I've sent my mini Sheltie puppy to Kat's in-home Board and Train program twice now and she has done an OUTSTANDING job with him!! He first went for 7 nights when he was 4.5 months old and again for a 3 night refresher to reinforce existing skills and learn an important new command once he was more mentally mature at 7 months old. Kat took the time to really understand his lifestyle and shape his training goals with me ahead of both stays and both times we got back a happy, healthy and focused pup who loves to show off his tricks and manners! He was understandably a little nervous the first time we dropped him off but the second time he was thrilled to be back, which just shows how much fun he had there with her!! You can tell that Kat cares deeply about the dogs she works with and I'm so glad we found her out here in the desert. I highly recommend the customizable board and train service to provide structure, fundamentals and/or personalized learning (then you just need to stay consistent at home continuing to reinforce the new skills). Thank you Kat for all you've taught Ozzie - we will definitely be back! read more

Kat The Dog Trainer - My pup 4.5 month old pup learning to socialize with another one of Kat's returning boarding customers - Pet Training Near Me

What a relief it is to be gone a week on vacation returning home to a very content 18 year old cat ( that we always think is dying) and a year and a half old dog that acted like I just returned from the market. How fortunate to find Kat and her team who are professional, provided great communication, pictures and videos, and I had a worry free time away. From the moment my pets met Kat, she commanded instant respect. Kat has that magic that animal respond to. My dog Bella watched her like a hawk and did everything she asked when she said it. Even things I didn't think she would understand! I realized in that moment my dog has been ignoring me! LOL Go ahead book your stay with Kat now, I already booked our next trip with her. I selfishly almost didn't want to share her if you know what I mean. read more

Kat is a godsend!!!! We have a VERY excitable and impulse control-challenged dog. Before we got him, he lived the kennel life and had been trained to be a field dog...so he was bred to be extremely energetic, excited and focused for one thing. Until Kat came into our lives, the most we were able to get him to do was SIT and STAY. But that was about it. Play time was INSANE. He couldn't hear any commands being given to him, he would go absolutely bonkers trying to get the toy out of your hand; something just came over him and he was in a trance. A jumping, lunging, "get that toy at all costs" kind of trance. It was actually quite scary. We had him stay with Kat for 10 days for a training intensive. He came back a much calmer, more controlled dog. Play time has finally become something we are able to do with him, albeit with new commands and a fresh perspective and understanding on our end. He is now able to listen to commands and he even learned more! She taught us how to work with him and how to keep up training with him everyday. Throughout the whole time he was there, she would send us progress videos and show us the exercises she was doing with him and how to do them with him so we can keep refreshing with him on our own. It was so amazing and rewarding to see his progression. We now feel confident with our dog and our ability to work with him where he is at. Would NOT have gotten to this without Kat's help. Thank you!!!! read more

Wonderful experience! I adopted my dog from the local shelter and needed help teaching my dog how to walk on a leash and basic commands. Kat was so patient with me, answered all my questions and was very thorough. She'll also would check-in with me on how my dog is doing and provide tips for me to use. Kat was always just a phone call or a text message away and she always responded very quickly. My dog was happy to see her. I look forward to bringing my dog back for other trainings opportunities. read more

Our latest training & boarding experience with Kat was excellent. Kat worked on several issues over this 2-week time period including a basic return to normal feeding scheduling. We had gotten a bit lazy and allowed Bearie's food to be out all day long so when we wanted her to eat to help control or predict a BM schedule, we were helpless. At Kat's, Bearie came to expect a morning eating session and a late afternoon session which quickly normalized her potty schedule, too. Kat also worked on a 'return to the basics,' which once again we had grown lazy with, such as: Come, Sit, Stay, Focus, Down, walking-balking, and Leave it. We are working to reinforce all of this instruction with Commands and appropriate high-value treats from Dr Becker's Bison Bites, Stella & Chewy Just Jerky Bites & Carnivore Crunch (free-dried Raw) and Dr Marty's Nature's Blend (freeze-dried raw). Note: I mention these specific treats because our pupster will respond without any treats, generally, but for the sake of training it's been challenging to identify treats that compel her attention as rewards. These have worked! Kat's straightforward, kind and loving training methods help add a level of politeness (less frenzied behavior) in Bearie's interactions with us and perhaps best called 'self control' instead of running up and jumping on us or leaping into our laps from 5-8' away (like an unexpected rocket!). Bearie is so high on the Lovability scale with us that it's not a bad idea to temper otherwise unpredictable (although loving) outbursts. In addition, one of the best aspects of having our much loved pupster in Kat's training session is that while we were away, we could also count on her excellent boarding care which include a lot of fun and loving times, too, without worrying about her. We received frequently texted reports with pictures which were very reassuring that our Cavapoo girl was in a great place! We highly recommend Kat! This was our 4th or 5th extended appointment with Kat for training and boarding over the last 2 years which should speak volumes about our trust in her and satisfaction in her results! Kat really gets to know each dog like a 'dog whisperer' and tailors her plans with each pupster accordingly rather than forcing a trite handbook of 'rules.l' on all dogs. This partly explains why our pupster will make a squealing sound of excitement and race to Kat's side when we return for another session! read more

