Testimonials

I hope it’s okay to use this contact form to let you know how glad I am that I took your Happy Pills [from Fenzi Dog Sports Academy] workshop last year. One of my dogs has been recovering from TPLO surgeries (one on each side!) and has been on a lot of medication. Teaching him to swallow pills has worked wonderfully.   My other 2 dogs also wanted in on the fun, so now all 3 are happily swallowing pills. No more hiding or tricks.  What a relief. I just wanted to say thank you.   🙂   Bianca Falbo, April 2022

A friend told me about your 2019 Clicker Expo talking on eating as an operant behavior. I was pretty far down that “rue road” with one of my dogs, and your seminar was eye-opening and life-changing. Just wanted to let you know that I changed things up re: feeding my picky dog. Anticipated a long and fraught slog, but no – in only 24 hours my picky eater is already MUCH more fluent in his eating!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! Rebecca Anastasio, November 2021

I watched your seminar at Clicker Expo about using the trigger as a cue and wanted to say thank you. My sheltie now runs to his mat and lies down whenever the can opener comes out (instead of barking at it).  This was taught using the suggestions at your seminar. The vacuum had also been an issue – now, when the vacuum comes out of the closet he jumps on the bed…Thank you again!               Barbara Wright, February 2022

I am a CPDT-KA working in the behavior department of MSPCA-Angell. My dog Zoe is the reason I am doing this work…Zoe has always been such a challenge to train due to her “lack of food motivation”….A coworker told me about your webinar “But My Dog Isn’t Food Motivated.”  Man, was that a breath of fresh air!!! Zoe and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the difference this one webinar has made in both our lives…She’s eating like a champ. THANK YOU for helping us with an area of behavioral challenge that literally no one else seems to be addressing. We are endlessly grateful for this huge shift and the opportunities it presents.                  Aidan Wilkie,  February 2022

I read Plenty in Life is Free because I heard your interview on Baddog Agility. I enjoyed your book very much…Your writing was honest and compelling and makes me feel better about being a Pez dog-treat dispenser for my three best friends. I also learned something about reinforcing and looking for those behaviours we wish to promote.  Thank you! Andrea Cartier,          January 2022

I really appreciate your teaching style and the message you convey. I purchased your book last year and it has been so valuable to me. I’ve also watched several of your webinars, and I always take extensive notes because you explain difficult concepts in such an accessible manner, with examples that everyone can relate to. I’ve learnt a lot from you, and thanks to you I can scientifically support what has been my gut feeling all along: to treat our animals with kindness and understanding…thank you for sharing your knowledge, and I hope you can continue to help dogs and their trainers/owners for many years to come, because your contribution is so incredibly valuable.           Dana Brouckmans (from Belgium), December 2021

Thank you for your book “Plenty in Life is Free.” Chapter 4 changed my approach to living with my dog Chase…Your book gave me permission to try something other than “nothing in life is free” with Chase. I enjoy using SMART to reinforce behavior I like much more than getting frustrated with him using NILIF….The other day, Chase grabbed a toy, made sure I saw him, and asked to go outside. He checked back several times making sure that I followed him out to the yard. Halfway across the patio he dropped the toy then went and sat under the persimmon tree. He was quiet and still with a look that could only mean “Persimmon please.” I paused. NILIF is so engrained that I wanted to tell him to lie down before I gave him a persimmon. Why? What would that have achieved? Giving me the last word? Because you allowed me to have a different conversation with Chase, I picked a persimmon and dropped it at his paws. I was thrilled to reward his beautifully calm request for a special treat without demanding a superfluous additional behavior.     Kara Douglas, November 2021

Thank you SO much for your time and great advice. We learned so much from our session with you and look forward to putting these methods into practice asap. We have already seen improvements in his behaviour with adopting more of the “sniffari” walk into his day-to-day routines, and have been working very actively on the activity to help ease him off his food/Kong guarding. Working wonders.             Michelle Marchiano, September 2021

Just wanted to send you this short clip of Olive eating her treats in the presence of her balls! Sarah (our trainer) says she is like a different dog. I wanted to thank you for your tips and your reminder to celebrate!! Sometimes I get caught up in the next problem, and I have been working on being more mindful of celebrating how far we’ve come. Thanks again for all your help 🙂 Sophia Ma, September 2021

