Devil Dog Training -

Lindsey Aitchison

Our household is so thankful for Cat and Devil Dog Training. We were lucky to meet Cat right after we rescued our boy Jonesy from Taiwan via Love and Second Chances in December 2019. She helped us with basic commands at that time and was amazingly patient and kind with him despite how timid he was with people. By Winter 2021 we wanted to work with Jonesy on E-Collar training to give him more freedom and flexibility while still feeling comfortable that our street rescue wouldn't get away.

Jonesy did two weeks of board and train and we couldn't be happier of how well Cat refreshed his commands and got him ready for wearing an E-Collar. We now are able to hike with Jonesy off leash and have him stay in heal while off leash for extended periods of time. Cat also helped work on Jonesy meeting new people and becoming more comfortable with strangers which was always a struggle. We have reached a point we through never would have been possible with our once timid wild rescue. Thank you Cat and Devil Dog Training for your patience, kindness, communication and accessibility. We feel so fortunate to have found such a great trainer and cannot recommend them enough.

G P

Solid 5 stars for the work Catherine and her team does but had to knock down a star for communication. The initial contact was easy but subsequent communication for questions and meetings/training sessions would some times take a day or two (sometimes with a follow-up text) for a response. That being said, despite the difficulties with the communication, the work Catherine and her team does is nothing more than amazing. My little guy was with her for a total of 7 weeks for service dog board and train. When he entered her program, he was a 7 month old puppy with all the puppy attitude and energy.

My Journey: I initially contacted Devil Dog Training in October to inquire about their service dog program. After a meet and greet, where Catherine fully explained her program and training philosophy/method, I decided this was the best fit for my guy and me. My original start date was going to be early November for a couple of weeks then a longer session in January; Catherine believed my guy was too young for a full SDiT program (which I agreed). However, my guy caught a cold so this was postponed to January. Since I met Catherine in mid-October, until I dropped off my guy in January, we met on multiple occasions to do training session where we learned the marker system (good, yes, and no). Using Catherine’s techniques, I could already see marketed improvement in my little guy’s obedience.

Drop off was an OK process. I feel that it could have been better prepared for/smoother, but given everything that was going on at the time, I’m willing to give a little slack. During the 7 weeks my guy was with Devil Dog Training, I received a few progress updates, pictures, and video’s (wish there was more). I did not see my guy during the 7 week stay.

Upon pick-up, my guy had a solid understanding of sit, down, heel, place, leave it, and public access and was beginning to learn his task. Post pick-up, we still meet with Catherine and her team to work on his tasks and brush up on his heel.

As a couple of the other reviewers mentioned, Devil Dog Training does use an e-Collar when training. This was fully disclosed when we met and posted on their IG. The use of the e-collar aligned with my approach to training so I had no issues with my guy on it nor using it.

All-in-all, I say, let their work/result speak for them. I think Devil Dog Training does an amazing job in training responsible owners and well mannered doggos. Despite the difficulties in communication, I think Devil Dog Training is worth every penny.

Full disclosure: I was asked to write a review for Devil Dog Training, but everything I said is my own opinion and uninfluenced by anyone.

Rebecca Hager

My dog did the board & train for 6 weeks; we missed him terribly but on video calls we could see that he was well cared for and used to getting affection. He came home happy and willing/able to behave and obey commands, and we're getting good follow up to make sure we're equipped to maintain his training.

Amanda Thorson

We took our lab to Cat when he was 6 months old, and it was the best decision we made! We again took him when he was 2 years old to tighten up his training. Cat is very patient, knowledgeable and will answer any questions you have. We don’t trust anyone with him besides her. I highly recommend her for all your training needs!