Balanced and Behaved Dog Folks
Olivia*****
Our family was faced with a tremendously hard decision following one of our dogs attacking another of our dogs. We reached out to various animal professionals for advice and they ended up giving us a wide range of recommendations on what to do, some suggesting rehoming, while others suggested euthanization. We were devastated and so scared to make the wrong decision. We kept calling, finding a handful of dog trainers who felt confident that they could try to help us train our dog, addressing triggers causing him to be aggressive. Out of this list came Kathy. And truthfully, out of all the trainers, her advice sounded the hardest: she made it clear that WE were going to have to put the time in to working with our dogs, training them, listening to them, watching their cues, and stepping up to prove to them that we were the "leaders" of the pack. She was the only trainer willing to work in our home with us, others insisted we bring them individually to their training locations. It was important to work with all of our dogs, within our home, as we wanted the work we were doing to be in the setting the dogs were struggling in.
Kathy takes her job seriously and observes, asks questions, and watches as her suggestions are implemented. Her understanding of dogs, their needs and behaviors, as well as their expectations of their humans, is uncanny. She is not fast to rush you through lessons, takes her time to answer ALL your questions, and makes sure you understand the work you need to focus on and why you are doing certain steps. She was very patient with the length of time we required in between each lesson to juggle family life and making sure our dogs mastered each new skill we were trying to teach them. She was available to answer questions or help direct us in between lessons.
When first speaking to Kathy I had concerns that she suggests utilizing choke collars and electric shock collars to help during training. My previous opinions were negative related to these. I'll admit, I was wrong! Do yourself a favor, do the research, ask the questions, let Kathy explain the hows and whys of using these collars. I am absolutely amazed at the difference these have made during training and every day life. They are not a punishment to your dog, they are a way to reassure them, show expectations, and keep them safe. 100% a game changer for us.
In the end, hiring Kathy was the best decision we could have ever made! Not only were we able to have our beloved pet remain as part of our family, but she was able to teach us the skills needed to reign in the chaos and dog behaviors we had normalized and provide the consistency and guidance they needed from us. She didn't just save our dog's life, she saved our family from unbelieveable heartache! Our dogs were tough cookies, but they were no match for Kathy!
-Olivia & Scott Rodgers
Gloucester, MA
Our family was faced with a tremendously hard decision following one of our dogs attacking another of our dogs. We reached out to various animal professionals for advice and they ended up giving us a wide range of recommendations on what to do, some suggesting rehoming, while others suggested euthanization. We were devastated and so scared to make the wrong decision. We kept calling, finding a handful of dog trainers who felt confident that they could try to help us train our dog, addressing triggers causing him to be aggressive. Out of this list came Kathy. And truthfully, out of all the trainers, her advice sounded the hardest: she made it clear that WE were going to have to put the time in to working with our dogs, training them, listening to them, watching their cues, and stepping up to prove to them that we were the "leaders" of the pack. She was the only trainer willing to work in our home with us, others insisted we bring them individually to their training locations. It was important to work with all of our dogs, within our home, as we wanted the work we were doing to be in the setting the dogs were struggling in.
Kathy takes her job seriously and observes, asks questions, and watches as her suggestions are implemented. Her understanding of dogs, their needs and behaviors, as well as their expectations of their humans, is uncanny. She is not fast to rush you through lessons, takes her time to answer ALL your questions, and makes sure you understand the work you need to focus on and why you are doing certain steps. She was very patient with the length of time we required in between each lesson to juggle family life and making sure our dogs mastered each new skill we were trying to teach them. She was available to answer questions or help direct us in between lessons.
When first speaking to Kathy I had concerns that she suggests utilizing choke collars and electric shock collars to help during training. My previous opinions were negative related to these. I'll admit, I was wrong! Do yourself a favor, do the research, ask the questions, let Kathy explain the hows and whys of using these collars. I am absolutely amazed at the difference these have made during training and every day life. They are not a punishment to your dog, they are a way to reassure them, show expectations, and keep them safe. 100% a game changer for us.
In the end, hiring Kathy was the best decision we could have ever made! Not only were we able to have our beloved pet remain as part of our family, but she was able to teach us the skills needed to reign in the chaos and dog behaviors we had normalized and provide the consistency and guidance they needed from us. She didn't just save our dog's life, she saved our family from unbelieveable heartache! Our dogs were tough cookies, but they were no match for Kathy!
