Featured Student
Our students are the future of dog training and the heart of our school.
That’s why we regularly take a moment to recognize one of our top aspiring trainers here.
Our Featured Student this month is Paula Mrazek of Cary, Illinois. Paula is already a Core Skills graduate and is now currently in Phase 8 of the Master Class!
A Word from Paula:
My Favorite Recent Study Topics:
Paula is both an experienced pro dog walker, and a pro dog trainer with her own business: Training, Walks & Petsits by Paula, LLC. Way to go, Paula!
I’ve enjoyed learning about using calming signals with dogs. I’ve used some of these with my dog pet sitting/walking clients and find the signals to be a non-verbal, soothing way to communicate with them. As an opera singer, I’ve been fascinated by vocalizations of dogs and the language of barking! Lastly, I have enjoyed learning how dogs learn and how to respect their individual learning style, instead of making breed generalizations.
My Favorite Recent Hands-On Activity:
As a professional dog walker, I’ve enjoyed loose-leash walking and how to make walks enjoyable for “both ends of the leash”. Teaching dogs to keep a loose-leash and learn to heel was my favorite part of the hands-on activities.
How My Studies Have Changed the Way I See Dogs:
I use training exercises and games with the dogs I meet during my daily walks and pet sits. It really opened my eyes that dogs appreciate someone who wants to communicate with them!
What I Like About CATCH:
First of all, Arminda has been the best program director to me! She is always inspiring me to think outside of the box, coming with me off on tangents and reeling me back to a tangible goal, both in studies and my real dog training life!
I was a Core program graduate, which helped me launch my own training, walks and pet sitting company right in March 2020, at the beginning of the Pandemic. I will honestly say, dog training has been a game-changer for me, as a sole business owner. I also teach dog clients I walk and sit for, because it is a such a positive way to communicate with them and deepens their bond with me, as their caregiver.
I am currently close to completing the Masters program with CATCH. What can I say, I have enjoyed the journey with CATCH so much! One of my favorite memories was meeting with other students and CATCH personnel online during the free webinars at the beginning of the Pandemic. I’ve learned so much and look forward to continuing growing the training side of my business after graduating the Masters program. Thanks, CATCH!
Way to go, Paula, we’re so proud of your amazing progress!
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