About

I have lived with dogs all my life. I grew up hunting with my dad and our Golden Retrievers. I have owned my own Golden, sweet Cheyanne, and also a spunky little Papillon, Miss Hannah. We also adopted our first senior, an Alaskan Malamute named Cody, a very special dog who is in our hearts always.

I am blessed to share my life with our Alaskan Malamutes. Thunder and Luna are now at the Bridge. The lessons they have taught me still guide my teachings today. Cree is our 9.5 yr old “forever young” Malamute and has taught me more about respect and patience than any dog I have ever had the honor of knowing. He has his behavioral challenges but because of this, he is part of my soul. He has shown me how to communicate with dogs on a deeper level than I ever have before. Let me share with you what he has taught me.

I have been in the dog training industry for over 10 yrs and have successfully graduated over 200 dogs from puppy kindergarten, STAR Puppy programs, basic manners, and Canine Good Citizen classes. I mediate between dogs and their guardians to achieve a mutually understood lifestyle that strives to balance the expectations of the guardian with the reality of the dog they have chosen to share their lives with. I offer group teachings as well as private lessons. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with the public through presentations and educational seminars as well as private pre-adoption guidance and family mediation to assure the best possible integration of your dog as a new family member.

I use only science-based force-free teaching techniques which focus on why the behaviors our dog is displaying work for them. Then we will support those behaviors that work for both of you, and modify the behaviors that need to be to meet the needs of your dog, and you as well. This is Family Dog Mediation, helping both ends of the leash understand each other and succeed in a way that is mutually beneficial.

I am a graduate of distinction from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy 2yr Master program to earn my professional certification. I am a proud member of the Pet Professionals Guild and Force Free Trainers of Wisconsin. Both of these organizations grant membership only after research has been done by interviewing peers and clients to ensure that I uphold the methods and philosophies of force-free dog training. I am a registered therapy dog handler with Alliance of Therapy Dogs and a licensed dog bite prevention educator thru the international organization, Doggone Safe. I have completed First Aid and CPR for dogs course. I also am a CCUI Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (a pattern-based method of guidance).

I continue to study Animal Reiki and Animal Communication and have completed 2 courses with my Reiki Master. I am a certified Animal Reiki Practitioner thru the Let Animals Lead® Method developed by Kathleen Prasad. I continue my education by daily reading, attending workshops throughout the year, online courses, webinars, and meetings with upper-level trainers. Consistent, continual education is central to being the best trainer I can be.

I am a Certified Family Dog Mediator through the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Course® developed by Kim Brophey Applied Ethologist, CDBC, CPDT-KA. This is a groundbreaking course that focuses first on the “why” a behavior exists and what benefits and/or relief the behavior gives to our dog. Once we understand our dogs L.E.G.S. (considerations for their Learning – experiences and education, Environment – the many aspects of their external world, Genetics – the DNA that designed them inside and out, and their Self – their unique interior world; health development, age, sex, and individuality), we can set out to guide them in ways that make sense to them. This can give them relief, safety, and understanding of the world they are living in that is individual to them.

Being a Family Dog Mediator goes beyond the title “Trainer”. It is the compass that I use to create the guidance strategies that your dog needs to be safe and successful. It drives all that I have learned on the “how” of modifying behavior if indeed that is what is needed. I also use this guide to help you become the best guardian for your dog. Helping you to understand your dog on a deeper level while being open to your need for relief and safety is just as important. We all have our individual L.EG.S. that need to be recognized.

It would be my great honor to mediate between you and your dog toward common attainable goals and help you to develop the kind of bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.

Honor Your Dog All Ways
Kathy Wolff, CCDT, CCUI, FDM