-Olivia & Scott Rodgers
Gloucester, MA
Lori *****
Our 1 year old pup was reactive to most people and some dogs. Kathy was our third trainer, and finally the one that we really needed. She has some great techniques (mainly in training us, the people) and tools that worked for Luna. Kathy is very nice, patient, calm, consistent, and holds us to a high standard. Now, a year later, people in our neighborhood comment on how much better behaved Luna is. We just had a refresher with Kathy and got a few reminders that we are already incorporating, and seeing additional positive results from being more consistent. Very happy - 10 stars for Kathy!
Our 1 year old pup was reactive to most people and some dogs. Kathy was our third trainer, and finally the one that we really needed. She has some great techniques (mainly in training us, the people) and tools that worked for Luna. Kathy is very nice, patient, calm, consistent, and holds us to a high standard. Now, a year later, people in our neighborhood comment on how much better behaved Luna is. We just had a refresher with Kathy and got a few reminders that we are already incorporating, and seeing additional positive results from being more consistent. Very happy - 10 stars for Kathy!
Jake *****
Kathy is incredibly experienced. We brought her in when we introduced a third dog to our family a year ago and have worked with her through the passing of a dog and the addition of yet another. She has an incredible ability to understand a dog's personality and will teach you to calmly lead your dog(s), teach them commands, and create an overall more peaceful household. I'd recommend her to anyone - you'll love working with her!
Kathy is incredibly experienced. We brought her in when we introduced a third dog to our family a year ago and have worked with her through the passing of a dog and the addition of yet another. She has an incredible ability to understand a dog's personality and will teach you to calmly lead your dog(s), teach them commands, and create an overall more peaceful household. I'd recommend her to anyone - you'll love working with her!
Natalie *****
Kathy is absolutely fantastic! She really helped me understand how to lay down the ground work and showed me how to build the most amazing bond with my dog. Without her help we wouldn’t be where we are now which is a very well behaved dog that just passed all of his PAT service tests. I would highly recommend Kathy’s services, she’s very knowledgeable and the ultimate dog whisperer! I’m so grateful we found her!
Kathy is absolutely fantastic! She really helped me understand how to lay down the ground work and showed me how to build the most amazing bond with my dog. Without her help we wouldn’t be where we are now which is a very well behaved dog that just passed all of his PAT service tests. I would highly recommend Kathy’s services, she’s very knowledgeable and the ultimate dog whisperer! I’m so grateful we found her!
Gary *****
Kathy is great at what she does. Her insight into the thought process of the dog is impressive. I would recommend her to anyone who wants a Balanced and Behaved best friend. Thanks for an amazing consult, you time and knowledge was priceless for us.
Kathy is great at what she does. Her insight into the thought process of the dog is impressive. I would recommend her to anyone who wants a Balanced and Behaved best friend. Thanks for an amazing consult, you time and knowledge was priceless for us.
Whitney *****
Knowledgeable, compassionate, and fully engaged. Kathy's experience and attunement to the individual needs of dog and client are unmatched. So happy to be working with her!
Knowledgeable, compassionate, and fully engaged. Kathy's experience and attunement to the individual needs of dog and client are unmatched. So happy to be working with her!
Phyllis *****
I highly recommend Kathy at Balanced and Behaved Dog Training. Her work with our anxious brand new cavapoo puppy was outstanding. Somehow, with gentle prodding and professional skills, she was able to help Gracie navigate the stairs that initially frightened her, as well as a myriad of other problems that she solved. Kathy has an exceptionally high innate sense of how dogs operate and manages to help their owners understand them as well. Kathy's firm but always gentle manner is remarkable as is her deep love for all dogs. She is the true Dog Whistler in our house!
I highly recommend Kathy at Balanced and Behaved Dog Training. Her work with our anxious brand new cavapoo puppy was outstanding. Somehow, with gentle prodding and professional skills, she was able to help Gracie navigate the stairs that initially frightened her, as well as a myriad of other problems that she solved. Kathy has an exceptionally high innate sense of how dogs operate and manages to help their owners understand them as well. Kathy's firm but always gentle manner is remarkable as is her deep love for all dogs. She is the true Dog Whistler in our house!
