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 Douglas Bayer of Union, New Jersey. At the time of this posting, Doug is studying Phase 9 of the Master Class, and he is doing a great job! Doug is on his way to becoming a CATCH Certified Dog Trainer.

A Word from Doug

Spending quality time with some furry clients at work!

My Favorite Recent Study Topics:

# 1 Fundamentals, such as sit, stay, come/recall, down, and walking on a loose leash.
# 2 Positive reinforcement training, because it is more effective and more fun for myself and the dogs, as opposed to punishment.
# 3 Turid Rugaas’ book, Barking – The Sound of a Language. I found it quite interesting to read about all 6 different types of barking. I still need to read the book over and over again, in order to understand it better, and also to listen for the different types of barking in my dogs and others. With practice listening and observing body language, I’m gradually understanding their barking better.
#4 Perfect Paws and other instructional videos by Jean Donaldson
#5 Puppyhood – I’ve seen so many puppies who are growing up happy and healthy because they’ve been raised by loving owners, handlers and trainers who know what they’re doing. Socializing puppies seems to set the groundwork for a long, healthy and happy life.

Enjoying a well-deserved break with some of Doug’s smallest students.

My Favorite Recent Hands-On Activity:

I love teaching dogs to play fetch (and bring the ball back), teaching them to walk nicely on the leash, and Tug of War

How My Studies Have Changed the Way I See Dogs:

I cannot always put my finger on it, but after passing 8 written exams so far, and reading the specific books CATCH sent me, slowly but surely I’m becoming a better trainer. I’ve got a LONG WAY TO GO, but I’m enjoying the process. I work with dogs 5 days a week and I like my job.

What I’m Most Excited About:

EVERYONE at CATCH has been super friendly and helpful to me. I’m glad I signed up for the course, even though I’ve been moving slowly. Taking puppy kindergarten and puppy basic at St. Hubert’s was extremely helpful in my learning process.

Way to go, Doug, we’re so proud of you!



Read Our Dog Trainer Success Stories


CATCH Canine Trainers Academy Office Headquarters
24 Newark Pompton Turnpike Suite 206, Little Falls, NJ.
Phone: 877-752-2824