Kaci T.
Austin, TX
Positive, Science-based fun!
Pet care experience
My engagement with dogs revolves around empathy, science-based positive methods, and fun centered around your pup's enrichment. I am a certified dog trainer (VSA-CDT), have my own company at Charming Buddies Dog Training, and am a trainer at Every Dog Behavior and Training. I have a calm personality and love spending time with my own sweet pup — a 7 year old Pyrenees mix rescue! I have worked off and on as a sitter and walker for several years now, and learned from many great certified trainers and positive science-based methods. I have a lot of experience with dog reactivity, from handling my own reactive dog and as a certified trainer. I love all ages, sizes, and breeds. Getting to meet cute new friends and catching up with old ones again makes me happy! If you think I would be a good fit I'd love to meet you and your pets! IMPORTANT: As a professional I will not use aversive tools on any dogs I work with, including but not limited to: E-Collars, bark collars, choke chains, prong collars, slip leads, electric fences, etc. If you have used these items in the past, I understand. But with the science surrounding these tools, I will not work with dogs who are actively being subjected to aversives.
Reviews
Kaci was great! Thanks for being patient and slowly approaching Carly to allow her time to warm up to you. I highly recommend Kaci.
I loved that she brought a cooling bandana for my dog and had her do puzzle treats and doggy push ups!
My Louie boy and I are so very lucky to have found Kaci. From the get go, Kaci has been interested in learning everything about Louie’s needs and preferences. Kaci has advanced Louie’s progress in training with each visit as well as seeing to it that all of Louie’s exercise and feeding needs are met. Kaci leaves detailed notes, pics, and videos. I couldn’t recommend Kaci more highly!
Thank you for taking care of the pups and hanging with them! We hope we can use you again in the near future :)
About Kaci T.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
As a certified VSA-CDT, I use a positive science based approach to interacting with all animals. I have extensive experience with dog body language, door and gate management, positive reinforcement, and general safety. I always carry treats and toss extras upon entry/exit/crating. All dogs must be walked with a well-fitted harness and safe, non-extendable leash, no exceptions. If client does not provide a harness, a suitable harness (PetSafe 3-In-1 Y-shaped Harness) will be provided if possible. If client leash does not match standards, a suitable length non-extendable bungee leash will be provided.
Information Kaci T. would like to know about your pet
I’d love to know if your pup has behavioral/reactivity issues they're working through so I can help facilitate a fun, safe, and stress-free interaction for everyone involved. For example, my dog Buddy has been working through reactivity for a few years when meeting other dogs on his leash, so through constant positive fear-free training and patience, I do my best to make sure he feels secure and facilitate a calmer environment/distraction when we can't avoid another dog. If your dog pulls at squirrels, is anxious around people, hates bikes, anything -- I'm happy to get to know them better and facilitate the best experience for everyone. And second, I'd love to know what their marker words, cues, or hand signs are! If you've got any fun phrases, signs, cues, or signals, let me know!
A typical day
I always bring puzzles, snuggle mats, and flirt pole toys to drop-ins! ! Practicing fun cues like "shake," and "spin," jogging around a bit with extra energetic pups, and having slow sniffy walks for those who enjoy smelling the roses, makes walks extra enriching and gives pups extra opportunities to check in, know they're doing a great job, and get treats!
Services
Kaci can watch in your home
Availability
I am currently available Monday—Thursdays each week. I am often only able to accept past clients, but I will update when my schedule availability changes.
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About Kaci T.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
As a certified VSA-CDT, I use a positive science based approach to interacting with all animals. I have extensive experience with dog body language, door and gate management, positive reinforcement, and general safety. I always carry treats and toss extras upon entry/exit/crating. All dogs must be walked with a well-fitted harness and safe, non-extendable leash, no exceptions. If client does not provide a harness, a suitable harness (PetSafe 3-In-1 Y-shaped Harness) will be provided if possible. If client leash does not match standards, a suitable length non-extendable bungee leash will be provided.
Information Kaci T. would like to know about your pet
I’d love to know if your pup has behavioral/reactivity issues they're working through so I can help facilitate a fun, safe, and stress-free interaction for everyone involved. For example, my dog Buddy has been working through reactivity for a few years when meeting other dogs on his leash, so through constant positive fear-free training and patience, I do my best to make sure he feels secure and facilitate a calmer environment/distraction when we can't avoid another dog. If your dog pulls at squirrels, is anxious around people, hates bikes, anything -- I'm happy to get to know them better and facilitate the best experience for everyone. And second, I'd love to know what their marker words, cues, or hand signs are! If you've got any fun phrases, signs, cues, or signals, let me know!
A typical day
I always bring puzzles, snuggle mats, and flirt pole toys to drop-ins! ! Practicing fun cues like "shake," and "spin," jogging around a bit with extra energetic pups, and having slow sniffy walks for those who enjoy smelling the roses, makes walks extra enriching and gives pups extra opportunities to check in, know they're doing a great job, and get treats!
Location
Austin, TX
Pets
Kaci T.
Austin, TX