MEET THE TEAM

I grew up around dogs my entire life. My family and I always had at least three dogs roaming the house, and learned a lot throughout that time about general care and training tips for dogs. I began my intensive research on dog training by starting an apprenticeship program with one of the top dog training companies here in California. I was prompted to start this course because my wife, Amanda, and I adopted our German Shepherd pup, Missy. We both wanted to have as much knowledge as possible in order to give our puppy the best life possible. What started off as an apprenticeship program, slowly turned into a full time job. 

The company I worked for hired me on as a professional trainer and behavioral specialist. I worked alongside some of the top trainers in the industry, and spent three years with them before branching off to do my own practice. I have had the pleasure of working with many clients, including celebrities here and around Los Angeles. Starting my own business has been a wonderful opportunity to give people a chance to learn more about modernized dog training. One Up Pup is a resource designed to guide you on your journey to building fun and healthy habits to benefit you and your dog.

I have been interested in dogs and animals all my life and I am the proud mom of 8 critters, a 2-time foster fail, and witness to a rescued dog and cat delivering their babies in my house. I have raised both dogs and cats since they were born and understand the challenges of puppyhood and the behavior changes that take place during the life of a dog. It was this love and my rescue dog Banner that inspired me to obtain my first dog trainer certification through Animal Behavior College. I was determined to learn together, and she became my perfect training demo dog. My most recent experience has been with basic obedience, foundation agility, and working with dogs exhibiting some reactivity. I am excited to be a member of the One Up Pup team, training in the most current science-based solutions focusing on what the dog does right. This method creates a healthy foundation that develops a confident canine and a loving human/canine bond.

Kate is a Victoria Stilwell Academy–Certified Dog Trainer (VSA–CDT) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer–Knowledge Assessed (CPDT–KA) with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has over ten years of professional experience with dogs—for six years, she was responsible for managing the grooming at a dog and cat daycare and boarding facility. She is committed to providing effective and humane training solutions for clients and regularly pursues continuing education and professional development to stay current with the latest science.

I bring over 13 years of professional experience in dog training, with expertise in everything from basic obedience and complex behavior modification to competitive obedience and task-specific training for service and working dogs. My passion lies in working and protection sports, where I leverage a deep understanding of canine behavior and performance to create effective, tailored training plans. Whether I’m working with a family pet or a highly specialized working dog, my goal is always to meet the unique needs of each dog and owner.

My training philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement, ensuring that every dog I work with experiences a fun, engaging, and stress-free environment. I never use aversive techniques, focusing instead on building trust, confidence, and clear communication. By fostering this positive atmosphere, I help dogs learn effectively while also strengthening their bond with their owners. Whether training a puppy on basic commands or refining specialized tasks for a working dog, I am committed to delivering results that last, ensuring long-term success for both dogs and their families.