I’m a certified behavior consultant with over 10 years of experience as a professional dog trainer and veterinary technician. I offer in-home private training and behavioral modification to prevent, manage, and resolve problematic behavior in dogs.
Typically, this involves addressing the underlying cause contributing to unwanted behaviors, and building critical skills to help your dog thrive. Working with your dog’s inherent strengths and motivations leads to faster results, better retention, and strengthens the bond you share.
Areas of Expertise:
• aggressive behavior
• reactive behavior
• fears/phobias
• separation anxiety
• biting
• leash pulling
• excessive barking
• destructive behavior
• compulsive behavior
• aging/cognitive dysfunction
• puppy training and development
• socialization
• house training
• obedience training
Education/Certifications:
• CBCC, certified behavior consultant
• CPDT- KA, certified professional dog trainer
• Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, VTDLP
• Bronx Zoo Wildlife Health Center, Internship
• Society of Veterinary Behavior Technologists (SVBT) Member
• FEMA Animal Emergency Management
• Pet CPR/First AID
• Additional certifications in alternative therapies
Overview
Hired 54 times
Background checked
1 employee
56 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Services offered
Dog training package
Puppy training
Aggressive behavior modification
General obedience training
Therapy or service dog training
Dog size
Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)
Small (16 - 25 lbs)
Medium (26 - 40 lbs)
Large (41 - 70 lbs)
Dog training type
Private lessons
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
17 reviews
5
94%
4
6%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Arlene L.
Aug 25, 2024
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I knew Katie was the right person for the job on the first visit. While I was no neophyte with raising puppies, our current dog was difficult from the first day we brought her home. Our last resort was to find a behaviorist/trainer who could figure out Chloe’s many issues and negative behaviors and help us learn betters ways of dealing with them.
Katie was knowledgeable, professional, positive, patient and respectful. She did a behavioral assessment at the first session, and she taught us step by step how to work with our now 2-year-old girl. If something didn’t work with her, Katie had other ways to try. Following each session, she sent us a specific and detailed training plan for that behavior for us to work on. And she was always available to contact between sessions, if need be.
Chloe has made a great deal of progress, as noted by our family, friends and neighbors. I would highly recommend Katie for behavioral training!
Details: 1 - 2 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • Destructive behavior • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Allan R.
Jul 28, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Great trainer, very professional. I am following homework she gave me from training and i am already seeing a difference on Duke. I am already seeing results from first session.
Details: 6 - 12 months old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Certified Dog Behaviorist, In-Home Training's reply
Thank you gif your review! Duke is too cute! I’m so glad to hear our session was helpful.
Dog Training
Amy w.
Jun 24, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Katie was very professional and punctual for our training session with my dog. She clearly explained her training approach on the phone before the visit, and ensured that I fully understood the training steps during the session. I would definitely recommend hiring Katie!
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • My home, venue, etc.
Certified Dog Behaviorist, In-Home Training's reply
Thanks, Amy! So glad to hear training helped and things are improving. ☺️ 🐾
Dog Training
Elizabeth P.
Jul 23, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Very knowledgeable and made a big difference even after the first session. I gained more confidence and so did my dog, I look forward to future sessions. Highly recommend!
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Certified Dog Behaviorist, In-Home Training's reply
Thank you for your review, Elizabeth! I really enjoyed working with you and your dog. 🐾
Dog Training
Athennia D.
Jun 30, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I had such a great experience having Katie over to help train my puppy Koda! She gave me a lot of useful tips and information on how I can better the relationship between Koda and I. I was having a really hard time trying to get Koda to use the bathroom outside. She showed me a way to get him to go outside and I was so happy to see that it had worked!
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • House training • Barking • Biting • Destructive behavior • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
Katie Ratcliffe
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Prices may vary depending on the type of behavioral issue.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Every dog is different. I spend time listening to every owner’s concerns and observe their dog’s behavior to determine the underlying cause, then address it using proven techniques with a personalized approach. Training should always be safe, effective, and rewarding for you and your dog.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
• Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, VTDLP
• Bronx Zoo Wildlife Health Center, Internship
• Society of Veterinary Behavior Technologists (SVBT), Member
• FEMA Animal Emergency Management
• Pet CPR/First AID
• Additional certifications in alternative therapies
Veterinary Technician with 10+ years of experience, a special interest in applied animal behavior, and extensive experience as a private at-home dog trainer
