Friendly,
personal attention,
effective methods and happy dogs!
Cathy's primary
focus is the family pet owner and first-time dog owner. An avid clicker
trainer and proponent of positive dog-friendly methods, Cathy instructs
classes for dogs and their people at Diamonds in the Ruff, teaching
Headstart classes, Pup Culture, Paw & Order, Dastardly Distractions
class and co-instructs the Social Skills class with DITR owner Carol
Byrnes. 
Paw &
Order: SCU (Special Canine Unit!) at Diamonds in the Ruff. Cathy
created the curriculum to specifically address the challenge of teaching
a really reliable recall. Dogs in the "real world" need
to be able to socialize well with their dog friends and come away
from playtime when called or when faced with other distractions. This
class is designed to build and maintain these necessary skills.
Cathy also created
the curriculum for DITR's Dastardly Distractions class with Pat Moberly.
This
class is designed to help you overcome the challenges of working with
your dog around the distractions of every day life. Door bells ringing,
children giggling, people eating, other dogs playing ... what tempts
your dog? This class will feature creative ways to proof your dog's
basic training skills while maintaining attention and accurate response.
"I
just wanted to let you know how much the P&O class has helped Ben.
One of my biggest concerns for him has been a recall, and I am so
confidant in his recall now that I would absolutely bet $50 that
he would come now because I have seen it twice with high distraction.
Once was during a play session at Ruff House that became a little
stressful and he immediately came away when called!! The other time
was when he took off chasing a squirrel out of our back yard while
our fence was being repaired and was heading toward the street.
I uttered the "magic words" we were taught in class, and it was
as if he had an invisible string on his nose that immediately turned
him toward me racing back at full speed! We continue practicing
with high praise and treats and make it fun, and even if I never
have to use it again, I am grateful for the recall on the squirrel
chase!!
Thank you
so much from both of us.
Nancy Newman and Ben"
Education
Cathy is committed to staying current on the latest training techniques.
She attended a week long "Advanced Instructor Training Course" in
Long Beach, California with Pia Silvani and Donna Duford in January
of 2003. In March of 2003 she enjoyed the three-day
intensive learning experience at Dr. Ian Dunbar's Instructor Training
Course sponsored by the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog
Trainers in Richmond, BC. Since then,
Cathy has attended several workshops and seminars presented by some
of the most talented canine behavior experts and specialists in the
United States.
In November 2003,
Cathy became the first instructor in eastern Washington to pass the
4-hour exam to become a Certified Pet Dog Trainer.
In
the community
She and Ed, her
Siberian Husky, enjoy volunteering at local schools and libraries
providing presentations on pet care and responsibility. She also volunteers
her time as a shelter dog trainer and behavior evaluator at both SpokAnimal
C.A.R.E. and SCRAPS shelters in Spokane, WA..
See
a newspaper article about Paw & Order Behavior Services.