Just a quick note, I have just watched your webinar on “But My Dog’s Not Food-Motivated“. I wanted to thank you for this…it really helps with a current client of mine….We have put conditions in place to prevent it getting worse and are going to start the basic work you have discussed to help the issue. Just wanted to say thank you for the clarity and the discussion at the end of the session were excellent.                Jenny Treanor (in Ireland),  September 2021

I have been thinking a LOT about you over the last few weeks and I just wanted to drop you a note. Back in 2005, I had just gotten my first dog. He was an adorable black cockapoo puppy named Riley, and I knew absolutely nothing about training him. Fortunately, I was able to take two classes from you that fall and winter. I want to tell you that they were the best classes! I loved your teaching style and I learned so much! Being an engineer, clicker training is so logical, it’s like digital communication with a dog…Anyway, I just thought I would drop you a little note to let you know that I still appreciate all of the things you taught me. I was so blessed to have been taught by you!        Cathy Meyer, August 2021

I just want to thank you for the workshop. My 21-month-old English Shepherd, the first dog I can’t put weight on, got it within minutes when I  rewarded the eating behaviour with the goodies. I have only had to keep strengthening the behaviour since then…I had a feeling we were getting trapped in behavioural patterns, but I didn’t have enough clarity on what it was to know how to deal with it. It feels great to feel empowered with the knowledge and tools to address the feeding challenges this dog presents, and it helps me relax about them. Thank you so much.                              Sabine from Calgary, Canada, July 2021

Thank you so much for your time on Friday. It was such an honor and both Ally and I enjoyed our time with you!….Both Ally and I need a second chance and we are very excited and hopeful, thanks to you 🙂  Thank you! Eri Hayakawa, May 2021

We thoroughly enjoyed working with you. Thanks for sharing your wealth of information.Karen Crouse, May 2021

I would like to say “Wow!” and thank you for an amazing experience with you yesterday! I appreciated you sharing your vast knowledge and wisdom, as well as encouraging me with what I’ve done so far with Sassy….I found everything you said both insightful and helpful, and I felt I was a human sponge just absorbing everything you said. You are such a great resource for all of my questions, concerns and future plans for Sassy….Thank you again for everything and I will keep you posted!    Debbie Tran, March 2021


Kathy Sdao one of the leaders in the field, and a class act all around. Don’t miss a chance to soak up her knowledge, energy and good energy!

Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB


I am thrilled to have managed to take all but one of Kathy Sdao’s sessions. She is an articulate, personable, and dynamic speaker, passionate about the subject matter. Her lectures solidly filled in most all of the gaps in my foundation in three short days.

Attendee at ClickerExpo, Portland OR, January 2015


Kathy Sdao’s presentation to our guide dog instructor staff was informative and very motivational. Her dynamic teaching style was balanced with a wonderful open mindedness in learning about our guide dog program’s mission. Kathy’s energy is contagious and highly motivating to listeners.

Kathy was not only receptive but also delighted to walk under blindfold to experience what it’s like to travel with a guide dog. Her openness to learn about and acknowledge the challenges of our guide dog work added significance to her presentations to our staff.

Guide Dogs for the Blind looks forward to having Kathy Sdao as a recurring continuing education presenter and welcomes her future visits to our campuses.

Michele Pouliot; Director of Research & Development; Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.


It was such pleasure to work with you and definitely look forward to more visits! We came away VERY impressed by your intuition, lucid breakdowns and great love (& knowledge) of animals. It’s good to know that there are people out there like you who can help us better understand our pets.

Jason S. & Brianne D.; Tacoma Washington


I bought your GREAT DVD set “Improve your I-CUE” and I’m currently viewing it and taking lots of notes along the way…your DVD’s are like a huge gift for me.

As a former teacher of 19 years I love your enthusiastic and very thoughtful teaching style. Your analogies, real life examples, and humorous ways of getting us to relate to the ways dogs learn are fantastic. I am definitely hoping to attend one of your seminars.

Trish Koontz, Hillsborough, NC


I’m in the UK and I became aware of your dog training methods after watching your DVD Get SMART for Dog Sports. I compete here in Obedience and your DVD has been so beneficial in the way I train my dogs. I have always used a clicker in my training, but I can honestly say that I don’t think I had understood the science of clicker training until now! It seems I had been ‘using’ a clicker, but not really understanding what I was doing? Your DVD is the best I have come across and both my dogs and I have achieved much more in training since watching it than I thought possible! Thank you so much, I just wish I could attend your training courses!