Kat The Dog Trainer - Cavapoo [3/4 Miniature poodle genes with 1/4 Cavalier King Charles] puppy, Bearie, and Mom/Jen. - Pet Training Near Me

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We sent Baby Faith for some more training with Kat. She made a ton of progress! Kat treats her like she is her own and we couldn't ask for better love and care! She always goes above and beyond. Kat has the magic touch with animals. read more

Kat The Dog Trainer - Kat sent us updates and videos/pictures! - Pet Training Near Me

My husband and I ran into Kat and her husband on a beach trail when she complimented my German shepherd who is about a year and a half old. I jokingly said "do you want her?", because we've been struggling with her dog reactivity. They stayed with us for about 20 minutes and gave us tips and helped us as other dogs walked. All the while making me feel more supported than I have by any other Trainer that we've hired. If we weren't two hours away, I would be going to her every single day. I gained confidence and knowledge that I haven't gotten in the year of different trainers that we've worked with, and we were just at the beach for 20 minutes with her and her husband!!! They weren't aggressive or overpowering. They didn't make me feel stupid for being in the position I was with my dog. They made me feel safe and fully supported, and I just can't stress that was in 20 minutes of them not even knowing us and just being good people in the world. If you are lucky and near them, you should take advantage of what they have to offer. My German Shepherd laid right down underneath her husband's feet, and you could tell if she fully trusted him. It was really powerful to see! Two days earlier I was literally contemplating if I could do this with this dog and feeling so helpless in that I was going to have to find a new home for her, even though I love her and couldn't bear the thought of it we just weren't doing the right things for her so she could have a good walk and not be so spastic and reactive to other dogs and they completely changed my commitment to doing the work to help my dog have a great and happy healthy life. I couldn't be more grateful to them so thank you so much. read more

Kat has saved my life literally. My Billy is lovely but definitely difficult to manage. He is not people friendly or dog friendly. Kat has taught me how to train and Billy on how to be trained. Billy spent several weeks with Kat at her home to baseline his training. Then she slowly trained me on how to manage Billy at my own home. I still use her training tricks which are very helpful. Billy and I have come a long way. I highly recommend Kat. 10 stars!!!!! read more

Kat is Amazing! We were referred to her by our breeder and boy did she and her TEAM deliver on their services. We chose the board and train package for a week. Kat came out to our home for a pre-meeting with us and our 6 mo. old French Bulldog (OBI). She told us Frenchies can be difficult to train, however, she had past experience with them and said she was up to the challenge. A couple of weeks later, she came and picked OBI up, and off they went to begin his training. She sent us a daily picture and an occasional video of his progress. When she dropped him off after a week, she went over all of the commands she taught him, which included; off, stay, come, and place. We were amazed by the results, however, it's extremely important as an owner, that you continue with those commands and reward them with a treat. Don't get me wrong, he's far from perfect, but it has allowed us to fully enjoy him, and honestly, having a dog with well-trained manners, makes their lives better too. We have continued working with him and now with all the basics under his belt, it's almost like speaking their language. We plan on having Kat work with him again on some more advanced commands. Kat and her TEAM, also offer many other services, like doggy daycare, boarding, and even dog walking. Bottom line...We highly recommend Kat the Dog Trainer read more

Kat The Dog Trainer - Kat and Obi at Indian Wells Country Club. It was at the Club's on-going Yappy Hour. - Pet Training Near Me

