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 Helen Rigg of Mill Valley, California. At the time of this posting, Helen has just graduated the Master Class with Distinction and is a CATCH Certified Dog Trainer (CCDT). We can’t wait to see her amazing contributions to the dog training community!

A Word from Helen

“She asks the right questions and always wants to learn more. Whatever feedback I give her, she processes it and incorporates or modifies it for her future training tasks. I look forward to seeing her graduate from the program and become a great trainer!” – Yuching D., CATCH Mentor Trainer

My Favorite Recent Study Topics:

My favorite study topics are dog body language, behavior and vocalizations, how dogs think and learn, and how to teach your own private and group classes.

My Favorite Recent Hands-On Activity:

My favorite hands-on activity is Seeing Meta Signals – Hands-On Activity for Play Behavior.

How My Studies Have Changed the Way I See Dogs:

My learning throughout the course and also my time volunteering at the local animal shelter have opened my eyes to the behavior of dogs and how much information we can determine from the most subtle of signs. I particularly noticed the change when I visited friends in Australia whose dogs I previously looked after. I was so much more aware of their body language and their interactions with people and other dogs, and I was able to talk with confidence to the owners about what I was seeing.

Helen is a dedicated shelter volunteer and makes a difference in so many lives!

What I’m Most Excited About:

I have found that the CATCH program is a well-balanced, informative curriculum which provides both theory and practical guidance to create a fantastic foundation for dog training and behavior. The reference material, library, student support services, practical assessment and mentor access was an essential part of the learning process for me. I also like that the curriculum includes work-based learning in relation to dogs in shelters. This was particularly pertinent to the role that I have assumed as a volunteer in my local animal shelter.

Way to go, Helen, 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