"Kathy was great to work with. She was patient, answered all our questions, and adjusted the training to deal with the problems most immediate to us, including how to stop our puppy from jumping and biting us when playing; how to keep her calm when people approach; how to draw her attention; how to wait her out when she appeared to ignore us; how to reward for the puppy behaviors we want rather than to lure her, and how to gently get her to move away from the icky things outside that she wants to eat.
Kathy made training convenient by coming to our home so we could train our puppy in our own environment. She broke down the training into steps that our dog could learn quickly and made training rewarding for us as well as for our puppy. We never felt rushed or judged, and Kathy was generous with her time. She followed up every training session with written instructions and additional information. She encouraged us to email her with questions, and always responded quickly and clearly. In addition, if occasionally we were not quite finished with a particular training activity at the end of our session, Kathy gave us the time we needed.
We were inspired to become proficient at positive reinforcement training by watching Kathy immediately get our dog to do something that we wanted to train—for example, to go into her kennel. We realized what was possible if we became proficient in the PAWSitive Approach training methods.
We have taken two driving trips from Colorado with our puppy, one to California, and one to North Carolina. Due to Kathy’s training, we’ve received numerous compliments about how well behaved our puppy is, and people notice that we don’t yell at or punish our dog to get her to do what we want her to do.
We’re very grateful to Kathy. Her PAWSitive Approach enabled us to help our puppy become a courteous, affectionate, and beloved member of our family. Kathy’s training is both kind and effective, and makes us wish that our own parents had used positive reinforcement training to raise us."
Arlene, Tom & Abbey Gayle
Lyons, CO
"We love working with Kathy at PAWSitive Approach Dog Training! As a first-time puppy owning family, we have a lot to learn. Kathy patiently works with us; gives clear directions, practice and homework; helps troubleshoot when we encounter issues; and ensures that we have the building blocks to foster a positive, wonderful relationship with our dog. We are so grateful for Kathy and PAWSitive Approach Dog Training!"
Janine, Bruce, Sheyda & Weston
Berthoud, CO
"Kathy is a delight to work with and has been so fundamental in helping our pup become a great part of our family! The approach that she uses is so incredibly smart and kind, it continually amazes us. We have learned so much about being good Humans to our dog and in turn she has become a great member of our family. Both my partner and I have had experiences with other dog training techniques in the past, so we were not totally sure what to expect with PAWSitive Approach. Our expectations have far been exceeded. We started when we got our puppy around 8 weeks and plan to continue training with Kathy for the indefinite future. Her support is invaluable, we couldnt happier! Thank you Kathy for teaching us how to be the best dog owners we can be for Pickle! It is the best investment that anyone can make!"
Hannah, Chad, Elsbeth, & Pickle
Longmont, CO
"I highly suggest reaching out to PAWSitive Approach Dog Training if you have any dog training needs. We have a fully deaf boxer puppy and wanted to make sure we were on top of certain aspects of our puppy's training for safety and quality of life. Kathy was fantastic, caring, and very knowledgeable. It's clear that she keeps up-to-date on training techniques and really cares about her clients."
Kristin & Lucy
Loveland, CO
"Thanks to PAWSitive Approach Dog Training, we are well on our way to having a fun and energetic, yet responsive and well-behaved, dog. Izzy is our "COVID puppy" - we finally had a chance to adopt with both of us working from home. We thought about training her ourselves, but wanted to progress as quickly as possible. We had several trainers come over and meet Izzy, but decided on PAWSitive Approach because what Kathy was telling us made sense, and we really appreciated the gentle way she worked with Izzy. We are amazed by how quickly Izzy has learned - and it would have been even faster if her humans had kept up with their homework. We're looking forward to taking the next steps with PAWSitive Approach/Kathy after the holidays."
Deborah, Mark and Izzy
Longmont, CO
"It has been an absolute pleasure to learn from Kathy of PAWSitive Approach Dog Training. She is incredibly knowledgeable, organized, thorough, prompt, and passionate about her work. She follows each puppy training session with a “homework” email, and detailed instructions on how to practice what we learned. She has taught us how to see things from Ben’s perspective, which has transformed the potentially exasperating process of sharing a house with a puppy into a delight.
Ben came to us at 11 weeks with considerable fear issues, and after two months under Kathy’s guidance, he has grown into a confident, happy and well mannered pup!"
Sarah, Aaron, Grace, Ada, and Ben
Loveland, CO
"I wanted to share with you that Alma is doing awesome! I am so totally blown away at how her behavior has shifted since we put the methods and strategies to use that you taught us. So many things that you told us would happen with her have come to fruition.