Katie *****
We really loved Kathy’s approach to training our new puppy. As a family of five with three little kids and both mom and dad working full time, we prioritized having a well trained puppy. Kathy helped us through some early obstacles with our wonderful but slightly stubborn and a bit naughty bernedoodle. She started by teaching us the psychology of dogs and helping us to really understand their fundamental needs and the motivation behind certain behaviors. We learned that misbehavior is usually a symptom of something else going on which really came in handy as our puppy started to get bigger and test boundaries. Essentially she helped us get to the bottom of the issue and root cause of misbehavior - be it dominance, anxiety etc. I highly recommend her new puppy training package but also have found Kathy to be helpful for those times when we get a little step stuck or regress. We joked that every time she comes our dog is an angel for the next several days and we were able to stretch out visits more and more. People cannot believe how well behaved our nine-month-old puppy is and we owe so much of that to Kathy and her balanced approach! Her schedule is flexible and she is very responsive via text in between visits when you have a question or want to share a concern or video so she can think through the approach for her next visit. There’s not another dog trainer I would recommend over Kathy! I was referred to her by a family friend so now know several people who have benefited from her expertise and, like me, keep her on speed dial!
We really loved Kathy’s approach to training our new puppy. As a family of five with three little kids and both mom and dad working full time, we prioritized having a well trained puppy. Kathy helped us through some early obstacles with our wonderful but slightly stubborn and a bit naughty bernedoodle. She started by teaching us the psychology of dogs and helping us to really understand their fundamental needs and the motivation behind certain behaviors. We learned that misbehavior is usually a symptom of something else going on which really came in handy as our puppy started to get bigger and test boundaries. Essentially she helped us get to the bottom of the issue and root cause of misbehavior - be it dominance, anxiety etc. I highly recommend her new puppy training package but also have found Kathy to be helpful for those times when we get a little step stuck or regress. We joked that every time she comes our dog is an angel for the next several days and we were able to stretch out visits more and more. People cannot believe how well behaved our nine-month-old puppy is and we owe so much of that to Kathy and her balanced approach! Her schedule is flexible and she is very responsive via text in between visits when you have a question or want to share a concern or video so she can think through the approach for her next visit. There’s not another dog trainer I would recommend over Kathy! I was referred to her by a family friend so now know several people who have benefited from her expertise and, like me, keep her on speed dial!
Helena *****
Kathy is a dog whisperer! I have heard about her from past clients and hired her to help train my new puppy. She helped me understand my dog and the correct way to do things with him - what a difference she made! She took the stress out and gave me the confidence to train my dog right. I highly recommend her!
Kathy is a dog whisperer! I have heard about her from past clients and hired her to help train my new puppy. She helped me understand my dog and the correct way to do things with him - what a difference she made! She took the stress out and gave me the confidence to train my dog right. I highly recommend her!
Karen *****
Kathy really helped us work through & understand the behaviors of our newly rescued dog, Fenway. When we adopted him, he was always over-excited and full of energy. Kathy recognized that we were actually adding to that excitement instead of managing it and helping him to learn to calm down. Having Kathy come to our home and work with us in our environment was crucial in our learning how to properly manage Fenway. Dog training is not only about the dog but also about the people and Kathy was exceptional in helping us to understand that. Kathy truly has a passion for helping dog owners learn to live peacefully and happily with their dog.
Kathy really helped us work through & understand the behaviors of our newly rescued dog, Fenway. When we adopted him, he was always over-excited and full of energy. Kathy recognized that we were actually adding to that excitement instead of managing it and helping him to learn to calm down. Having Kathy come to our home and work with us in our environment was crucial in our learning how to properly manage Fenway. Dog training is not only about the dog but also about the people and Kathy was exceptional in helping us to understand that. Kathy truly has a passion for helping dog owners learn to live peacefully and happily with their dog.
Evemarie *****
When I say Kathy is a dog whisperer, I mean it! She is fantastic. To see our dog change his behavior in front of our eyes was amazing. Not only is she fantastic with dogs, she is equally wonderful with adults!
When I say Kathy is a dog whisperer, I mean it! She is fantastic. To see our dog change his behavior in front of our eyes was amazing. Not only is she fantastic with dogs, she is equally wonderful with adults!
Rachel *****
When we got our puppy we had no idea how inexperienced we were. Kathy came to our home and showed us how to show up for our dog. She taught us everything we needed to know about raising and training a puppy. As our pup matured she was resource guarding and exhibiting some dangerous reactive behavior. Again, Kathy was there for us, even answering my texts on a weekend when the dog went after my husband because he was sitting on “her” couch. Without Kathy’s help, we would not have been able turn this around and we would have had to bring our dog back to the shelter where she would have surely been euthanized for her behaviors. She is now 3 years old and very much a well loved and well behaved member of our family. We highly recommend Balanced and Behaved Dog Training.