Karen Smith


The book [Plenty in Life is Free] is extraordinary and lovely, but the DVD [Plenty in Life is Free]… oh, the DVD is a leap into pure grace and passion because of who Kathy Sdao is being… I have both… if I ever need affirmation as a trainer, the DVD does it for me.

Emily Gaydos


Just want to say Kathy’s videos are excellent. I’m learning tons, and have just started doing some dog training as a hobby, and hope to possibly start my own dog training business. Thanks Kathy….. 😉

Jeff K, Wenatchee WA


Your articles are excellent. You are a beautiful writer and you are very popular in Australia.

Jennifer Frede; editor, Association of Pet Dog Trainers’ Australia newsletter


Thank you for the follow-up on our session with Kathy yesterday. It was very good, although difficult to hear what we feared might be true. Kathy was compassionate, straight-forward and very informative and knowledgeable. We feel glad to have finally found her.

Cheryl J; Seattle


I just wanted to say thank you so very much for talking to me today. I can’t even explain how much relief I feel and how excited I am to begin the new type of training….Thank you so much for loving dogs : ) I felt so sad that I had let Rex down, and that I had put him in a situation where he would have an opportunity to make a mistake like biting someone – I am so looking forward to showing him what a wonderful dog he can be. Thanks for your encouragement and for your patience and kindness with me 🙂

Pam B


Two years ago I and my husband consulted with you regarding Parker, a Border Collie with generalizing anxiety precipitated by exposure to fireworks. His quality of life was degrading, he was losing the ability to recover from fear episodes and had even stopped being able to participate in agility….I just want to let you know that Parker is a happy dog once again, thanks to our persistence and the diligent following of your recommendations….Most importantly to me, he has regained his resilience and his year-round quality of life is great. He has come a long way from being the haunted soul of 2 years ago and I just wanted to say thank you and to let you know that he is a success story. You do great work.

Willow S; Olympia, WA


Incredibly knowledgeable speaker with terrific, well researched and substantiated information. Dynamic speaker, good sense of humour and very engaging.…Would go to another seminar/workshop of hers any time.

Ursula H; Toronto


Kathy is a high energy, humorous and engaging speaker. She made the information relevant and interesting. Her delivery style and the content of the seminar was so fantastic, that I was always surprised to see how the time flew by so quickly on both days. I would not hesitate to come back and see Kathy speak about any topic. She is a gem and we were blessed to have her. Bring her back again!

Attendee at “Does the name Pavlov Ring a Bell”; Toronto


I wanted to thank you for talking with me at length last week. Your comments and insight were very helpful….I appreciate all your help and will highly recommend your services.

Amanda G; Mount Vernon, WA


Just wanted to thank you for a terrific seminar in Des Moines! We learned a lot, and your enthusiasm is infectious.

Rick Riggs & Anne Perrin Riggs; Kansas


What an awesome clinic! I know I’ve said it before but I just love your energy and the way your spirit shines through. It adds so much to the presentation of your science. What a wonderful gift to possess. Thank you for choosing to share it with others!

Linda Brodzik; Canine Behavior & Training Specialist; Minnesota


Kirby is doing great!…So far, no more reports of a barking Kirby…that means a happy mom and hopefully a happier hound! Thank you so much! Not only does it give me some peace of mind but most importantly, Kirby is doing better and will be happy and healthy because of these changes!

Gratefully, Sarah T.; Seattle WA


You certainly gave me plenty to think about – what a phenomenal opportunity to sit down and hear hard facts and honest strategies. I am so grateful for you!

Corinne M; Seattle WA


I’m just letting you know that Kohl is doing great! Everything that you suggested is working and he is very happy to be given the job of a “Warm Fuzzy Dog.” I’ve been very consistent in giving him treats and making it a “GOOD THING” when people come to the door. He now greets people at the door with a wagging tail. Thank you so much for your training of me. You’ve really enhanced three lives, Kohl, my son and myself. Thank you!

Barb L; Seattle WA


Thank you for your presentation in Spokane this weekend!….I wanted to ensure you know that content, delivery and sequence of delivery was wonderful, helpful and inspirational….You provided me with many of the “missing” jigsaw puzzle pieces and non-judgmentally offered opportunities for me to re-evaluate some of my processes….Cues – Chaining – Shaping information was extremely helpful.

