Now back in her home state, Kate brings her expertise to High Ten Dog Training, which opened in 2021.
Training Philosophy
Kate uses the most current force-free techniques to bring out the best behavior in your best friend. She encourages you and your dog to work as teammates towards a mutual goal, rather than use fear or pain to get quick “results.”
Services
High Ten provides in-home lessons and private courses in the Stamford, CT vicinity.
Private Courses
Imagine a group training class… without the group! Private courses take place in your home, once per week for four weeks. Each course follows a set curriculum based on fun, force-free methods.
-
Puppy Course
Set your pup up for success to prevent problems later! Start this class as soon as your puppy comes home. Each class addresses: 1. puppy topics like potty training and mouthing, 2. preventing behavior issues like separation anxiety and resource guarding, 3. socialization to new things, and 4. age-appropriate manners training.
4 classes / $460 (plus CT sales tax)
-
MANNERS 1 COURSE
A robust manners foundation for puppies or adults. The course addresses sit/stay, come, touch, leash walking, drop it, and leave it. Within that framework, we adapt the course to your dog’s particular needs and level.
4 classes / $460 (plus CT sales tax)
-
MANNERS 2 COURSE
This unique course builds your dog’s manners through canine sports and trick training. Improving your dog’s impulse control, recall, leash walking, and politeness in public has never been more fun! The course is based on Kate’s book Play Your Way to Good Manners.
Prerequisite: Manners 1 or equivalent.
4 classes / $460 (plus CT sales tax), plus book cost
-
MANNERS 3 course
Apply your dog’s basic skills to real-life scenarios. We focus on calm interactions with guests, recall around distractions, polite leash walking in public, cafe manners, and more. This course is excellent prep for AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test, and draws from Kate’s book BKLN Manners.
Prerequisite: Manners 1 or equivalent.
4 classes / $460 (plus CT sales tax), plus book cost
Private Lessons
There is a reason why credentialed, force-free trainers rarely get reality shows — good training involves zero drama! At High Ten, we encourage you and your dog to work as teammates towards a mutual goal, rather than use fear or pain to get quick “results.”
Certifications
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) by IAABC
Certified Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP – Training)
Certified Dog Parkour Instructor (ADP-CI)
Master’s Degree in Education (MS)
Specializations
Manners and behavior modification
Training Methods
Force-free techniques, positive reinforcement
Customer Reviews
Kate is wonderful! She really takes the time to find out about your dog, the behaviors you want to work on, and then tailors the training to your abilities and situation. She sends a thorough review after each visit, with suggestions for further reading and videos to watch to help with your training. I’m so pleased at the progress our dog Penny has made in just three months! I also appreciate Kate’s humane approach (no prong collars or e-collars).
Rosemary