When we got our puppy we had no idea how inexperienced we were. Kathy came to our home and showed us how to show up for our dog. She taught us everything we needed to know about raising and training a puppy. As our pup matured she was resource guarding and exhibiting some dangerous reactive behavior. Again, Kathy was there for us, even answering my texts on a weekend when the dog went after my husband because he was sitting on “her” couch. Without Kathy’s help, we would not have been able turn this around and we would have had to bring our dog back to the shelter where she would have surely been euthanized for her behaviors. She is now 3 years old and very much a well loved and well behaved member of our family. We highly recommend Balanced and Behaved Dog Training.
Paula *****
Great experience. Cathy is extremely knowledgeable on canine behavior and works with you on your particular problem areas. Cathy meets with you and explains in detail her approach to dog training. She then schedules her visits at your convenience. She comes to your home and gives personalized instruction in you pets housed surroundings. Her visits are thorough and timely. Well worth the money. I have learned to work through my dog's issues in his own environment without distraction. Glad I found her!!
Great experience. Cathy is extremely knowledgeable on canine behavior and works with you on your particular problem areas. Cathy meets with you and explains in detail her approach to dog training. She then schedules her visits at your convenience. She comes to your home and gives personalized instruction in you pets housed surroundings. Her visits are thorough and timely. Well worth the money. I have learned to work through my dog's issues in his own environment without distraction. Glad I found her!!
Carly *****
Kathy is AMAZING dog trainer. She was so helpful on telling me different techniques with my dog Koda. Koda has been improving since Day 1 when I first started training with her. She told me don’t let your dog take power over you. You take power over them. You are the boss. Not them! 🐶 ❤️💜
Kathy is AMAZING dog trainer. She was so helpful on telling me different techniques with my dog Koda. Koda has been improving since Day 1 when I first started training with her. She told me don’t let your dog take power over you. You take power over them. You are the boss. Not them! 🐶 ❤️💜
Heather *****
Kathy is so knowledgeable and easy to work with. As a new dog owner, she took me through the basics and by the end of the 5 training sessions I felt so much more confident leading and teaching my pup.
Kathy is so knowledgeable and easy to work with. As a new dog owner, she took me through the basics and by the end of the 5 training sessions I felt so much more confident leading and teaching my pup.
Melinda *****
If you are reading this review and read only this first sentence Hire “Kathy”she is our local dog whisperer. Kathy was referred to me by a friend who said she was wonderful and she is! We originally hired her because one of our two dogs would lunge and growl at oncoming dogs and I was to the point where I didn’t want to take her on a walk because it was so difficult. Well… not only can I take her and our other dog we added another puppy to our pack and I can walk three at a time without any difficulty. Woohoo exciting stuff! Kathy teaches you about dog psychology and how to be the leader of your pack. I can’t imagine having one dog let alone three dogs without her help and instruction. Kathy is very wise and patient with us humans while we learn how to enjoy our dogs and help us to help them live their best lives too. Thank you for helping to literally change our lives for the better!!!
If you are reading this review and read only this first sentence Hire “Kathy”she is our local dog whisperer. Kathy was referred to me by a friend who said she was wonderful and she is! We originally hired her because one of our two dogs would lunge and growl at oncoming dogs and I was to the point where I didn’t want to take her on a walk because it was so difficult. Well… not only can I take her and our other dog we added another puppy to our pack and I can walk three at a time without any difficulty. Woohoo exciting stuff! Kathy teaches you about dog psychology and how to be the leader of your pack. I can’t imagine having one dog let alone three dogs without her help and instruction. Kathy is very wise and patient with us humans while we learn how to enjoy our dogs and help us to help them live their best lives too. Thank you for helping to literally change our lives for the better!!!
Caroline Soucy *****
Kathy was so patient and helpful with our dog, Frankie! She not only taught our dog many basic commands and obedience, but instilled a lot of confidence in us as owners to handle our pup. Definitely recommend her services!!
Kathy was so patient and helpful with our dog, Frankie! She not only taught our dog many basic commands and obedience, but instilled a lot of confidence in us as owners to handle our pup. Definitely recommend her services!!
Pippa *****
"Kathy came into our home at a time when we felt like our life was spinning out of control -
an eager, energetic puppy and two young children, all vying for their place in the pack! As we adjusted to a new dynamic and level of energy in our daily life, we couldn’t imagine how we would find order and calm in our house. The daily ‘boot camp’ model was essential to the success we experienced - Kathy was a trusted, consistent and wise extension of our family for the month we worked together. We are delighted with Pippa’s progression - we truly feel balanced and behaved. Thanks to the foundation Kathy instilled in training, built a lasting framework for our whole family to rely on. We would recommend Kathy with great enthusiasm - can’t thank her enough!!"
an eager, energetic puppy and two young children, all vying for their place in the pack! As we adjusted to a new dynamic and level of energy in our daily life, we couldn’t imagine how we would find order and calm in our house. The daily ‘boot camp’ model was essential to the success we experienced - Kathy was a trusted, consistent and wise extension of our family for the month we worked together. We are delighted with Pippa’s progression - we truly feel balanced and behaved. Thanks to the foundation Kathy instilled in training, built a lasting framework for our whole family to rely on. We would recommend Kathy with great enthusiasm - can’t thank her enough!!"