Kat worked with both my dogs over the course of a three day weekend and I cannot recommend her (and her daughter Rachel) enough! We had her from 9am to 7pm each day so I can say she was professional and outstanding the entire time. I have a 1 year old Bernedoodle and a 7 year old labradoodle and I wanted them both to stop tugging on the leash as we walk and for the puppy, to get her ready to pass the Alliance of Therapy Dogs test. The older one is already certified. Kat is SOOO good with dogs- an amazing gift. She gave me lessons daily on general life tips with them as well as tactical ideas for improving behavior. She made videos for me as well as written directions. Honestly she was so fabulous I may fly her up here to N CA if I go on a extended vacation. How could anyone top her? read more

Kat is amazing! Kat helped us out when one of dogs ate a toy. No vet visit and pup is great thanks to Kat.

This is a review in response to the review left by Julianne Y aka Julie Solnit I first spoke with Julie on Feb 4th 2019. She hired me to provide a board and train for her dads two dogs. I went to meet them and spent 2 hours with the dogs and the caregiver. I was coming the next morning to pick the dogs up.Julie called me while I was at her fathers gate to pick the dogs up and informed me that she booked someone else to take the dogs they were cheaper and available the same day. Had she been upfront with me and not wasted 2 hours of my time doing an intake because she never filled out the forms, and hadn't let me drive 30min out of my way to her fathers to do a no extra charge pick up I would have left just chalking it up to a learning experience from an entitled person. However she then refused and has continued to refuse to pay her 100.00 initial consultation bill. She blocked our office line and my cell phone. The trainer she hired, being Kat, actually refused to pick up the dogs after Julie began to yell and berate her over the phone while she was en route to pick the dogs up. Then she had the nerve to leave a scathing yelp review. So if you read her review and you are concerned please note that I am also a dog trainer out here and I have 0 reason to go out of my way and rate Kat. I think it's beyond unfair that Julie is allowed to have no repercussions for her actions and behave in such a grossly entitled manner. Kat's behavior has always been polite and professional and she doesn't deserve to be pooped on by grown women throwing tantrums. read more

Let me preface my review by confirming that I have not boarded a dog in over twenty years. So by no means am I an expert. I will just try to be as honest as I can about my experience. I used YELP as my source of information in securing a decent location. What I really liked about DSS from the outset was the communication, and the ease in reserving a spot for Charlie. Kat was "Cat Quick" in responding to all of my questions, and I wanted her to see all of OUR ducks were properly aligned as well. On Saturday morning I arrived at 9AM, as we had agreed. When I came up the apron I realized that they are located behind a Date farm. Pretty cool driving in, as Dates are HUGE here in the Coachella Valley. As I started walking up to the front gate of the home, Kat appeared and greeted Charlie and I. There was a certain compassion you could feel, that I am sure must be required to run this establishment. Charlie was ambivalent as we approached. I am sure his smelling abilities had him identifying other dogs in the area. Once in, Kat gave me some of the history of how this business came about. This gave Charlie more time to acclimate. It was only a few minutes, but I did expect Kat to give me light tour. This did not happen. While that wasn't a SUPER negative, some doubt did exist. While I was leaving Charlie looked worried, but Kat brought out a playmate while I was entering my car. It seemed that my dog forgot all about me. (Alligator tears) When I came back the next day, Charlie looked like he was just fine. I got him home and realized a good bath was needed but he collapsed before I could get him in the tub. He actually slept on & off for the next 6-7 hours. Kat told me he would, due to the activity he had received. The proximity from our home is FAR, as we live in RM. It took me 20 minutes each way, which would be worth it if no other facilities are available. I recommend you give DSS a try if you have the need, and you are close by. read more

Kat has had such a positive impact on our lives because of her training with our dog Pancake. I have never had large dogs in my life and having an English lab was very intimidating. From the very start, Kat clearly outlines how to be successful: what works and what doesn't. Kat continued to help us even after we finished "basic training". As certain traits emerged as she grew, Kat was able to give us an outline on how to stop bad behaviors before they become habits. Kat helped train a dog that we can love & play with dearly, but behaves so well we can both enjoy our lives without worrying about her constantly. We trust her to watch Pancake at her house for when we're out of town on vacation. She also trains the dog while you're away, such an awesome plus!! I highly recommend Kat to anyone in need of dog training, but be warned you must put in the work to see results! read more

