Katie N.
Walnut Village, CA
Knowledgable, gentle, intuitive!
Pet care experience
Hi, I'm Katie! I grew up always having dogs around, and friends/family often look to me for training advice or to watch their dogs. The first dog I've owned as an adult is 8yo shih tzu Luna--she's a formerly reactive dog that got me hooked on training. If I didn't have a full-time job, I'd likely be trying to make it as a dog trainer--I think about it daily! I've shadowed Samantha Johnson of Pack Life LA, and have taken workshops, classes, and privates with a handful of other trainers in Orange County and LA not only to rehab my own dog, but also to learn more about dog training as a whole. It's become a passion and hobby for me! Through all of our training experiences, I've gained ample knowledge on dog behavior, psychology, and body language. Anytime I'm around a new dog, I look at it as an opportunity to give them time to come out of their shell while I observe them for the individual they are. I am fair and gentle in my expectations, respecting dogs’ boundaries if ever showing signs of discomfort or overwhelm in a new situation. I will always strive to physically and mentally fulfill a dog before expecting good/calm behavior from it. I love giving gentle, structured guidance to dogs that have problem behaviors (i.e. jumping, reactivity, resource guarding). I also have the patience to work with your dog on not pulling on the walk, crate training, place work, yes work, massage work, long line work, thresholds, alert/demand barking, impulse control...etc!
Reviews
We did a one night trial run with Katie and she was great from meet & greet to pick up. She was happy to take time getting to know Lando and practice walking him at our meet & greet prior to boarding. She answered any questions we had and asked us questions to gain a better understanding of Lando’s routine & triggers for reactivity. It was a relief going from a high volume boarding facility with minimal structure to having an individual that can provide structure with a good understanding of dog behavior and great handling skills that align with Lando’s training😊 In addition to structure & handling skills, she also did a great job of fulfilling his Aussie energy by exercising him with walks and bike rides😁 Last but not least, Katie provided lots of updates and was very open with additional feedback/notes when we had questions throughout the boarding.
We've booked Katie for house sitting and already have another upcoming booking with her. She's knowledgeable, kept our house clean, and was easy to communicate with. Katie provided excellent care for our high-energy puppy and showed great affection for our senior dog. We appreciated all the updates with photos and videos, which kept us reassured and worry-free. We were initially concerned about finding someone who could handle our puppy's playful nature, quirks, and challenging behaviors, but Katie quickly eased our worries. Both dogs seem happy and well cared for, and we're grateful to have found someone patient and understanding of our dog’s unique needs. Looking forward to our next booking! Thanks again!
We’ve felt very comfortable leaving Molly, our 3y/o Cavapoo with Katie. Each time Molly greets Katie I trust Molly to know she’s in good hands. Leaving Molly for the day at Katie’s home was a big step for us. We’ve had Katie for drop-in visits at our home before. Molly’s fearful of other dogs, but a greet and sniff with Katie’s little girl, Luna went well. We plan more daycares with Katie. She’s a star.
Katie is really great. She took such great care of our dog for us, just as if Molly was her own. She sent photos and/or videos of her each day. We were so relieved to know that Molly was in good hands and made our vacation more pleasant, knowing that we didn't have to worry about her. Katie is a "dog whisperer", which comes naturally to her, but from her own studies about dog behavior as well. She has considered becoming a dog trainer and would be very successful in that endeavor because of her understanding of dogs. There is no question that we will ask her to look after Molly at every opportunity when we have to leave her with someone.
About Katie N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
If boarding in my home, I will only ever have one other dog present (my own) to make sure all interactions stay manageable and respectful. We have a preference for medium/low energy guest dogs. If sitting in your home, I will always be respectful of your space and follow your directions as far as boundaries go: what spaces are off limits for me/your dog, what structure/guidance to give them, how they like to play, etc. I typically do not offer overnight sitting services (in your home) for new clients.
Home
Information Katie N. would like to know about your pet
Daily routine Medications or any health conditions Energy level & their favorite way to play Any problem behaviors you've been working on How do they get along with other dogs?
A typical day
When meeting a new dog, I always let them get to know me in their own way. I wait for the nervous/shy dogs to come to me, and the jumpy/pushy ones are expected to settle before I engage with them. This way, your dog will be able to settle in and get comfortable with me in a CALM and NEUTRAL way. I believe the walk is the ultimate form of bonding, and the perfect way to get to know a dog (and vice versa). I'm happy to tug, fetch, and play! Engagement, impulse control, and obedience games are all in my back pocket, as I'm a big believer that mental fulfillment is just as important as physical fulfillment. I'm an Orange County native and know all the great parks to visit, but am also always looking out for new ones for your dog's exposure and socialization.
Services
Katie can host
Katie can watch in your home
Availability
I work hybrid M-F, so I have some flexibility. I'm available for weeknight check-ins (with notice) and I'm fully available on weekends! I believe structure and routine are vital for dogs and I'll always do my best to stick with the routine that YOU have set for your pup, while making sure they're happy and fulfilled.
About Katie N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
If boarding in my home, I will only ever have one other dog present (my own) to make sure all interactions stay manageable and respectful. We have a preference for medium/low energy guest dogs. If sitting in your home, I will always be respectful of your space and follow your directions as far as boundaries go: what spaces are off limits for me/your dog, what structure/guidance to give them, how they like to play, etc. I typically do not offer overnight sitting services (in your home) for new clients.
Home
Information Katie N. would like to know about your pet
Daily routine Medications or any health conditions Energy level & their favorite way to play Any problem behaviors you've been working on How do they get along with other dogs?
A typical day
When meeting a new dog, I always let them get to know me in their own way. I wait for the nervous/shy dogs to come to me, and the jumpy/pushy ones are expected to settle before I engage with them. This way, your dog will be able to settle in and get comfortable with me in a CALM and NEUTRAL way. I believe the walk is the ultimate form of bonding, and the perfect way to get to know a dog (and vice versa). I'm happy to tug, fetch, and play! Engagement, impulse control, and obedience games are all in my back pocket, as I'm a big believer that mental fulfillment is just as important as physical fulfillment. I'm an Orange County native and know all the great parks to visit, but am also always looking out for new ones for your dog's exposure and socialization.
Location
Irvine, CA
Pets
Katie N.
Walnut Village, CA