Finn *****
I am so grateful that Kathy was recommend to my husband and me. After talking about it for years, we recently adopted a 3 year old retired greyhound, Finn. We fell in love right away, but quickly saw that we needed some guidance. Kathy really helped us build trust (for both us and him), and helped us understand him so much more clearly. Kathy is very honest. She was open to all sorts of questions, but never made us feel silly about asking! As other testimonials have stated, you have to be willing to do the work, and it was a very intense process for us. The learning was more about us than Finn, and Kathy is so in tune with our energy and what sort of message we were giving off to him. It was also an invaluable experience having her come to our home so that we could show her specific situations and we could work with Finn in our own environment. She had so much insight about the setup of the space and how we could make little improvements to integrate him into our home more effectively. Not only did she help us with trust and communication, but she taught stubborn Finn the basic commands. Seeing him sit for the first time was a big deal for us! Walking with him is also a very different experience now. Instead of dealing with him pulling us around, we now really enjoy our time together walking.
This experience helped us gain so much more confidence in ourselves, and gave Finn a great foundation for a happy and fulfilling retirement. If you are willing to make the commitment, we would highly recommend Kathy's bootcamp!
This experience helped us gain so much more confidence in ourselves, and gave Finn a great foundation for a happy and fulfilling retirement. If you are willing to make the commitment, we would highly recommend Kathy's bootcamp!
Dakota *****
BBDT our rave review
Our three year-old chocolate lab, Dakota, who is as strong as she is fast, was lacking most discipline other that the most simple basics, so it was very tough to trust her off'-leash, and truthfully, she wasn't great on it either.
We signed up with Kathy this spring and the results were almost immediate. Dakota's discipline on leash (beginning at/in home) came very quickly, and we used that foundation to expand on many other commands. Kathy helped us understand the "whys' behind what we were teaching Dakota, which really helped us in our follow through. I think half of it was actually training us!
Not only can we now enjoy walks with Dakota wherever we want, but enjoy simple pleasures like dinner on the patio or in the living room, without any begging, and stretch goals with Dakota off leash in new, or even similar places, in the presence of other people, young children, and dogs. The best part is, the skills are transferable, and work as well on the boat, at the beach or lake, and when we stay with friends and family.
Thanks to Kathy and her outstanding Balanced Behaved approach, we have a "new" dog who is so much happier and more comfortable understanding what is expected from her. We have had so many people, both dog-owners and not, compliment us "out of the blue" on the great improvement.
Thanks, Kathy!
Adam, Tracy, and Dakota
Our three year-old chocolate lab, Dakota, who is as strong as she is fast, was lacking most discipline other that the most simple basics, so it was very tough to trust her off'-leash, and truthfully, she wasn't great on it either.
We signed up with Kathy this spring and the results were almost immediate. Dakota's discipline on leash (beginning at/in home) came very quickly, and we used that foundation to expand on many other commands. Kathy helped us understand the "whys' behind what we were teaching Dakota, which really helped us in our follow through. I think half of it was actually training us!
Not only can we now enjoy walks with Dakota wherever we want, but enjoy simple pleasures like dinner on the patio or in the living room, without any begging, and stretch goals with Dakota off leash in new, or even similar places, in the presence of other people, young children, and dogs. The best part is, the skills are transferable, and work as well on the boat, at the beach or lake, and when we stay with friends and family.
Thanks to Kathy and her outstanding Balanced Behaved approach, we have a "new" dog who is so much happier and more comfortable understanding what is expected from her. We have had so many people, both dog-owners and not, compliment us "out of the blue" on the great improvement.
Thanks, Kathy!
Adam, Tracy, and Dakota
We worked with Kathy Corneau of Balanced and Behaved for puppy bootcamp and loved it!
Bae *****
We met Kathy through the recommendation of friends and are so glad we worked with her!
Kathy works with families and dogs in a way that is geared to each family and their own unique home and needs. Kathy came in to our home for 4 weeks straight and worked with our puppy on learning her basic commands. It was not just our puppy Kathy worked with, it was us as well! We learned how to interact and function using the commands that Kathy taught us.
