Introducing Kathy Cascade
Kathy's
introduction to dog training began in 1991 when a
slightly wild and wonderful Alaskan Malamute puppy
came into her life. Kathy and Spirit's
partnership lead them to the obedience ring,
participation in flyball, and as a visiting
Therapy Dog/Handler team in hospitals and nursing
homes. Searching for a truly respectful and
gentle approach to working with animals, Kathy and
Spirit attended their first Tellington TTouch workshop
in 1994. The work resonated so much with Kathy
that she went on to complete the two-year TTouch
Practitioner Certification Program, graduating in
October 1996 and later becoming an instructor in
2003.
With her professional training and experience as a Physical Therapist, Kathy offers a unique perspective on the neurophysiologic and sensory aspects of dog behavior to her students. Known for her creative, engaging, and often humorous teaching style, Kathy has presented workshops and seminars throughout the US, Canada, and in Europe.
Kathy’s skillful approach to working with dogs with aggression and fear
issues led her to develop a series of seminars titled
S.A.N.E.
Solutions for Challenging Dog Behavior. Her calm, confident demeanor serve her especially well in working with these cases. Kathy states, "Helping animals learn to cope with the demands of living in our human world is a passion of mine. It is important to recognize that a snarling, lunging dog is likely responding out of fear. Creating a sense of calm and safety for the dog is the first step to eliminating reactive behavior. The TTouch Method allows me to do this with effective tools for reducing stress and building confidence. It gives me great joy to see these animals make the transformation from living in a state of fear to feeling safe in the world."
Kathy is a charter member of the Pet Professional Guild, and an accredited Professional Canine Trainer (PCT-A). She enjoys living in beautiful Central Oregon, which allows her to pursue her other passions of hiking, XC skiing, and kayaking. She shares her home with one dog, one cat, and two horses.