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 Kurt Keeping of Canton, Georgia. At the time of this posting, Kurt is studying Phase 8 of the Master Class. He is doing an amazing job with his studies, and we’re so excited about his accomplishments!

A Word from Kurt

Kurt with his student dog, Bella, a gorgeous White German Shepherd.

My Favorite Recent Study Topics:

My favorite topics of study thus far would have to be “Understanding Behavior, Body Language, and Vocalization” in Phase 2 and “Behavior Problem Solving” in Phase 7. There is a wealth of knowledge in these two phases that I found myself having those “Ah-ha” moments repeatedly as I made my way through the text and assigned readings for each of the phases. Understanding Behavior, Body Language, and Vocalization laid the ground work for understanding how dogs communicate and what they are saying when they communicate. I found it interesting to go to the dog park and watch all the various levels of interactions taking place between Bella and the other dogs at the park. Behavior Problem Solving in Phase 7 was by far the most challenging phase as we looked even deeper into some of the common and uncommon behavior problems that we could encounter as trainers.

My Favorite Recent Hands-On Activity:

My favorite hands-on activity is without a doubt the time that I have spent with my local Mentor. Being able to see so many of the things we are learning in each of the phases applied in real life scenarios is so reassuring and such a confidence builder. Watching the group classes being taught and seeing how the clients’ questions and concerns are answered is valuable. Lastly, being able to work with and learn from so many various breeds of dogs during the groups session is the icing on the cake.

Bella is always ready to learn something new!

How My Studies Have Changed the Way I See Dogs:

I have always loved training and working with my own dogs and it has been my dream to someday be able to do what I am doing now. There are so many things I have learned through the CATCH program. The two things that have really affected the way I look at dogs the most is the way that dogs communicate with one another and us. As well as the various behavior issues that we will encounter as trainers and what some of the causes for those issues are. Some people like to people watch, well I love to go to the dog park and pick a nice comfortable seat in the shade and dog watch. There is so much taking place that I never recognized in the past.

What I’m Most Excited About:

I did a tremendous amount of research on the various schools and dog trainer programs that are available before selecting the Master Class at CATCH Academy. I could not be happier with my decision. The level of detail in the course material and how the phases flow together has made this a very rewarding experience for me. Kelly, my Program Director, and all the support staff at CATCH have been great over the last year of my studies. The entire team is there to support me and it goes without saying they care about what they do and how I do as student!

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



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