Sensible K9 Success Stories
From Veterinarians:
"I highly recommend Catherine as a behavior counselor. She is a careful, knowledgeable, thorough teacher who will help her clients to the best of her ability."Andrew Luescher DMV., PhD, DACVB, ECVBM-CA Director, Animal Behavior Clinic, Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
“Observing Catherine instruct her Sensible Puppy classes with her reward-based training has made me a believer that this is the correct method for socializing and training in very young puppies, as well as throughout the rest of their life. It is exciting to me as a Veterinary professional to think that Catherine will someday be able to share her knowledge with other trainers and Veterinary staff, and see the same great results as us at Michigan Road Animal Hospital! Our clients have definitely benefited from Catherine’s classes, comprehensive book, & well thought out training.”
Nicole Fletcher DVM, Indianapolis
"She has a sound understanding of learning theory and the application to the training sessions. She is able to assess each session and adapt the training schedule for each individual dog."
Dr. Jean DeLong, DVM, Indianapolis
“I have had the good fortune of working with Catherine Steinke, of Sensible K9, at our animal hospital in Indianapolis. From the first time I worked with Catherine I was impressed by her understanding of this very unique market of animal behavior instruction. She has introduced a wonderful set of puppy socialization classes at our hospital and that has helped us enhance and solidify our relationships with new clients and first time puppy owners. Instead of adding responsibilities to our staff, her approach gives our staff additional time to talk about other puppy health issues. I believe that her approach can work in many practices and bond clients to that practice creating better behaved puppies that owners can enjoy.”
John Klarquist, DVM - Indianapolis
We loved your class and appreciate being taught principles that apply to our dogs in various stages of their development, not just as a "puppy class". We considered it an invaluable investment in the upkeep of our house, the peace of our home (nothing worse than a dog who rules the roost!), and the good relationship with our dogs because we really like them and how they behave.
You know we have recommended you to numerous pet and puppy owners and will continue to do so.”
Barb Duncan and Rod Duncan, DVM, Indianapolis
From Veterinary Technicians:
I have observed and assisted Catherine in teaching many of her weekly Sensible Puppy courses. Catherine’s expertise, knowledge and experience in the field are evident the first time you hear her speak, watch her interact with a puppy, or listen to her communicate with a puppy owner. She is truly a gifted teacher.
The sincerity that Catherine has for teaching puppies and their owners live happily together is complimented by the Sensible Puppy course content. Rarely have I seen a puppy course that is based in positive reinforcement techniques be so complete in early socialization as well as training skills. Also, the Sensible Puppy course Student Guide is a one of a kind. In the Veterinary practice, we battle owner compliance everyday. With this easy to use follow along Student Guide, Catherine has succeeded in making training and keeping track of your puppy’s progress fun! Here, the novice trainer will find everything they need to know to get their puppy off to a great start, and keep it up!
In Catherine’s Sensible Puppy classes I have watched owners get excited about training their puppies. They are excited about turning in the weekly homework, they are excited about coming to class, and they are excited about learning “how” to teach their puppies.
Again, Catherine’s Sensible Puppy course and content will be an asset to any Veterinary Clinic. It will be a great reference tool for the already seasoned Behavior Technician as well as an invaluable teaching program for those just getting started.
Debra L. Konkol, C.V.T., RLAT
From Professional Dog Trainers:
Her teaching style was engaging and fun for puppy owners as well as those of us who “helped” in the class.
Much of what I learned in her classes is incorporated into my own puppy classes, held in a Veterinary Clinic, where I have taught for 7 years. She was effective in teaching her students and me, because her presentation style is easy for people to grasp. She has a common sense approach along with professional training and experience that make her a great instructor. Her approach is one that I believe will help others who want to teach, become good instructors. It certainly has been beneficial to me!”
Jill Evans BA, SLPA – Lafayette, IN
From Group Obedience Class:
You use what you know, and do so with great compassion towards dogs AND their owners. Your insight helped me quickly find a solution to a problem with my six year old dog that for years several other trainers could not. As you said - it’s not about training the dog, it’s about training the human. With hard work, patience and you guidance, helping my dog become the best she can be is becoming a reality rather than a dream. Thank you.
Leanne B. – Indianapolis
From Therapy Dog Students:
Also, when we had to walk/heel, she did PERFECT - I was so happily surprised. I want to thank you SO much for everything. We could not have done it without you.
Thanks again! -- Susanna F., Carmel
“You are a wonderful instructor. I know you helped me so much with Brooke.” Jill M., Indianapolis
"Catherine Steinke was very thorough and effective as to obedience training with our puppy Queenie. As a result of this Queenie passed her Delta Society certification for therapy dogs easily. We highly recommend Catherine for private lessons regarding dog behavior."
