Hi there! I’m Katy, owner of Wild Poppy Dog Training, and my dog Poppy and I are so glad you found us!

How did I get here? Years ago, I started volunteering in an animal shelter in New Hampshire, where I met my friend (& very first mentor), Nicole. Nicole was on a journey with her own dog (Katie!) who she foster failed from the very same shelter, when she found her way to dog psychology & shared her knowledge with me. I was hooked. I now had the opportunity to learn my favorite animal all over again, this time with a better perspective.

The shelter was such a heartbreaking place for me, but I had an opportunity each week to improve these dogs’ lives just a little bit by communicating clearly, & teaching them skills that would set them up for success once they got adopted. I learned about leading dogs confidently so that they could be dogs & not worry about making decisions they didn’t need to make. I learned about spatial pressure & how that is a natural language among dogs. I learned how to muzzle train & why muzzles are a great tool (there are SO many reasons!). I learned that clarity is the kindest thing you can give to a dog.

I learned to read body language & decipher signs of stress. I learned that a wagging tail is not always a happy tail. So much of this I learned from Nicole, which pushed me to keep diving into it & figuring some things out on my own.

Now, I am part of a mentorship program with Cheri Lucas, & am always looking to expand my knowledge and skillset in this field. I regularly chat with other trainers who have become friends, using them as resources & support when I run into training scenarios I have not yet encountered. 

I am hopeful that I can reach more dogs & their owners who are seeking better relationships, who want to learn more about the companion they have brought into their lives, & who are committed to creating the best life possible for their dog.

Interested in building a better life with your dog? Let’s chat!