Kathy’s style of teaching is controlled. Each day and week she adds to the existing lessons and builds on a dog’s (and family’s) knowledge. The consistency and repetition with the puppy bootcamp was ideal for our family. With each added command we could practice on our own and then relay to Kathy what worked or where we needed more support.
The benefit of having Kathy in our home was that she was able to see our family’s day to day routine. Kathy was able to help us with the craziness of after school with 2 boys running in the door, or neighbors stopping by, meal time etc. Kathy helped us with ways to set our puppy up for success in these types situations. It was easy to have Kathy in our home each day. She was always professional and respectful. Kathy has a vast knowledge of dogs and their behavior patterns.
It is obvious that Kathy loves what she does, she goes above and beyond. We will definitely be calling Kathy in the future as our puppy grows and new situations and behaviors arise.
Kathy works with families and dogs in a way that is geared to each family and their own unique home and needs. Kathy came in to our home for 4 weeks straight and worked with our puppy on learning her basic commands. It was not just our puppy Kathy worked with, it was us as well! We learned how to interact and function using the commands that Kathy taught us.
Kathy’s style of teaching is controlled. Each day and week she adds to the existing lessons and builds on a dog’s (and family’s) knowledge. The consistency and repetition with the puppy bootcamp was ideal for our family. With each added command we could practice on our own and then relay to Kathy what worked or where we needed more support.
The benefit of having Kathy in our home was that she was able to see our family’s day to day routine. Kathy was able to help us with the craziness of after school with 2 boys running in the door, or neighbors stopping by, meal time etc. Kathy helped us with ways to set our puppy up for success in these types situations. It was easy to have Kathy in our home each day. She was always professional and respectful. Kathy has a vast knowledge of dogs and their behavior patterns.
It is obvious that Kathy loves what she does, she goes above and beyond. We will definitely be calling Kathy in the future as our puppy grows and new situations and behaviors arise.
Ruby *****
We were first time dog owners. Neither myself nor my husband had ever had a pet, but we wanted to get a dog for our kids. We were very nervous about it and rightly so - it turned out to be a lot of work and harder than we had imagined. It was causing lots of stress in our family and I knew that if I didn't get some help we might have to find another home for our new puppy. So a friend recommended Kathy, and she really was a lifesaver!
Not only did she teach me how to train our dog the basics, but she helped me to understand and interpret what my dog needed and wanted, and what her actions meant. It was extremely helpful to be able to ask all of my questions of an expert who was understanding of our concerns.
Kathy has a way of working with your dog that is authoritative and firm, yet kind and patient. She has the best interests in mind for both you and your dog, and works with you to achieve your goals.
We spent 30 days training together - which ultimately trained me as much as my dog. And now she is a very well behaved puppy. It was tough at first and I honestly believe that if we didn't have Kathy to get us through the beginning we may have given up. Now we have a wonderful dog and our family is very happy with her.
Not only did she teach me how to train our dog the basics, but she helped me to understand and interpret what my dog needed and wanted, and what her actions meant. It was extremely helpful to be able to ask all of my questions of an expert who was understanding of our concerns.
Kathy has a way of working with your dog that is authoritative and firm, yet kind and patient. She has the best interests in mind for both you and your dog, and works with you to achieve your goals.
We spent 30 days training together - which ultimately trained me as much as my dog. And now she is a very well behaved puppy. It was tough at first and I honestly believe that if we didn't have Kathy to get us through the beginning we may have given up. Now we have a wonderful dog and our family is very happy with her.
Boussah*****
Kathy began work with our German Shepherd/Malamute mix, Boussah, when Boussah was around 8 months old. Boussah is a big, exuberant girl. She is and always has been very sweet, but we called Kathy because we were no longer able to handle her energy levels. I could no longer walk her on my own without fear of losing her. She was too strong for me. She would go absolutely ballistic when she saw other dogs. We couldn't control her in new places or with new people. Kathy immediately understood Boussah and worked so well with her. She taught us how to behave in ways that made sense to Boussah and established a sense of order and authority in the house. She worked with us on teaching Boussah commands to calm her and to bring her attention back to us. Now, Boussah walks on a loose leash on a normal collar. I can hold the leash in one hand and she very calmly stays by my side. If a new dog passes, I can tell her to ignore it with one "leave it" command. Bough's mastery of the stay command is much better, so I can place her in a stay when company comes over so she isn't overwhelming to new people. She has learned patience and self-control in a way that benefits so much of the work we do with her. She's a little over a year now and she goes wherever we go! We have built enough trust between her and us that we are very comfortable taking her into new settings. Kathy helped us get to a much healthier place with Boussah both with our control over her behavior as well as our understanding of her mindset.