Dr. Lex Cavins, Carmel
From Canine Good Citizen Students:
"I met Catherine 2 years ago when I took my then wild and crazy puppy, Barney, for obedience training. I was truly at my wit’s end, having no idea how to manage a large dog, or even how to get him to respond to basic commands. Catherine took pity on us and calmly, patiently and kindly set us on the road to a better life and kept me from losing my sanity. We trained with her for over a year and Barney, week by week, became this well-behaved, manageable dog. Catherine will probably never truly realize how grateful I am...Barney passed his (AKC) Canine Good Citizen test."
Mary Anne S., Indianapolis
“Catherine has been working with me and my Shitz Tzu mix dog, Molly. Our goal is to become CGC certified by the end of this summer. I think Molly has the perfect disposition to visit people in nursing facilities, Hospice Houses and those who are "shut-in". Catherine has been very sensitive to our needs and is very skilled. Her visits have been very helpful. She always follows up with an email detailing our lesson and details our homework. She is very affirming as we have worked together. I feel that Molly and I have made a new friend.”
Elizabeth G., Zionsville
From Puppy Class Students:
Since I never had dogs before, it was great to receive training and practical tips on how to have a puppy that is well mannered and pleasant to be around. Of course there are always new things to learn, but to this day, he is doing great! I've attached a few pictures to see how my 25 lb puppy has grown to 100 pounds of joy and happiness."
Eryn E., Indianapolis
"Catherine was very creative in her way of helping those of us in the class to train our puppies. She was very practical and thorough in her training. After that class, our entire family felt comfortable in training our new Labrador puppy."
Diane G., Indianapolis
“Catherine was in tune to each puppy in the class. She has a passion for sharing and teaching her training ability to others so they can instruct their puppy/dog to be a joyful lifelong companion. Catherine’s notebook was easy to follow and to put into practice. I plan to use it as a guide for years to come. My family (husband and three children) and I have made it a practice to be consistent in training our puppy and putting into practice what I learned through Catherine. Our puppy, Edna (a lab/collie mix) is a joy!”
Kim M., Indianapolis
She met a crazy great Dane puppy on our walk and just sat there being sweet. :) Never would have imagined this feasible a few months ago!!!
Thanks for all of your help!"
Mary T., Indianapolis
“We learned so much at our Sensible Puppy classes. My kids still quote things that they heard. Catherine gave us great insight to our Jack Russell-even though he was our second. Highly recommend her classes.”
Marylee P., Indianapolis
“Catherine was super about answering personal questions with my puppy! She made the class fun for both of us and it was a fabulous experience! I would recommend her to everybody!”
Tracy K., Carmel
From Private Lesson Clients:
“Catherine has an unbelievable way of being able to tell what a dog is thinking by even the simplest reactions they give - we often comment she should have a show on Animal Planet! Our dogs have totally different personalities and Catherine's training with our puppies has been so practical and individual to get them both to be able to be better behave and safer. We continue to rely on that instruction every day for support and we encourage anyone we know with a dog (of any age) to contact her to work with their pets.”
Bruce and Lisa M., Carmel
"Catherine is very good at teaching. I was impressed with her techniques and how quickly we progressed."
Theresa T, Zionsville
Puppy Training:
"Catherine gave me a strong foundation to continue to work with my rather difficult Australian Shepherd puppy. She taught me how to read his body language, and keep him engaged in training. Her principles work!"
Teddie L., Indianapolis
Basic Obedience and Overcoming Thunderstorm Fears:
Thank you so much for your help. I am so glad I decided to do the training and I am very pleased with what Brady and I have both learned so far.
Deanna Q., Indianapolis
Overcoming Fearfulness of Children:
Thanks to your brilliant advice, she loves kids … Everyone loves her. Except for the shedding, she is just about perfect. Thanks again!
Gina B., Indianapolis
Involving Children in Dog Training:
"Catherine engages my children brilliantly in the training process."
Elise N. Zionsville
Fearful / Aggressive Behavior Toward Strangers:
“Over the past four years that we have had our dog we have tried all kinds of training including group training classes and personal trainers in our home. We have had rather limited success until we began working with Catherine. With her patience, professionalism, and clear instruction we are finally making great progress! Wish we had found her earlier!”
Dana S., Carmel
Boarding School Sensible Puppy HeadStart Program:
Catherine did an amazing job in a very short amount of time....now we are on the hook to maintain the progress!!! So worth it!!!! Thank You Catherine!
Mary Kay R., Carmel
Thank you!
Tom P., Indianapolis
“I never thought he’d get house-trained but you did it!”
Elliot L.,Carmel
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Family-friendly dog training in Indianapolis, Zionsville, Carmel, and Brownsburg.