In this series, we’ll be chatting with every member of the KeenDog team. We’ll dive into their origin stories, their passions, and the experiences that have shaped them into the trainers you know and love. And maybe we’ll discover a few quirks, too!

First up, KeenDog co-founder and head trainer, Katrina…

Tell us about your first dog!

My first dog was a Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix that I named Buddy, that my parents finally allowed me to get when I was a junior in High School. Growing up I had always wanted a dog, but instead my parents settled on guinea pigs as pets for us. Any time we visited the mall, my first stop would be the pet store to take the dogs out and play with them because I felt bad for them being in cages, and this was a way my parents could keep dodging the desire for me to get a dog of my own. I found Buddy on essentially a local Craigslist-type ad, he was being rehomed for free as his owner was a truck driver and couldn't provide the care he needed. It was a smart move on my parents’ part, as I was his primary handler for the first two years, and then when I went off to college, he stayed home with them.

What inspired you to become a dog trainer?

I've always been a big animal person, as well as a strong desire to make an impact in this world beyond myself. Phill and I moved to Charlotte with very little money, I set up a job working at a horse barn, then picked up two other ones to pay our bills. After 6 months of being here I knew I needed a change and thought of potentially one day opening a dog daycare. Without the funds to make that happen, I thought why not dog training to get started with? I contacted a local trainer and showed him that I would work harder than anyone he knew to grow his newly formed dog training business and to learn to be the best trainer I could be. Once I started, I was hooked. To be able to change the lives of countless families for the better and to give dogs the freedom they were meant to live is absolutely the best career. Plus, growing two dog training companies, providing careers for countless people to do the same, fills my heart on the regular.

What is your favorite thing (behavior, sport, etc.) to train and why?

I'd have to say that training a solid off leash recall is my favorite thing to train because it allows clients to give their dogs freedom and the life that they deserve. No dog should be deprived of the opportunity to run freely through the woods or on a beach because their owner is fearful they won't come back. At the same time, no owner should live in fear that they will lose their dog forever or be on a day long goose chase if their dog gets off the leash. That is no way to live in my opinion. For me personally, I love the challenge of training advanced precision obedience and tricks to my dogs to push ourselves beyond the basics and expand our skills as a team. Plus, they are fun to show off to people!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new dog owners?

Play with your dog more! Using food or treats to train behaviors has become the norm of raising a dog, and yet this shouldn't be your primary focus. Instead, focus on playing with your dog more to strengthen your relationship, teach rules and boundaries, build confidence and teach them about impulse control. Plus, play is fun for you both! Make sure you're taking your play outside and not just inside your home. Just like raising children, play is the number one way to learn and grow.

What is one thing you wish dog owners knew or understood?

You can't out train genetics. For some reason many dog owners have a belief that training their dog will change genetic behaviors they are born with, and this is not the case. Training can help manage behaviors, but what is in there, is in there.

If you could teach your dog one human skill, what would it be?

To clean the house! Since most of the mess is from their hair and dirt anyways, I would love for them to help with some sweeping and scrubbing. How amazing would it be to leave them alone in the house for a few hours and come back to a sparkling clean house? Sign me up please!

If you were a dog, what breed would you be and why?

A Golden Retriever - just a happy go lucky being who is down for any adventure, who loves to play, who makes friends and conversation wherever I go, who loves to be one with the water, who finds joy in working and who will never turn down a meal!

If you could train any famous dog from movies or TV, who would it be and why?

Wishbone! I grew up watching that show and just love the intelligence of Jack Russell Terriers. Plus being involved with a children's show about a dog becoming a lead character from classic literature combines my passions - well-trained dogs, reading and education -and dressing a dog up in cute costume seals the deal.

Tell us about your teammates!

You should know that you can win anyone from the KeenDog team over with a lunch date to Margaritas! Also, the greatest strength that this team has is their passion for dogs and that we are a team. I've never taken that for granted, and I’m honored to call everyone a true team member who can be a second set of eyes for a challenging dog, who would be a phone call away after a rough day of difficult lessons, or there to celebrate lives milestones with.

Anything else you want to share with folks?

I'm incredibly grateful for all the people who have chosen to work with our company and for the team that we have. The impact that we have been able to make in the Charlotte community and beyond over the past 13 years wasn't just a one woman show. Even trainers who have come and gone, I am grateful for, because they helped me achieve my life purpose of making a difference in this world.

Beyond that, I would just encourage dog owners (and dog trainers) to be more forgiving of themselves. We have all hit plateaus with our dogs or have had situations that we blame ourselves for. When working and living with dogs, it is important to remember that we are bringing two species together that have their own genetic traits, their own desires and independence, and sometimes there will be conflict between the two species. It is also such a beautiful relationship that we get to share this one life with our canine companions by our side. So take the good with the bad. And don't beat yourself up if things don't go according to plan at times.