-Danah Kelley
-Danah Kelley
Bella & Bailey *****
Less than a year ago we rescued two dogs from Aruba, Bella and Bailey. Bella seemed great with the family, but barked at every person or animal that walked by our house. She also was not very inviting when I had visitors which is scary for me because my friends have young children. I didn't even want to get a sitter because I wasn't sure how Bella would react. She was very tense on walks and constantly pulled. I was unable to take both dogs and both kids for a walk because it was so hard to hold onto the dog. Especially if other people or dogs were outside. Bailey was very playful but a follower at times. We finally had enough and contacted Kathy. Best decision we ever made. The first day she walked in our house Bella was so on edge. She kept growling at her, staring at her and would barely sit. Bella basically wanted her out of our house. In the beginning, the dogs would not listen to a word she said because they lacked trust. She told us to purchase the prong collar and pet corrector. We noticed a difference in one week. Best advise for our dogs. By the end of our training Kathy had our dogs walking at her side, sitting in place stay and not moving even when she left the room. They trusted her and were so excited to see her. She would just walk through the front door and they wouldn't even bark. We now feel comfortable with having a sitter and having little kids around the dogs. Hiring Kathy was the BEST decision we ever made!!
Kirby *****
Kirby did not know her own strength! She would pull me on our walks making them unbearable and unhappy for both of us. Then came Kathy - with her superb dog training knowledge and gentle training of me I now have an excellent walking partner!
Thank you Kathy.
Kirby and Kathleen
Kirby did not know her own strength! She would pull me on our walks making them unbearable and unhappy for both of us. Then came Kathy - with her superb dog training knowledge and gentle training of me I now have an excellent walking partner!
Thank you Kathy.
Kirby and Kathleen
Maisey *****
As soon as we brought our Golden retriever puppy home we wanted the best training. And we got it from Kathy. If you want to feel like YOU have the control over your exuberant dog and not the reverse, then Kathy is the trainer for you. She taught us so much , not only how to manage behavior but why certain behaviors exist in our dog to begin with. Maisey was pulling, eating everything in sight and jumping up. We worked on leash control and impulse control with her and its produced incredible results . Maisey is now 9 months old, still a work in progress but now we feel we can control that natural exuberance that Maisey has. We continue to refresh with Kathy which is also an added benefit to working with her. Thank you Kathy !
As soon as we brought our Golden retriever puppy home we wanted the best training. And we got it from Kathy. If you want to feel like YOU have the control over your exuberant dog and not the reverse, then Kathy is the trainer for you. She taught us so much , not only how to manage behavior but why certain behaviors exist in our dog to begin with. Maisey was pulling, eating everything in sight and jumping up. We worked on leash control and impulse control with her and its produced incredible results . Maisey is now 9 months old, still a work in progress but now we feel we can control that natural exuberance that Maisey has. We continue to refresh with Kathy which is also an added benefit to working with her. Thank you Kathy !
Cody *****
Cody, my American Eskimo, was extremely protective of me and territorial in our home. He would bark and lunge at all visitors to the point where I worried he would bite someone. I tried a few other trainers in the past, but they were not much help. Then I found Kathy. I admit I was skeptical at first, but Kathy seemed confident she could help. And after a few sessions, I began to see changes in Cody. Kathy has just the right combination of assertiveness and kindness. Cody learned respect from her in just a few visits, and taught me how to become a leader. In just one month, Cody has become a more confident and relaxed dog. Tonight when visitors came over I instructed Cody to go to his mat and lay down. He stayed there politely for over an hour. I was soooo proud...and I could tell that Cody was too!!!!! Thank you Kathy. You truly understand the mind of a dog.
Dixie *****
Hi Kathy,
I wanted to thank you so much for your assistance with Dixie.
Your kind but firm guidance reinforced the proper behavior in all of us, not just our dog. I truly appreciate your rapport with Dixie (she just loves you) and your insight with problem areas. She is calmer, well behaved and frankly happier! She hasn't had any episodes in any setting so I think its all coming together!!
Thanks again so much!
Julia & family
I wanted to thank you so much for your assistance with Dixie.
Your kind but firm guidance reinforced the proper behavior in all of us, not just our dog. I truly appreciate your rapport with Dixie (she just loves you) and your insight with problem areas. She is calmer, well behaved and frankly happier! She hasn't had any episodes in any setting so I think its all coming together!!
