Meet the Trainer: Katy Johnson
Certified Behavior Consultant
Fear Free Certified Trainer
Of course I love dogs, or this business wouldn't exist! But I also love teaching. I left a career as an elementary school teacher to work with dogs and their owners and found there are many similarities between the two jobs.
There are also differences, the saddest one being that while most parents would bend over backwards to see their children succeed, many dog parents blame their dogs for misbehaving without teaching them any of the necessary skills they need to succeed.
Our dogs deserve better, and this is the reason I am a dog trainer. So, I congratulate you on making the decision to work with me and with your dog. It will be a bonding experience, it will enhance both of your lives, and it will be lots of FUN!
There are also differences, the saddest one being that while most parents would bend over backwards to see their children succeed, many dog parents blame their dogs for misbehaving without teaching them any of the necessary skills they need to succeed.
Our dogs deserve better, and this is the reason I am a dog trainer. So, I congratulate you on making the decision to work with me and with your dog. It will be a bonding experience, it will enhance both of your lives, and it will be lots of FUN!

I am an Honors Graduate of Animal Behavior College, a Certified Behavior Consultant through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), a Fear Free Certified Professional through Fear Free Pets, and an AKC Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator. These certifications are for trainers who use force-free methods only-no shock or pinch collars and no handling that will harm or scare the dog.
I've also worked at a veterinary hospital for six years; trained and assessed dogs at Char-Meck Animal Control for a year; and supervised a dog daycare for five years. I've attended training classes with my hounds both virtually and in person. My senior coonhound and I competed in AKC Scentwork Trials and those were some of my most favorite weekends and will forever be some of my favorite memories. I know and love many aspects of the dog world!
I've also worked at a veterinary hospital for six years; trained and assessed dogs at Char-Meck Animal Control for a year; and supervised a dog daycare for five years. I've attended training classes with my hounds both virtually and in person. My senior coonhound and I competed in AKC Scentwork Trials and those were some of my most favorite weekends and will forever be some of my favorite memories. I know and love many aspects of the dog world!
My rescued Coonhound, TillyBean, was also a certified Therapy Dog. I loved volunteering with her in different environments and watching her brighten someone's day!
"Positive training is all about simple management. You just have to remember to
be the most intelligent species. Train with your brain." ~ Pat Miller
be the most intelligent species. Train with your brain." ~ Pat Miller
Why Train Your Dog?
Force-free training will make life easier for you and your dog!
Force-free training will make life easier for you and your dog!
Adopting or buying a dog is a commitment of 10-15 years. Training your dog is an investment of time and money, and I will set you and your dog up to succeed so it will pay off in a big way.
~Would you like your dog to walk on a loose leash through the neighborhood instead of her pulling you toward every bush, squirrel, and/or dog she sees?
~Would you like her to sit and wait at the door instead of bolting past you and running away?
~Would you like her to lie on her bed while you cook and eat meals instead of jumping up on the table and begging?
I can teach you to train all of these behaviors and more!
~Would you like your dog to walk on a loose leash through the neighborhood instead of her pulling you toward every bush, squirrel, and/or dog she sees?
~Would you like her to sit and wait at the door instead of bolting past you and running away?
~Would you like her to lie on her bed while you cook and eat meals instead of jumping up on the table and begging?
I can teach you to train all of these behaviors and more!
How I Train
I use humane training methods that focus on teaching your dog the behaviors you want rather than punishing those you don't. While punishment can stop an unwanted behavior, it doesn't teach the dog what you want him to do instead. And who among us wants to hurt or scare our dog? I never use shock, vibrate, pinch, or choke collars, and I encourage my clients to use force-free methods with their dogs for better long-term results.
When properly motivated, dogs love to work! You'll be surprised how quickly your dog learns when his behavior is reinforced with his favorite toy, activity, or treat. The bond and trust between you will strengthen and the training concepts will last throughout your lives together.
I use force-free training methods because they work. I train with the goal in mind that you will better understand how your dog learns and what motivates her and she will better understand what you want her to do!
When properly motivated, dogs love to work! You'll be surprised how quickly your dog learns when his behavior is reinforced with his favorite toy, activity, or treat. The bond and trust between you will strengthen and the training concepts will last throughout your lives together.
I use force-free training methods because they work. I train with the goal in mind that you will better understand how your dog learns and what motivates her and she will better understand what you want her to do!