For example, she still barks when people arrive or when cars go by, but she now knows that when she sees these things she's going to get a reward and after barking she runs to our side to be treated.
We owe you so much thanks. Because of the great dog training and patience you taught us, we, including Alma, are enjoying a very happy life together. Thank you from our whole family!"
Billy, Yasmin, Brooks, West, and Alma
Lyons, CO
"Kathy, with PAWSitive Approach Dog Training, is a very knowledgable and very talented trainer. My adopted dog Lucy, had a rough start in life and she was very afraid of people. Kathy helped me understand how to help Lucy learn to trust people. Kathy is a very good communicator and she gave me valuable insights into Lucy’s behavior plus the positive training techniques needed to help my pup. Thanks to Kathy, Lucy has come a long way in just a few months. I don’t think you could find a better dog trainer for you and your dog!"
Wendy & Lucy
Longmont, CO
"Loved, loved, loved working with PAWSitive Approach Dog Training! Professional, ethical, considerate, Kathy met all my expectations and dealt with every single question and puppy problem immediately. She is brilliant when it comes to handling my pup and his bazillion challenges. It's apparent she loves her job and has a keen affection for dogs. It was a huge priority to me to have a well-mannered dog and with Kathy's help, Pippin is on his way! Thank you Kathy!"
Cathi & Pippin
Loveland, CO
"I highly recommend Pawsitive Approach for dog/owner training. Kathy is very professional, explains concepts well and fully demonstrates techniques for use in effective dog training. I saw measurable results quickly after we contacted her due to my two dogs having skirmishes. I feel confident that I now have the tools to continue training my dogs.
I had a special situation with a blind and deaf dog and we were still able to get her on the right track, so do not hesitate to contact PAWSitive Approach Dog Training, even if you think your issue cannot improve."
Caleb, Jennifer, Carson, Maya & Copper
Berthoud, CO
"We recently got two puppies and I was very nervous that they would be terrors and destroy my house, so I hired PAWSitive Approach Dog Training to help me train as I had never trained an animal in my life. I was very impressed by Kathy's dog training. She taught me so much in five sessions and I have been able to practice with the puppies almost daily and they have already learned so much and are doing great. One puppy is a Shiba Inu and the other is a German Shepherd and Kathy's puppy training has worked with both. I am very thankful for her help and for teaching me some tremendous tools for having good, obedient dogs without being harsh or aggressive with them. I hope to do more dog training sessions with PAWSitive Approach Dog Training in the future."
Teresa, Hope & Star
Berthoud, CO
"We found PAWSitive Approach Dog Training via an internet search and I'm glad we did! We talked about what things we wanted to do with our new puppy in the end (hiking off leash being a major goal) and Kathy tailored a dog training plan to that approach. To put it short, her dog training methods really work, and work really well. While he is still young, he comes every time when I call him, and comes running, even in high distraction environments, like at the dog park. I am glad we found Kathy as we have a great foundation for a life time together with our puppy."
Andrew, Katie, Gunner & August
Longmont, CO
"We are first time dog owners and our choice was a wonderful, smart, energetic Jack Russell Terrier. We had read books and watched videos before the puppy arrived but those things did not prepare us at all for our little, naughty, energetic pet.
PAWSitive Approach Puppy Training was with us since a week after we got our puppy. I have to say if it was not for Kathy we would have been completely lost. From the time we signed up with Pawsitive Approach, Kathy trained our puppy and us to co-exist in harmony. She took her time and was very patient and understanding with us and the puppy. Our puppy Ari loves her and her positive ways have made a profound difference not just with the puppy but in a general way we approach things in our day to day life. We now have a a really happy 7 month old puppy and we are really happy owners. I could not imagine what we would have done without Kathy's guidance.
At first, I was little skeptical of the puppy training methods but once we were at it and practiced it daily, it all made sense and worked perfectly. PAWSitive Approach's puppy training methods are so kind for the pet and the owners. We are life long fans and in debt to Kathy for helping us to do our best by our puppy Ari. My whole family strongly recommends Kathy for her unique skill in connecting to pets and owners and her kind and positive method of puppy training. I don’t think you will find a person who will genuinely love your pet and care about their well being more than Kathy."
Karthik, Dhivya, Isha, Ashi, and Ari
Lyons, CO
"I contacted PAWSitive Approach Dog Training because my 9 year old dog was barking constantly at nothing at all. With Kathy's help I was able to teach my dog cues to stop her barking, teach manners for both of my dogs (9 and 3 years old), and I now understand my dog's behavior and body language.