We worked with Kat for training of our 13 week old Wire Fox Terrier. She was excellent with communication and planning for the training times. We were lucky that she had availability and was able to do 6 full training sessions including two overnights. Kat uses a positive reinforcement training program and was able to establish, or reinforce the following commands: Place, sit, down (lay down), stay, come, leave it, focus with positive "yes" verbal and treat reinforcement. She gave us progress updates each day and her prices are very reasonable. Would recommend for puppy training or overnight dog sitting while on vacation in the desert cities. read more

We were at our wits' end when we shuffled into Barkingham Palace Daycare hoping our dog would not be thrown out as he had before nearer our home.We inquired about a good trainer in the area. It was sort of the end of line for us and for the 10 year old dog we adopted 9 months earlier -- and who suffered from acute separation anxiety. And then we met Kat. She almost immediately got Sharky to obey her commands. We were dazzled. From there she had several sessions with him and us and by the end of our month in the area, we had a new, happy dog. Something just shifted big time in his brain ( and probably ours) and in relatively little time from when Kat and he met we have a happier, consistently obedient old dog. He is getting used to being alone in our car and house. His confidence in us as Alphas is building and we are getting used to guiding, not giving up on him. Her fees were very reasonable and she made every appointment on time and even extended them little when we broke new ground. Though we had a good time in the Palm Springs area, the absolute highlight was getting Sharky to be confident in our leadership and feeling safe in is new life with us. And it was all because of Kat. read more

If I could I would give this place and Kat 0 stars! She left me in a terrible position with my father's two puppies. Both for boarding and training. Watch out DOG OWNERS - she does a bait and switch with her fees!!! The most important detail is that while we agreed on a price for both boarding and training 5 hours later she added more to the cost. While we agreed to additional cost and time pick for the pups she then texted back she couldn't get there until 45 minutes later. When I called her about this she was belligerent, irritable and completely lacking of any care or responsibility. You've got choices dog owner - don't chose Kat or CLUB DSS! Yelp readers please understand that owners buy Yelp reviews to bury the bad ones! read more

My dogs know how to heel! Thank you, Kat! I cannot begin to describe how life changing this one command has been. Our dogs are leash aggressive which makes our walks around our complex feel like an obstacle course. We are constantly ducking around corners to avoid the out-of-control lunging and barking that accompanies every encounter with another dog. Or a crow sighting - our dogs hate crows! Kat spent a few days with our rambunctious mutts last month and taught them to heel. I had no idea how powerful that command can be. Now, when we can't avoid another dog, or a crow, we can tell the dogs to heel and they do! When they heel, they magically understand that we (their humans) are in control of the situation. They may still give a low growl as we pass, but they don't lunge and bark go nuts like they used to. Walks are fun and pleasant now! Thank you, Kat! read more

Without referral, my wife and I trusted our finicky English Bulldog to Club DSS. Upon drop-off Kat, the owner greeted us and we were instantly reassured that our beautiful little boy was in good hands! Kat cares for the dogs in her own home. No pens or cages. Loved it!! Highly recommended! read more

Came to Palm Springs for Coachella weekend, and found Kat as recommended by our hotel - she and her daughter were wonderful and took excellent care of our pup while we were at the festival! Kat is an excellent communicator and even sent us pictures and updates :) 5 stars - highly recommend and will definitely be using her services in the future. read more

Kat The Dog Trainer - My happy boy after a walk with Kat! - Pet Training Near Me

Kat is wonderful! 6 out of 5 stars!!! We were in a pinch, and she was able to accommodate us at the very last moment due to a cancellation. She took in our 4 month old puppy, and offered regular updates throughout his stay. Kind, gentle yet firm authority over the situation, and Kat immediately put us at ease knowing our cherished animal family member was in good care & comfort! Kat even offered to come all the way up to West Los Angeles to dog sit in the future- talk about full service at EXCELLENT VALUE!! We howl for Kat & ClubDSS!!! read more

Kat helped us train our lab puppy. She has such patients and knows how to get the dogs attention. She also trains husbands to work with the dogs. I would not hesitate recommending Kat to anyone who needs a gentle but firm trainer for their animal. We have been able to carry on with training and if we have any questions it only takes a phone call to guide us in the right direction. She is truly a caring animal trainer. Lucy Feiro 5 out of 5 stars read more