Karen Schumacher; Idaho


Absolutely LOVED the seminar in Spokane, WA this last weekend. It was by far the best seminar I have attended in 30 years, so I guess it makes it the best one ever!

Georgette Baillesd’Err; Idaho


I just attended the 25-26 July seminar you had in Spokane. I learned so much….I loved the exercises, workshops, and dynamic lectures. The whole thing was awesome!

Sandy House; Oregon


I just wanted to follow up with you – I came to see you last September with Sheldon, my dog-aggressive spaniel mix. He still has issues with dogs but he is getting much better thanks to the techniques you showed me. I am attaching some pictures of him with Lula, my girlfriend’s mini Aussie. See how well they get along? I am very grateful. Thanks. 🙂

Jesse G.; Seattle WA


I just wanted to share with you my appreciation for your DVD production (“Get SMART about Training”). Watching you gives me energy….You are the consummate professional and a class act. What a wonderful role model you are for other training professionals.

Danielle G. Theule, DDS, CPDT, KPA Certified Training Partner; California


Kathy Sdao is a commanding speaker with an excellent grasp of her subject and the ability to pass that on to others!

Kate Turpin; Participant at ClickerExpo Tucson AZ


This is a belated thank you for the “dog-dog reactive” training seminar you did in Poulsbo. I loved it almost as much as 40 million puppy kisses! Your knowledge and humor and ability to assimilate technical information and present is awesome.

Christina Jallings and Ponder


If you are in need of a trainer or behaviorist or are looking for the perfect seminar, the one to see is Kathy Sdao. Kathy masterfully weaves her incredible talent and knowledge with passion and dedication to whomever she is working with. Whether one-on-one or in a seminar, you can be assured you are getting the best of the best. Kathy is utterly brilliant and amazing. In my mind, Kathy is in the top 1% of trainers and educators in the world. If you get a chance to see Kathy present a seminar or have a chance to work with Kathy, RUN don’t walk.

Jim Schaefer; Aurora, Colorado


Thank you so much for your sharing your time and training with us. We were blown away by your insight and your ability to look beyond the physical manifestation of the problem. With our new plan, I think we will become better trainers and I have confidence that Molly will find her spirit and regain her love of the sport.

Lisa Grenier


Kathy is very professional, personable and prepared. Class was packed with information. Very energetic instructor and excited about her subject which makes the student (me) excited. Very knowledgeable teacher.

Lisa Patton and Daryn


Thank you! Your fabulous presentations basically saved the day, everyone was ‘ooohing’ and ‘ahhing’. I had the best time…You have left much joy in your wake. Heather has been beaming with renewed energy & enthusiasm since seeing you, and has been breaking into some weird dance because she’s signed up for your spring thing too. Very odd to see a shelter worker acting in such a way!

Terri Mallett; Trainer, Dearborn (Michigan) Animal Shelter


I am highly impressed with the wealth of knowledge trainer Kathy Sdao continually shares with us. I am excited about the positive reinforcement method of dog training she teaches and I LOVE the results I have had in such a short time using these methods with my boxer.

As a former police K9 handler, my husband was skeptical of the clicker training method. However, after witnessing such quick results with our own dog he now sees the advantage of clicker training also. And personally, as the owner of a very energetic and increasingly strong boxer, I am very excited to have a way of training my dog that is not only positive and loving, but one that doesn’t require huge amounts of physical strength on my part just to get through a training session or go on a walk.

I could go on and on about how happy and excited I am to be attending Kathy’s training classes with my dog and how impressed I am with her skills, knowledge , friendliness, and genuine love for animals.

Rema Strauss & “Reba”


I attended the seminar in Littleton, MA. I just wanted to say thank-you for sharing all your knowledge and training techniques. Since the seminar, I’ve finally taken a deep breath and switched my business to almost entirely clicker training…I am so much happier. My clients are getting quick success with their dogs.

You’ve made me a much better trainer. I had no idea until I started to apply everything I’ve learned in my business and my life. I just wanted to thank you again for offering the seminar.

Dawn Prentiss, CPDT; owner of Brooklyn-based Semper Fido Dog Training


One of the best conference presenters. Kathy is amazing and is a multi-faceted presenter. More than this we can hardly expect. She’s a “Hall of Famer” in my book. I always learn something unique from Kathy.

Attendee at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference in San Jose, CA