Kathy provided us with tools to exercise the dog's minds and bodies. Our household is now a much calmer one and I have control. I would highly recommend PAWSitive Approach Dog Training to anyone struggling with your dog's behavior; Kathy is calm and knowledgeable. My dogs enjoyed having her to the house as much as I did, if not more!"
Jessica, Batty, and Shai
Loveland, CO
"While I have a short quiet moment, I want to thank you for your service to our family. In particular I am grateful for your conscientious efforts to maximize the benefit of each of our lessons, your compassion for dogs coupled with a sympathetic ear for the challenges of their families, and the expertise, humility, authenticity and generosity you bring to your work.
I am a more aware and reflective human for the experiences you brought to our lives.
In connection,"
Brynn & Koda
Loveland, CO
"PAWSitive Approach/Kathy has been training Comet my Black Lab puppy for about 18 weeks now and I have nothing but positive things to say about Kathy's dog training results, work ethic, punctuality and kindness to my dog. She also gives me a nice summary after each lesson going over what was worked on and how he did.
I have had trainers in the past that did not use positive reinforcement and I did not like those methods and found them to be counter productive. Kathy is not just another positive reinforcement dog trainer, she is a great one and I see results quickly. I have her training Comet many things apart from the standard sit, down and stay, etc.... Comet adores her and is eager to please her and gets very excited to see her and sad when she leaves. I will continue to use PAWSitive Approach Dog Training to teach my dog new things and reinforce the old."
Doug and Comet
Longmont, CO
"PAWSitive Approach has been an incredible part of our puppies' early training. Because of Kathy, our puppies have an amazing foundation and are loving, polite and obedient. Kathy loves dogs and loves dog training!! Her being able to do in-home puppy training with great flexibility was essential for us as we have ever-changing schedules. Thank you Kathy!!"
Lisa, Dana, Halley, & Finlay
Loveland, CO
"Thank you so much for the very best puppy training. Every session was so helpful. Kathy was wonderful with Sofie and I so appreciate all the resources and homework information. I loved our weekly sessions and enjoyed working with Kathy. I highly recommend Kathy and PAWSitive Approach Dog Training."
Avril & Sofie
Ft. Collins, CO
"Kathy was incredibly patient with both me and my puppy! When we had set backs she was then incredibly encouraging telling me that training isn't linear. My puppy and I learned SO MUCH. The most powerful testimonial is that numerous people have commented on what a well behaved puppy my 17 week old puppy is. That's truly high praise. I tell everyone about Kathy and her Pawsitive Approach to puppy training."
Corey & Finn
Longmont, CO
"Our 2 year old Bichon, Annie, has a few demons (Kathy calls them monsters). Kathy has done a splendid job of teaching Nancy and I how to help Annie past these monsters and her progress has been very gratifying to see. These Pawsitive Approach dog training tools which Kathy is able to provide us will go a long way toward making Annie a much better puppy and we all truly appreciate all that Kathy has provided us in training. Thank you Kathy."
Nancy, Dave, Annie, and Missy
Longmont, CO
"I can't say enough about my experience with Pawsitive Approach puppy training. Being a new puppy Mom I needed the training as much as my puppy did and Kathy made me feel so comfortable from the very start. She was always available via email for my questions and concerns in between our training sessions. She was also always on time, which I really appreciate. Thanks again for setting Dawson and I on the right path!"
Dana and Dawson
Estes Park, CO (Dog training in Berthoud, CO)
"Boo and I have been working with PAWSitive Approach dog training for five weeks. Kathy, however, is not our first trainer but I'm confident she will be the last. I've actually been asked in the past to leave training sessions because of Boo's 'reactivity' issues. Not so with Kathy. She takes the time to look at each problem with excitement in finding the solution that works for not only Boo, but me. She treats us as a team and identifies what I can do better to help Boo and me reach our goal. Kathy understands that we progress at different intervals on different tasks... Boo is stubborn and I'm blonde. Point being? She is extremely patient as well as qualified. I couldn't be happier putting Boo's well-being in Kathy's hands."
Sue and Boo Radley
Wellington, CO (Dog training in Berthoud, CO)
"My dog Cheyenne is five years old, and although she is extremely smart, I did not know how she would do with training. PAWSitive Approach's dog training methods are so kind and allow your dog to think for themselves, which was perfect for Cheyenne. No harsh words, no "bad dog", Cheyenne flourished with the training. I could not recommend a better person for training your dog nor anyone who truly has your animals well-being first and formost."
April and Cheyenne
Brighton, CO (Dog training in Berthoud, CO)