Kathryn R. Gubista, PhD (Dr. K) – Founder
Hi! I am Kathryn (Dr. K), a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), consultant and educator for dogs and their human companions. My training philosophy is a result of my extensive experience working with dogs intertwined with my evolutionary biology training.
My initial introduction to dog training was as a seasonal keeper at Brookfield Children’s Zoo near Chicago. I literally had my dream job in college! Along with dogs, I worked with parrots, macaws, horses, farm animals, Illinois native wildlife and birds of prey. My work days included training dogs and participating in educational demonstrations. Our dog demonstrations included obedience, tracking, retrieving, sheep herding, agility and service work.
From then on, trained dogs have been my constant companions and training became a natural part of my everyday life. I was hooked and wanted to learn as much as possible. My passion for training dogs led to many great educational opportunities with the most amazing trainers in Illinois, Georgia and North Carolina. One of the highlights was training with the top obedience trainer in the country (Nancy Patton – Atlanta’s Dogwood Obedience Group).
The Dog’s Perspective is my dog training approach, based on 30 years of teaching and training experience plus extensive knowledge of animal biology. My education includes a masters & doctorate in Evolutionary Biology.
Dogs are fundamental to my active lifestyle, which includes walking, running and biking the mountainous terrain of Asheville, NC. My dogs are regular participants in dock-diving exhibitions and competitions in Asheville, NC. In the past, we participated in obedience, tracking and retrieving trials. Dogs are constant traveling companions, even going to the grocery store.
Although I work with dogs of all types, I especially love working with anxious pups who need help fitting into their family life and community. All dogs can be loved, confident and respected members of their families and good citizens of society. It would be great for everyone to “fit in”, including our beloved canine companions.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers a training certificate that distinguishes dogs who are good community members through the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. Our training programs help dogs become great family members and canine good citizens, with or without the official certificate. Therapy dogs are required to have CGC skills; some therapy programs require CGC certification.
If you are interested in your dog being CGC certified, please contact us. I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. We would love to help your dog become the Dog of Your Dreams. We can make your dreams come true!
