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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
NOTE: Hello! I am taking appointments in the general Buffalo and surrounding areas. The sessions last an hour and are $150. If you want to schedule a session, message me, then the appointment can be set up. The appointments are available weekday evenings between 5pm and 9pm and Saturdays between 930am and 330pm. I also run group classes if you are interested in those. they are held on Tuesday evenings. Please read my profile and reviews for some background on myself and my work. Thank you! Kathy
Now, about me... I am all about making any activity with your dog enjoyable. Are you looking for training help with your new puppy or your newly adopted dog? Do you need some behavior modification? Are you looking for some socialization options to make your dog happier? Are you looking for some new activity to participate in with your dog? I am at your service! Obedience training allows you to take part in so many activities with your dog from what you love to do in your spare time to dog sports that are fun for everyone.
I enjoy spending time with each dog to learn WHO they are and how we can help you!
Here are some recent reviews that reflect how much I do enjoy my work with dogs!....
"Kathy & her staff are very good. I put my pit bull in puppy kindergarten & beginner obedience training. My dog is great with people & loves to be around other dogs. Money & time well spent. I highly recommend Kathy. Wayne S."
"I couldn't believe how well my dog responded while being trained. She gave me helpful ideas for calming my dog's behavior and we are working on that now. I would highly recommend Kathy for training your dog. Carol J."
"Kathy Galbraith had my dog's bad behavior turned around in one session. Excellent trainer. She really know dogs.
Eva Z"
"Kathy was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Her private class helped tame my dog's bad behaviors and teach me how to be a better leader for my dog as well.....all within one session! I highly recommend and will definitely be returning. Deanna K."
Overview
Hired 336 times
19 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
34 years in business
Business hours
Sun9:00 am - 8:00 pmMon5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2019
2018
2017
2016
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
Board and train
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
253 reviews
5
98%
4
2%
3
0%
2
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Lee W.
Oct 11, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Kathy is a VERY experienced dogtrainer and was super helpful in organizing my dog’s training. She was full of tips that I was grateful for, and went above and beyond in helping me. Fully recommend her to anyone wanting a dogtrainer to straighten out and obedience and behavioral issues. Lee
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Crate training • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Anurag S.
Mar 9, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Schedule with Kathy and had an in-home training session. Found it to be very helpful and informative. She gave me some really good ideas to setup my house for training success. Will schedule with her again!
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • House training • Biting • Crate training • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Arlene B.
Sep 30, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Kathleen was just amazing. She came to my house and within 10 minutes. My dog was walking on a leash by my side. She is truly amazing. She is wonderful with the dogs. She’s wonderful with people. Do not hesitate to call her for anything. And she’s also a very nice person.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Diane M.
Jan 27, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
We've had one private lesson, so far, with Kathy. She was very personable, and we were really impressed with her knowledge. She worked well with our little Grand-dog (who responded well to her), and my husband, son, and I learned so much in our first hour of training. Over the next 2 weeks we'll be working with our doggy using the training aids she advised us/suggested to get, and we look forward to our next session! Kathy was also very responsive via text and Thumbtack's email, and she arrived on time. We feel her price is reasonable for private/in-home lessons.
Details: 1 dog • 1 - 2 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private dog training lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • The dog trainer travels to me
Dog Training
Debbie P.
Jun 11, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
I cannot believe the things I learned in just one session with Kathleen. I went out and purchased the suggested training tools and the simple additions for everyday life and in less than 24 hours have seen an extraordinary change in Thor. He has responded to commands and expectations far beyond what I felt could happen. Life is calmer and tremendously enjoyable since she visited my home. If you are having issues...search no longer. Hire Kathleen and see your dog change overnight as I have. 5 stars and more. You will not be sorry
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
Kathleen Galbraith
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The sessions last an hour and are $150/hr. I space the training out 2-3 times a month and the owner pays for the sessions each time so that they don't have to come up with the lump sum up front. It also gives the owner practice time between sessions and an opportunity to tweak things as we complete the program. There is also a Board and Train program (1 week is $1500, 2 weeks is $2500, fast track Friday-Sunday jump start is $800). Group Classes are also offered from Puppy to Advanced level.
The 7 week course if $200. Discussing your needs with me, I can guide you as to your option for which program would best fit you and your dog.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to find out as much history on a client's pet as possible. This is a great starting point in getting to root causes for unwanted behaviors. I also like the client to elaborate on what their home life has been and is currently like. This is also valuable information that helps with a resolution plan. If a customer wants more information, they can message me on Thumbtack.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a vast history in the canine field. I started very young training dogs. My first ventures that lasted for some time were training for competition in conformation, obedience, and agility. I attended many dog shows and trials, receiving a number of titles. I have attended many seminars by national and internationally known experts in the field of dog training and behavior. This along with the shelves and shelves of books I have collected and read throughout the years. I have also been involved in rescue for many years, having helped rehome hundreds of dogs. My last 25 years has been working with dog owners to help them obtain a better quality of life with their dogs. From basic obedience to advanced levels as well as a multitude of behavior modifications, I can offer you all my years of experience and expertise.
