About us

Waterdown Dog Walkers brings six years of experience in dog walking and positive dog training to Waterdown and the surrounding area.

 

In 2010, "Dog Walker in Chief" Katie quit her job in the publishing industry to work with dogs full time.  Since then, she has had the pleasure of hanging out with dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds, and temperaments. She has amassed an invaluable amount of experience in dog behaviour, body language, play, and handling.

 

In addition to her work as a dog walker, Katie completed an apprenticeship with Follow the Leader Inc., a leading positive reinforcement dog training school in Toronto and Hamilton areas.  She teaches puppy classes and general obedience classes for dogs of all ages and ability. 

 

The dog training industry is widely unregulated. Any person can call themselves a trainer, even with no experience at all! Katie is working towards her CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) certification. The CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) is the ONLY recognized certification body for professional dog trainers. Katie studied under two certified trainers and has worked with countless others in various capacities, absorbing as much knowledge and practical skills as she can along the way.

 

Katie's personal dog, Scarlett, an 8 year old great dane, has been the one to teach her the most about all things dog! She was certainly the inspriation for Katie's decision to work with dogs, and she continues to be an inspiration every day.  Perhaps you've seen them around town!

 

Katie's philosophy is that your dog's walk or training experience should be FUN. Prong collars, choke collars, shock collars, or dominance-based methods have no place with us. You can rest assured that your dog is being handled safely, mindfully, and is loved.  Katie sets your dog up for success every step of the way!