Hi. I am Cathy

I have over 30 years of experience training dogs in Port Saint Lucie and the Treasure Coast. Because you are reading this, I know you love your dog. But loving your dog and enjoying your dog isn’t always the same thing.

I want to help your dog become the companion you hoped for—well-behaved, reliable, and welcome anywhere—so you can stop managing problems and start enjoying life together.

Dog Training That Fits Real Life

You love your dog, but let’s be honest—you’re exhausted. The constant barking, jumping on guests, and chaos at the front door. You’ve read the books, watched the YouTube videos, maybe even a group class. Your dog was great there, but at home, it’s like he forgot everything.

Here’s the problem. He didn’t forget, he just never really understood it in the first place.

Dogs learn best in context. Sitting for a cookie in the kitchen when nothing is going on doesn’t automatically teach him to sit politely when the doorbell rings. That’s why we train in the real moments where good behavior actually matters—not just when it’s quiet and easy.

In-Home Training is the Gold Standard for Success

Once your dog’s got the hang of things at home, we can take those skills on the road to all the fun spots on the Treasure Coast—parks, cafes, festivals, you name it. That’s the beauty of starting at home.

• Solve Problems Where They Actually Happen — We work in the real-world environment where your dog’s triggers exist—like the kitchen counter, front door, and the delivery man.
• Customized to Your Specific Household — Every home has its own vibe, and challenges. I’ll take a look at your setup: how your furniture’s arranged, your daily routine, other pets in the mix, build a plan that actually works for the way you live.
• Hands-On Coaching for You — Since you’re the one sharing life with your dog, you’re my real focus here. You’ll be hands-on during our sessions—using your leash, working in your space—so when I leave, you’re completely set to keep things going.
• A Safe Haven for Sensitive Dogs — If your dog’s on the shy or anxious side, new places can be overwhelming—they just freeze up and can’t take anything in. Training at home means they’re comfortable and relaxed, and that’s when they are ready to learn.
• Total Convenience — No need to drive anywhere or rearrange your whole day. Training happens right in your daily routine. Easy for the dog and even easier for you,

Moving Beyond Commands

After 30+ years training dogs here in Port Saint Lucie, I’ve learned that most behavior problems are actually communication problems. Your dog might be overwhelmed, confused about the rules, or simply doesn’t understand what you want when life gets exciting.

We fix the everyday frustrations that drive owners crazy:

• Leash Manners — Stopping reactivity and frustrating pulling so you can enjoy walks again.
• Polite Greetings — Eliminating jumping and barking when guests arrive.
• Door Manners — Teaching calm at the entryway and preventing bolting.
• Household Boundaries — Solving counter surfing and begging.
• Emotional Support — Specialized help for separation anxiety and nervous behavior.
• Puppy Essentials — Complete housebreaking and foundation training.

Skills for the Real World

The foundation of everything I teach is simple: polite behavior earns rewards.

• The “Say Please” Protocol — Your dog learns to sit calmly and look to you for permission instead of being pushy or demanding.
• Reliable Attention & Recall — We build a rock-solid “come when called” so you can enjoy off-leash time without your heart rate spiking.
• The “Settled” Dog — Your dog learns to relax in place on cue, transforming chaotic moments into peaceful ones.

Coaching for Both Ends of the Leash

Training a dog is only half the battle. The most important part of our work together is teaching you how to lead so your dog actually listens.

What Happens During a Lesson:

• Hands-On from Day One — I’ll demonstrate a skill, and once your dog understands it, you take over. No “watch me and figure it out later.” I’m right there coaching your timing and technique in real time, so you get it right from the start.
• Understanding the “Why” — Understanding the “Why” — We’ll talk through why certain behaviors happen and what actually makes dogs tick. When you understand the reasoning behind the methods, you can handle new challenges long after our sessions end.
• Building Momentum — Each lesson builds on the last. I teach the skill, you practice during the week, and we return to take it up to the next level.

Ready for a Better Life with Your Dog?

Establishing a new relationship with your dog starts with a simple, no-pressure conversation. I offer a free phone consultation to families in Port St. Lucie and across the Treasure Coast.

1. The Consultation — We’ll spend 15–20 minutes discussing your dog’s history, your specific frustrations, and your goals.
2. The Plan — If we’re a good match, we’ll schedule your first in-home session and begin tailoring a program to your lifestyle.
3. The Results — We start working immediately on the behaviors that matter most, giving you the tools to enjoy your dog again.

FAQ’s

How long are sessions and do I need to practice between visits?

Sessions typically last about an hour. Regarding practice: Yes, but it’s not ‘homework.’ It’s about integrating small 2-minute habits into your existing routine—like when you’re making coffee or getting the mail. Real life doesn’t stop for training, so we build the training into your life.

Can my whole family participate?

Absolutely—and I actually encourage it. Your dog needs to know that the ‘house rules’ apply to everyone, not just one person. We’ll make sure the kids, spouses, and roommates are all on the same page so your dog doesn’t get confused by mixed signals.

What training methods do you use?

I focus on clear communication and the ‘Say Please’ philosophy. We use positive reinforcement to teach new behaviors and fair, consistent boundaries to stop the ones you don’t like. My goal is to help your dog understand how to live calmly in a human world.

What areas do you serve?

I provide in-home dog training throughout the Treasure Coast, including Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Jensen Beach, and Palm City. If you’re unsure if you’re in my area, just give me a call!