See Spot Play
Behavior Consulting, K9 Nose Work® & Play Coaching
In-person in Milwaukee, WI and Virtual
Take training from painful to joyful through the power of play
How We Can Help
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Behavior Consulting
Is your dog’s barking and lunging leaving you both stressed? Are you unsure how to help your shy companion shine? Are you tired of having to play referee between your new puppy and other members of the home? My play-centered approach enables you and your pup to tackle tough problems and develop skills without stress. I love helping humans and dogs alike find their unique playful spirits and create possibilities for joy.
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K9 Nose Work®
We know dogs love to use their noses! Just think about how often a dog will spend what seems like an eternity sniffing one piece of grass while you're running late to a meeting. Tap into that innate sniffing ability, and the joy the dog gets from it, by giving them scent puzzles to solve for food or toy rewards.
K9 Nose Work® helps both ends of the leash build a stronger bond by developing new ways to communicate with one another, play with one another, build confidence together, and approach challenges together. Nearly any dog and any human can participate! -
Dynamic Dog Assessment
If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s over- the-top behaviors, barking at every noise, or shutting down in fear without seeing much progress, you’re not alone. It’s not because you’ve done something wrong, but because an underlying factor may not have been considered. Many common “problem” behaviors (up to 80% of them!) actually have underlying pain or medical issues. The Dynamic Dog Assessment provides a comprehensive analysis of your dog to identify potential discomfort and impact on behavior and get you both on the path to feeling better.
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Who are we?
With several years experience as a professional educator living, working, and playing with dogs, I’m firmly committed to setting all learners up for success. My training philosophy centers on a positive and joyful relationship between human and dog, fostered by science-backed methods. When we approach relationships with curiosity, we can learn more than we may have ever imagined.
What people are saying
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![Tricolor dog reaches up to sniff hide K9 Nose Work]()
We're just so proud of and excited for Mazey. She has found something she loves and a trainer & classmates she trusts. It has expanded her trust circle which makes us so happy! We have learned to anticipate, spot and react to her cues more accurately.
She gets so excited when we pull out the nose work gear to practice at home. She LOVES going to class and can barely restrain herself when she sees Katie, her bestest friend. It has enriched her life.
- Mary, Jack, and Mazey
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![Saint Bernard Dog sniffs treats out of boxes K9 Nose Work]()
I absolutely recommend Katie’s private lessons and classes. We did a couple private sessions before starting class which gave me confidence that my dog would be set up for success and enjoyment in the class. Katie’s classes are fun and interactive - even when it isn’t your dogs’ turn to go, Katie still makes it fun and exciting to watch and analyze the other dogs together by encouraging discussion and asking good, thought-provoking questions.
We’ve been able to play the “Sniffy Game” at home to get her comfortable around the novel objects used for her PT, keep her from going stir crazy in the house, enrich both of our dogs when they aren’t allowed to play, get her to take her medicine hidden in the treats she finds, and maintain our relationship through all of the not fun medical things happening. My girl is on the mend and we are so excited to start back up on lessons with Katie soon!
- Audrey and Bertha
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![Grey and white pitbull sniffs for treat K9 nose work]()
Cota is more confident. She uses her sniffing skills wherever we go! She’s always on the hunt!
We pay more attention to what she’s sniffing. If she is sniffing away, there’s something there! This has made us more open to try other non-obedience classes.
- Susie, Peter, and Cota
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Katie suggested nose work might be a great activity for our little guy with big feelings. Even though it was not a hobby I felt particularly passionate about, I trusted her instinct to check it out. I am glad that I did, and will continue to attend; my dog really enjoys it and the benefits extend beyond the classroom.
Oreo has developed more bravery while engaging with his environment. He is now willing to explore unusual spaces, follow scents he finds outdoors, and often is a little more regulated in his encounters with others when we’re on walks (though it’s hard to say if that last piece is thanks to nose work or due to the many other great training tips I learned from Katie).
I have become a better advocate for the needs of my little companion. I have an increased understanding and appreciation for the fact that his behavior is just information, telling me how he is feeling and what I can do to help support him. Our ongoing training has evolved into a series of conversations, rather than directions.
- Megan and Oreo
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![Small Chihuahua sniffs treats out of a box K9 Nose Work]()
Goose's confidence has increased since he has been learning nose work. He enjoys it and he is starting to think more about the process.
I’ve learned to allow Goose to explore and learn how to become an independent thinker.
Katie provides suggestions to assist me with what to do or how. She explains each class sessions tasks and tweaks it to meet the dog's level of training. Kate is very knowledgeable.
-Chris and Goose