Kat is very courteous! I had some dates reserved in the middle of the holidays and switched them once, then had to cancel altogether just a short time before the drop off date. Kat canceled for me with no fees and was always very friendly. I'm very nervous about boarding my dogs in the first place and even though I didn't end up boarding with Kat I felt very comfortable with the details her forms went into. I knew Moose would be well taken care of! read more

I hired Kat to help me brush up on some training with my two dogs. Kat was wonderful! She came directly to me. She worked with the dogs and also with me. We saw tremendous improvement in their leash walking after the first couple of visits. I wouldn't hesitate to hire Kat again for training or in the future for dog sitting. read more

We found Kat through rover.com because we were in a pinch to find a place to put our puppy over the holidays. I'm very wary of boarding my dogs because of previous experiences but I can honestly say that Kat has really changed my outlook. She's a retired teacher and started her dog sitting business because of her love of animals (which is clear in the first few minutes of being around her). She's extremely knowledgable on how to care and introduce new dogs into the environment and I felt very confident leaving my puppy with her. Her facility is on a large piece of land and is surrounded with large palm trees with plenty of room for the dogs to run around. She keeps the large breeds and small breeds separate -- which was really important to me. She would send photos of our puppy every other day with little updates which made the three days fly by pretty quickly. When we picked up the puppy, she was so happy and having a great time with her new friends. I'm sure she was bummed to leave her little vacation but she'll be back the next time we're in palm desert! read more

Let me start by saying that Kat and Dan are two of the nicest and most qualified people to take care of your dogs. I've used them for multiple services now including pet taxi, pet boarding/day care and grooming. So let's break it down: - Pet Taxi Kat came and collected my moms two dogs while we were moving her to Palm Desert. We thought it would be the best way to get the house situated and ready to live in without the poor doggies getting stressed out. We were right. Kat also came and picked up and dropped off my and my sisters dogs when we came for our second visit to Palm Desert. - Pet Boarding/Day Care My moms dogs ended up staying with Kat and Dan for a few days and they seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Kat dropped them off after a couple of stressful moving days and the dogs were very happy and excited to see us. My sister and I ended up bringing our FOUR dogs down when we came to visit my mom after she had settled a little in her new place. They stayed for a few days and I had an opportunity to get out of the house and over to the ranch to see what the facilities were like. I was impressed! Not only were the grounds well kept and beautiful but they have the perfect setup for the dogs. - Grooming We had my mothers dogs groomed and I had all four dogs groomed on the second visit. All of the dogs came back looking great, smelling clean and very happy. Just the other day I was back home in San Francisco walking my dogs and a couple people stopped me to ask me where I got them groomed. I told them I had them groomed near Palm Desert and they all were sad to know that it was that far away. At any rate all the dogs looked fabulous and were are very pleased. Can't wait to head back down and see my mom and know that I've got a great place to check the dogs in and leave the stress behind! Thank you Kat and Dan!! read more

We boarded our, Malti-Poo, Lucy, here for 10 days recently. We chose Dog Sitting Services by Kat because they are a cage-free facility and seemed to really provide a home-like environment for the animals that they take care of. Also, the facility was very clean and well taken care of. Kat and her assistants, Eric & Sarah, showed a real love and compassion for the animals that they were taking care of. Also, they took excellent care of Lucy. We felt very comfortable & relieved leaving Lucy in their hands. Kat, Eric & Sarah also sent us pictures of Lucy & communicated regularly with us while we were away which really helped put our minds at ease. The next time we need to board our dog, we will definitely choose Dog Sitting Services by Kat! read more

Great experience! Found Kat online and saw how many positive reviews she had - now I can see why. I went to meet her and introduce her to my dogs who I've never boarded before. She made the experience super easy and even offered her pet taxi service for pick up and drop off. I would highly recommend her services for a stress free getaway and fun times for the dogs! Thanks for everything Kat! Look forward to doing this again!! - Jennifer read more

Kat The Dog Trainer - On our way! - Pet Training Near Me

I read the reviews and called since she was highly rated. We agreed on pickup time. An hour later, nothing so I called her. She had an excuse and said it would be another hour, of course I had to find another place after wasting two hours of my time. We used VCA Valley, very happy with them! read more

