Meet the Pack
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Steph
Steph is a certified professional dog trainer, CPDT-KA is Pet Rescue Education Pet First-Aid and CPR Certified, and is studying towards her CBATI-KA qualification.
She adopted Biscotti, a dachshund pup with a long bite history in December of 2022 and immediately dove into the dog training world! She has a special love for the extremely fearful, bite risk, and shut down dogs and as such focuses on intervention cases.
Steph focuses on empowering you and your dog to train and problem solve as a team. She advocates for canine consent and loves teaching humans how to understand and communicate with their dogs better. She also believes that environmental control, autonomy, and play are the most powerful reinforcers for training and behavioral modification. Her training style is minimally invasive and aims to help your dog make the right choices even when you aren’t around.
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Zan
Zan is a certified professional dog trainer, CPDT-KA.
Zan is a trainer with a background in positive reinforcement service dog training. She has been working with dogs since 2006 and has four years of formal study and practice in the dog training community. Zan is focused on continuing education and is currently working on becoming a certified Fear Free Pet Professional.
Zan is an avid learner and focuses her studies on understanding canine developmental disposition. Zan’s infinite patience provides her with the calm composure required for her speciality of puppy socialization, puppy raising and praising with the inclusion of desensitization and counterconditioning. Additionally, Zan is Pet Rescue Education Pet First-Aid and CPR Certified.
Helping dog owners become responsive to their dogs and their dogs' natural communication tendencies has led her to be a passionate advocate for regular and consistent training and enrichment activities. Zan has successfully raised, socialized, and trained both companion dogs and working dogs.
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Kali
Kali is a Utah native who has had a special relationship with dogs from an early age. Her training journey began in 1998 with compulsive and aversive methods. She has utilized positive reinforcement methods following the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) model since 2013. Kali has been helping anxious, fearful, reactive, and aggressive dogs and their families since 2012.
In 2011 she adopted her first shelter dog, Millie, an American Staffordshire Terrier. This prompted her to want to work with shelter dogs and help them become adoptable. She has taken in dozens of fosters for rescues helping them acclimate to life as a happy, healthy pet. Since then she has helped many shelter and foster dogs become adoptable and find homes. She continues to advocate for homeless dogs by fostering and volunteering at shelters.
Kali has over two decades of experience raising puppies, teaching group classes, leading social playgroups, and helping groomers and Veterinarians with cooperative and low stress handling techniques. She continues to further her education with seminars, classes, and communication with other professionals in the dog community. Kali is committed to learning and teaching you the most up to date, humane, scientifically sound training methods.
She lives with her Dutch Shepherd, Rip, who helps dogs learn appropriate social skills and play behaviors. They participate in Conformation and are looking forward to continuing their journey in dog sports together.
Her certifications include CPDT-KA, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and Canine CPR and First Aid. Kali is a Professional Level Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and serves as a mentor to the rest of the team.
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Tabi
Tabi has been working with animals from a very young age, starting out with hunting dogs around the age of 14. For a long time, Tabi knew she wanted to teach and has a passion for learning. After over four years of teaching preschool and getting back into college she took a turn for something different. Tabi started working in the shelter and took on the responsibility of a lifetime. In Tabi’s words, “shelter work is the foundation of dog training.” After seeing most animals being dropped off due to behaviors, she took a leap of faith and dove into the training world. For Tabi this world makes sense, it comes easily, as she speaks dog language. Often, she would work with the hardest dogs who ended up never being able to find a home. She saw countless animals lost in a world humankind has created. Instead of watching she jumped into action.
Tabi is a devoted dog mom to any dog she encounters. She is a believer that every dog has that special something or someone that motivates them and strives to be able to give that to them. With a teaching background Tabi has the benefit of being able to show you in multiple ways how to accomplish the most complex tasks. Also, a lot of patience..
Tabi is currently studying for her CCPDT-KA and working in another facility teaching group classes on obedience and agility. Most of Tab’s knowledge is hands-on learning that hasn’t stopped since she stepped foot into the dog world. She has been working with animals of all kinds since she can remember, ask her about cats!
Tabi has two dogs. The first is Mars, an Australian Shepherd who she got for $50 on a cow farm. Mars was covered in cow poop the whole way back and still has a farm dog attitude. When Tabi brought her home, she put her through a nonstop routine in which Mars still has to this day. Mars is a great friend and judge of character; she has helped Tab learn so much about how to communicate with dogs. Mars is often at our pack walks and can’t wait to meet you! Tabi’s other dog Gravy, a Mini Aussie, would not like to meet you. Gravy is Tabi’s first shelter dog she brought home, and they’ve been working very hard since the beginning of 2023. Gravy has many issues, however, if given the proper introduction and chance, can thrive in most environments. Gravy has been teaching Tabi she does not know everything and there is always room to grow.
Tabi is a proud animal lover hoping to bridge the gap between dogs and their humans, with understanding, perseverance and praise we can accomplish anything.
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Meggie
Meet Meggie Siegfried, a dedicated and professional dog trainer with a genuine love for our four-legged companions. Meggie's journey into the world of canine training began with a simple yet profound realization: the incredible bond between humans and dogs deserves to be nurtured and strengthened through positive reinforcement.
Background and Certification: Meggie's commitment to canine welfare led her to pursue professional certification as a dog trainer. Meggie is currently enrolled at Catch Canine Training Academy; graduating with a CPDT-KA in Spring of 2024. Armed with extensive knowledge in canine behavior and psychology, Meggie will obtain her certification from a reputable institution, solidifying her expertise in the field.
Walking Dogs with Purpose: For Meggie, dog walking is not just a physical activity; it's an opportunity to engage with each dog on a personal level. With a keen understanding of different breeds and individual temperaments, she tailors each walking experience to meet the unique needs of her furry clients.
Training Dogs Through Positive Reinforcement: Meggie's training philosophy centers around positive reinforcement, emphasizing rewards and praise to encourage desired behaviors. Whether addressing common obedience commands or addressing behavioral challenges, Meggie's approach fosters a positive and trusting relationship between dogs and their owners.
Bandit: A Personal Journey in Training: Meggie's commitment to the well-being of dogs extends beyond her professional life. She shares her home with Bandit, a loyal canine companion she trained to be a diabetic alert dog. Drawing on her knowledge and expertise, Meggie successfully taught Bandit to recognize and respond to changes in her blood sugar levels, providing a life-saving service. This personal experience fuels Meggie's passion for empowering dogs and their owners through education and positive reinforcement.
Meggie Siegfried's journey as a certified professional dog trainer is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the well-being of dogs and their owners. Through her expertise, compassion, and commitment to positive reinforcement, Meggie continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of both two-legged and four-legged members of the community.