Thanks again so much!
Julia & family
Sula & Raglan *****
As I sat in the carpool lane at my daughter's school, I noticed the car in front of me with the words, "Balanced and Behaved Dog Training." Being the mother of three kids, four if you count my husband, and having two dogs under the age of two, I thought to myself, "This is what I need!"
At the time, my oldest dog, Raglan, was just over 2 years, and we had a new puppy, Sula who was about 10 months. I had basically lost all control of the house because the puppy was driving the older dog crazy, and the older dog was taking out his frustrations on me. I had read a few dog books along the way, and understood some basic ideas, but it really just wasn't enough. I needed help, and I needed it yesterday!
Kathy came to our home for a consultation and to see what the pups were up to in their own environment. Within the first minutes of our visit, Kathy had already began to educate me on the behavior of my dysfunctional pack.
Kathy spent time everyday with both dogs, but more importantly, she spent time with me. She explained why Raglan did the things he did, and showed me how to help him through all his anxiety. There were days when Kathy would leave our training session and call me 5 minutes later with a new idea or better insight or extra positive reinforcement for the lesson we just had.
Kathy gave 110% of herself in the process of making my dogs "Balanced and Behaved." She created a bond with both my dog and me to help our family become a better pack, with me as the leader, not my dogs.
I have read the books, and tried to do the training on my own, but Kathy is able to take the teaching and bring them into everyday life. She taught me the importance of quick corrections, positive reinforcements, and being in charge.
My family, both the two legged, and the four legged members, will forever be grateful for all of Kathy's time and efforts she put into making Raglan and Sula "Balanced and Behaved."
With gratitude and appreciation,
Maura A. Murphy
At the time, my oldest dog, Raglan, was just over 2 years, and we had a new puppy, Sula who was about 10 months. I had basically lost all control of the house because the puppy was driving the older dog crazy, and the older dog was taking out his frustrations on me. I had read a few dog books along the way, and understood some basic ideas, but it really just wasn't enough. I needed help, and I needed it yesterday!
Kathy came to our home for a consultation and to see what the pups were up to in their own environment. Within the first minutes of our visit, Kathy had already began to educate me on the behavior of my dysfunctional pack.
Kathy spent time everyday with both dogs, but more importantly, she spent time with me. She explained why Raglan did the things he did, and showed me how to help him through all his anxiety. There were days when Kathy would leave our training session and call me 5 minutes later with a new idea or better insight or extra positive reinforcement for the lesson we just had.
Kathy gave 110% of herself in the process of making my dogs "Balanced and Behaved." She created a bond with both my dog and me to help our family become a better pack, with me as the leader, not my dogs.
I have read the books, and tried to do the training on my own, but Kathy is able to take the teaching and bring them into everyday life. She taught me the importance of quick corrections, positive reinforcements, and being in charge.
My family, both the two legged, and the four legged members, will forever be grateful for all of Kathy's time and efforts she put into making Raglan and Sula "Balanced and Behaved."
With gratitude and appreciation,
Maura A. Murphy
Zoey *****
Caroline and I want to tell you just how appreciative we are of your training work with Zoe and us. Your approach was spot on and the insights/understanding we gained I’m sure will serve the entire family a lifetime. We have made great strides together and the foundation that you helped lay down is a solid one that we can build going forward. Thank you again.
Your love of animals and your work with Zoe have truly made a great difference for all of us! Doug & Caroline
Your love of animals and your work with Zoe have truly made a great difference for all of us! Doug & Caroline
Scout *****
"Working with Kathy has helped us to understand our dog and that has translated into a more obedient dog. It was hard for us to understand how a dog thinks and realize the importance of our lead/decision in every choice she makes.
Kathy's natural connection with our dog was amazing to me and she was able to teach her to do many of the things that we had been working on. Most impressive was the way she helped us to train our dog to stop peeing in the house with a simple technique. It has not happened since!" Kindly, MaryEllen
Kathy's natural connection with our dog was amazing to me and she was able to teach her to do many of the things that we had been working on. Most impressive was the way she helped us to train our dog to stop peeing in the house with a simple technique. It has not happened since!" Kindly, MaryEllen
Ginger & Salty *****
Eric and I would like to thank you for doing a terrific job training Salty and Ginger. Through your daily training visits,you have turned our hyper rescue dog and bully of a greyhound into calm, balanced friendly family pets. Neither lost their spirit or personality while you taught them their place in our pack. We really believe that our home would have been a more difficult place to manage without your assistance. You saved the day! Thank you for all you did for us! Melanie D'Orio
