Kind Dog Training

Positivity, trust and wellbeing open the door to learning

Person kneels on the ground with their hand on the back of a white dog that is sitting. They are on a shady trail in the woods.

My Philosophy

Kindness First

I believe that every dog is a unique individual, deserving of nurturing and respect. My approach is rooted in positive reinforcement, ensuring that your dog learns through encouragement and trust. Training should first, foster the lifelong bond between a dog and their caregiver. A dog that feels safe and supported, is in the best position to learn and grow. Kind Dog Training is training that incorporates choice, room for mistakes, individual needs, and fun!

My Services

Woman kneeling on a patio playing with two dogs outdoors

Two off leash dogs, one black and one orange, walking on a sunny forest trail.

Black curly-haired dog climbing up on, and sniffing, construction equipment

Woman in a black jacket kneeling on the ground in a park, and giving a treat to a white dog in a red vest

Training Lessons

Personalized 60 minute training sessions (in or near your home) designed to build a strong bond through positive reinforcement and professional guidance. These can be sessions with or without the dog's owner present.

Group Adventures

Small pack, off leash excursions that combine physical activity, natural decompression and social enrichment. 2 hours of adventuring with 1-3 other dogs.

Enrichment Outings

Specialized outings focused on mental stimulation and sensory enrichment to keep your dog engaged and happy. These are 60 minute outings without the dog's owner, in a location chosen especially for your dog and what they need.

Socialization Outings

For puppies 9-21 weeks. 60 minute outings designed to safely build and expand socialization to novelty (sights, sounds, people, dogs, etc.) during a puppies critical socialization window. The priority for this service, is that your pup feels relaxed and happy the entire time they are experiencing new things.

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ABOUT ME

Meet The Trainer

I'm Katie Van Raden, a CPDT-KA certified trainer, and graduate of Whole Dog Academy. I have 15+ years of animal experience; including a decade in animal husbandry and a degree In Biology and Management of Zoo Animals. I became a dog trainer in 2018 and have always employed positive reinforcement training. I love working with families on socialization and enrichment plans too. I believe that helping owners learn to communicate effectively with their pets is one of the best gifts I can give both parties. The time, love and understanding that we extend to our pets, they return to us ten fold.

I am fascinated by animal behavior and strive to be an advocate of animal welfare. I think that respecting and protecting the natural world is the best path to harmony with ourselves. I'm so fortunate to continue learning from the dogs I work with, and to get to preform a job that is pure joy.

If you like fun animals facts, ask me about dogs, cats, pandas, crows, hedgehogs, sloths, or primates!

A smiling person and a goldendoodle take a selfie while hiking on a sunny, wooded trail.

Client Voices

"The positive reinforcement approach truly transformed our dog's behavior. We've never felt more connected to our dog."

Sarah M.

"Kind Dog Training's support has helped me feel equiped to troubleshoot my dog's challenges."

Kristine P.

"Professional, compassionate, and open to our participation in crafting the plan for our training."

Sarah T.

Let's Start Your Journey

I am here to help you and your dog thrive. Reach out to schedule a free 15 minute discovery call or learn more about my training programs.