If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I use a variety of balanced science based methods customized to each client's dog and their goals. I like being able to measure meaningful change in the quality of clients lives with their dogs. I am a Certified Professional
Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. I comply with the ethics position statements of the CCPDT and APDT and use the principles of Least Intrusive/Minimally Aversive (LIMA) training methodology.
HEY! Don't wait, now that you know I am truly a professional go ahead and connect with me so we can start training your dog.
Overview
Hired 84 times
2 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
7 years in business
Business hours
Sun11:00 am - 3:00 pmMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
2022
Services offered
Dog training package
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, responsiveness, and work quality.
Excellent 4.9
25 reviews
5
88%
4
12%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Tasha S.
Mar 31, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I really enjoyed meeting and speaking with Catherine. She told me the TRUTH even though what she said were not things I wanted to hear. I appreciated learning from her and her teaching me things I never knew. I didn’t know what things I needed to know and she left me with handouts that will help me remember what we spoke about. I would recommend her to anyone who needs a trainer
Details: 1 - 2 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Therapy or service dog training • My home, venue, etc.
Paws Up Dog Training LLC's reply
it was a pleasure to meet you and your sweet girl today. it is unfortunate that she isn't tall enough to be able to safely do the work you had hoped she could be trained for.
Dog Training
Emily R.
Sep 14, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Catherine was very helpful and kind, she gave a lot of great advice I will be using! She left me feeling really confident about training my dog! I highly recommend her!
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • House training • Barking • Crate training • My home, venue, etc.
Paws Up Dog Training LLC's reply
it was a pleasure to spend time with you and Raisin. He is an interesting dog. I was impressed by his resilience in working to overcome his concern about a new person in his space. play the games we taught him yesterday and I am sure his confidence will flourish. let me know how things progress.
Dog Training
Alex M.
Jul 11, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Catherine is an excellent trainer, she helped me in training my first puppy Pepper. All the tips, advice and pointers she provides works excellent in training your dog. Consistence is key in training your dog I can’t wait to show Catherine how far Pepper has come along.
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • House training • Barking • Digging • Biting • Chewing • Destructive behavior • Crate training • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Ronald S.
Jun 27, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Catherine is an excellent trainer. She studies behavior and works with the dog and owners to achieve the desired effect. The training is a work in progress she certainly taught us a lot. Would recommend her services.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Barking • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Sierra H.
Aug 20, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Catherine is a great trainer for many reasons, including her hands on sessions and her thorough explanation as to why each technique works best for your specific dog. She holds a vast amount of knowledge on all different breeds of dogs and gave mine the exact attention it needed to comply with my training requests. I already saw a big difference in my dog after just the first lesson and I am looking forward to what is to come of our future ones!
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • I'm flexible • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • House training • Barking • Crate training • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
Catherine Kelly
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge $150 per session for private lessons and offer discounts for payment in advance and for semi-private sessions.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After text messaging and an agreement to work together is reached an initial appointment is made. At that appointment I meet both the dog and relevant family members. I assess the dog's temperament and get a history from the owner(s). This enables me to develop a training plan and to begin working with the dog.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and do continuing education through this organization and other experts. I am also an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator.