We visit Indio in March each year and are so thankful we have found Kat to take care or our little Shitsu Lizzie when we want to golf and dinner for a whole day. Kat takes very few dogs at a time and the area is very secure because they keep the huge gate that leads through palm orchard shut and locked until you arrive to assure extra security. She loves the dogs she takes care and treats them like her own. They go out side in the shade for play time and can socialize with other dogs their own size. There is even an agility track for your dog to run through if he or she is so inclined. We would recommend Kat's doggie day care to anyone who loves their pet. read more

Kat The Dog Trainer - Pet Training Near Me

Kat really cares about animals and treats your pets like they are hers! She's always on time and does whatever is needed plus her prices are very reasonable too. We love the fact that our pets don't have to be boarded at some facility where no one is there for 12 hours during the evening/night and they can stay in the comfort of our home! Call Kat for your pet sitting needs...you'll be happy you did! read more

Kat stayed at our house for 9 days while we were on vacation and I came home to a happy household. My 2 dogs, 2 rabbits and parrot were all quite fine and not that happy to see me! lol. She spent lots of time with them and bonded to them. They are my children and I am very picky with who I have watch them. I was very happy to receive texts and pictures while I was away of all our "kids". I would definitely recommend her services to others and I am already having her stay again! She is caring and kind and very sweet with them. One of my dogs is older and required medications regularly and I was bit concerned about her, but she was absolutely fine and in great health when I got home!! Thanks Kat for taking such good care of my "kids". read more

Kat and staff are amazing with our two dogs. Our dogs come home relaxed and happy. They aren't stressed or have anxiety when we leave them in her care. I feel comfortable leaving my two dogs with her when I go out of town. Great place for our pets! read more

I have left my dog with Kat several times since I got him a year ago. We always have a great experience! My dog is young and very active. Kat and her staff make sure he either finds a "good matched" playmate or gets his exercise. I love the cage free setup. My dog is very social and I love that Kat & her employees play with the dogs. I had few of them comment about my dog doing tricks so I know he gets attention. We have done short term stays but soon we will be gone for 2 weeks. I booked Kat to watch our dog because I know he will be in good hands! read more

I have a fairly precocious 15 month old Jack Russell mix and I was headed to the desert for a business conference and needed a place for Stanley. All I can say is, from the time I walked up to drop him off to the time I picked him up 4 days later, I couldn't have been more comfortable leaving Stanley. When I got back to her place to retrieve him, he was excited to see me, but as we were leaving, he began to whimper and cry a bit - as he saw Kat and her K9 friend in the driveway waving goodbye. If you need a place for your furry friends, "Go See Kat", you won't be disappointed! read more

Kat is amazing! She trained my 12 week old golden doodle to sit, lay down, walk on a leash, and follow other commands. She is patient, friendly and so easy to work with! She had my puppy acting like a gentleman in 5 days! read more

Kat is the best! She's so nice and loving to our 5 year Husky, Kinta. She's on numerous occasions gone above and beyond to fit us in last minute and has taken the best care of our baby. Kinta is always happiest coming back from Kat's, much more so than several other daycares we have brought him to. The environment is calm and relaxed, not like the high stress loud environments you usually get with pet boarding facilities. Couldn't recommend her enough! read more

I have taken my dog to Kat multiple times, and she takes care of him like he is her own dog! I know when I leave him there he is I'm good hands. I've left him there for a week, while in vacation and he did amazing, and when I leave him there for the day he comes home tired from play time! He gets so excited to get dropped off and never want to go home. Thanks Kat for taking such good care of my little guy! read more

Each year when we arrive in La Quinta we drop off Mozart to stay with Kat while I golf. Great price and Mozart seems to enjoy himself. Much less than boarding here and Mozart gets to make the drive with us. Glad we found Kat and highly recommend her. read more

It's so reassuring to know that our dogs are being well taken care of and happy while we are away! Kat is so wonderful and always so accommodating! There is no other place we would trust leaving our dogs with. Hudson and Tanner love the freedom of running around and socializing with other dogs - it ends up being like a vacation for them, so we never have any guilt of leaving them behind when we have to travel! Thank you Kat!! read more