Our Team
Kathryn Gordon, M.S.W., KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Kathryn Gordon, M.S.W., KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA has enjoyed training dogs since childhood. She has titled in Obedience, qualifying for both the Nationals and the Regionals, but she has focused on handling search and rescue (SAR) dogs, primarily in the area of human remains detection (HRD), nationally certifying multiple dogs in land cadaver and crime scene detection with both IPWDA and NSDA. Kathryn and her dogs have deployed on various cases in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. She stays current on research related to scent detection and canine behavior and training.
Since her social work days, Kathryn has enjoyed helping people learn new skills, so teaching people dog training is a great fit. She has taught weekly puppy and basic manners classes, as well as scent detection classes, since 2012—developing one of the first and most successful nose work programs in Michigan before moving to the Ann Arbor area. Kathryn’s students have had success at shows, winning many titles and awards. Over the past few years, Kathryn has been invited to give multiple full- and half-day seminars on scent detection and canine olfaction in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida.
Kathryn loves working with dogs and their people on behaviors that are creating difficulties in the human-animal relationship. She has successfully completed Dr. Susan Friedman's Living and Learning with Animals course and has completed the Aggressive Dog Master course with Michael Shikashio. She offers private lessons and behavior consults upon request. She has a special interest in behavior cases involving reactivity, aggression, and fear. She is also a certified AKC CGC and trick evaluator.
Kathryn currently partners with a Border Collie named Ffion in human remains detection and agility. Angus, her former SAR dog is retired from work, but they are pursuing a new adventure, along with Ffion--learning Freestyle!
Hanna Gould, B.S., CTDI, CCFC, KPA-CTP, FDM
I've always been passionate about animals, but my true love for dog training began when I got my fearful rescue dog, Roarie about 8 years ago. Working with her I have learned a lot, not only about dogs, but about myself as well.
Below are my accomplishments and certifications :
- Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner
- DMWYD Certified Trick Dog Instructor
- DMWYD Certified Canine Fitness Coach
- AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator
- AKC STAR puppy evaluator
Rebecca Bastien, CCTBS, CPDT-KA
Rebecca is an experienced dog care professional with a passion for canine behavior and body language and with expertise in dog walking, dog sitting, shelter work, and doggy daycare.
Since Rebecca started working with her rescued Doberman mix, Nirvana, with great success to address her fear reactivity, Rebecca has developed an interest in leash reactivity. Although her personal journey is nearing its end, Nirvana has made significant progress under Rebecca's guidance and patient approach, and is more confident and relaxed in a variety of situations, Rebecca continues her learning on the topic, assisting with reactive dog classes and cases, rapidly gaining expertise in the area.
In the future, Rebecca hopes to continue working with Nirvana on scent work and agility training, allowing Nirvy to reach her full potential as a well-rounded and accomplished canine companion and Rebecca to learn more about sport dog training.
Rebecca holds an Associate's degree in Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Her commitment to the well being of the dogs under her care, informs her practice, making her a welcome addition to our team.
