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Trainer Bio: Wendy S. Katz
KPA CTP #63199, CPDT-KA
For as long as I can remember, I have loved all animals. I have been training my own dogs since the age of ten, and have been committed to using force free methods since 1998. When I discovered the thrill of teaching dogs and other creatures by rewarding them for making correct choices, I became involved in dog rescue and then in teaching others the joy of developing harmonious relationships with animals through positive reinforcement training.
I began teaching dog training in 1999 as an apprentice, and started an independent training business in 2005. I have participated with my dogs in service projects and group activities with Dog Scouts of America, and enjoyed making nursing home visits with a certified therapy dog. I have honed my training skills through workshops, webinars and conferences. I became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP #63199) in 2013. As part of this experience, I added cat training to my repertoire. I obtained my CPDT-KA certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in 2019. With a Ph.D. in biology, I am employed in biomedical research in the Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. I enjoy the synergy between my training in biological science and the science-based approach to pet training that I learned through Karen Pryor Academy and my continuing education.
I live in Lexington with a variety of dogs and cats adopted from local shelters.
Learn more about why I train the way I do on the Training Style page.
What do the letters mean?
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KPA CTP means I am a Certified Training Partner with Karen Pryor Academy. Anyone certified by KPA graduated with an "A" (90% or higher) score in each of three examinations: general knowledge of training and behavior, a practical exam in teaching ability and group class management, and a practical demonstration of training ability with our own dog.
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CPDT-KA means Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed. It requires passing an examination administered by the Council for Certification of Professional Dog Trainers to assess knowledge of dog behavior, training principles and class management. The CCPDT is an independent accrediting organization not linked to any school or training business.
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These certifications require the adherence to a unified code of conduct and code of ethics, and a commitment to continuing education. You can learn more about the Joint Standards of Practice here:
Continuing Education
2021
Course: Separation Anxiety - Moira Hechtenleitner DVM, CSAT
Workshop: Shelter Playgroup Alliance 2-day workshop on dog play interactions - Mara Velez MA, CPDT-KA
Conference: ClickerExpo Live Online
The Lemonade Conference
Webinars: Fear Free Nail Care - Fear Free Pets CEU
Understanding Declaw Salvage Procedures - Nicole Martell-Moran DVM, MPH, DABVP
2020
Course: Living and Learning with Animals - Susan Friedman Ph.D.
Workshop: Enrichment, 5-Day Workshop - Allie Bender CDBC, CPDT-KA, SBA; Emily Strong CDBC, CPDT-KA,
SBA
Webinars: Deep Dive: Sensory Integration, Neville's Story - Kathy Murphy DVM, Ph.D., E'lise Christensen
DVM; Bobbie Bhambree CDBC, CPDT-KA
Introduction to Behavior Meds - Jennifer Summerfield DVM
Behavior Meds Part 2: Beyond the Basics - Jennifer Summerfield DVM
Incorporating Enrichment into a Behavior Modification Plan - Allie Bender CDBC, CPDT-KA, SBA
Recognizing Pain in Dogs - Debbie Gross Torraca DPT, MSPT, Board-Certified Clinical Orthopedic
Specialist Emeritus
Adolescent Behavior and Development - Chris Pachel DVM, DACVB, CABC
Introduction to Pattern Games - Leslie McDevitt MLA, CDBC, CPDT
Leash Aggression - Jessica Wheatcraft CDBC CPDT-KA
Dog to Cat Aggression - Katenna Jones SCM, ACAAB, CCBC, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Using Enrichment to Treat Aggression - Emily Strong CDBC, SBA and Allie Bender CDBC, CPDT-
KA, SBA
Conference: Aggression in Dogs Conference
The Lemonade Conference - IAABC and FDSA
2019
Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed;
Certified Fear Free Professional
Conference: Clicker Expo 3-day conference - Karen Pryor Clicker Training
Course: Aggression in Dogs Master Course - Michael Shikashio CDBC
Webinars: "But my Dog is Not Food Motivated" - Kathy Sdao MA, ACAAB
Sound-sensitivity - Jessica Hekman DVM Ph.D., Deb Jones, Ph.D., Amy Cook Ph.D., Jennifer
Summerfield DVM
2018
Course: Concept Training - Ken Ramirez
Workshops: Shaping with PORTL - Dr. Jesus Rosales-Ruiz Ph.D. and Mary Hunter MS
Your PORTL to Stimulus Control - Dr. Jesus Rosales-Ruiz and Mary Hunter
Webinars: Exploring Canine Attachment Behavior - Lauren Thielke MS
Advances in TAGTeach - Theresa McKeon
2017
Course: Cat Behavior Consulting - Katenna Jones MS, CDBC, CCBC, CPDT-KA
Webinars: The Power of Choice - Irith Bloom CPDT-KSA, CDBC, CBCC-KA, KPA CTP
How to Organize a Kittengarten - Paula Garber
Trauma in animals - Patricia McConnell PhD
Psychological Trauma and PTSD in Dogs - Franklin D McMillan DVM
Cat Behavior & Cognition: Using science to increase cat welfare and strengthen the human-cat
bond - Kristyn Vitale Shreve PhD
2016
Course: How to Work Aggression Cases A-Z - Mike Shikasio CDBC
Conference: Clicker Expo 3-day Conference - Karen Pryor Clicker Training
Webinars: Feline Destructive Scratching - Francine Miller ACDBC
Quality of Life for Cats and Dogs - Patricia McConnell PhD, Amy Marder VMD,CAAB and
Stephen Zawitowski PhD
Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive Approaches - Jean Donaldson
Training for Health Care - Laura Monaco Torelli KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, CPBC,
TAGteach Level 2 Complex Tools and Behavior Chains - Ken Ramirez
The Cat Behavior Continuum - Margaret Slater DVM, PhD
2015
Conferences: Clicker Expo - 3-day conference I
AABC 2-day National Conference
Webinars: Consulting and Teaching Skills - Ken Ramirez
Managing Dogs in a Group Setting - Kathy Sdao ACAAB
The Biology of Socialization - Jessica Hekman DVM, PhD
2014
Course: Puppy Start Right for Instructors - Kenneth Martin DVM, DACVB and Debbie Martin CPDT-KA,
KPA CTP, LVT, VTS (Behavior)
Webinars: Improving behavior in the veterinary clinic - Melissa Spooner LVT, KPA CTP
Kitty Kindergarten: Creating the New Improved Cat with Early Socialization - Sophia Yin DVM
2013
Certification: Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
