KATA*K9 BEST DOG TRAINER CONTEST WINNER 2023
Service area: Serves clients across North Carolina, with in-home training available within reasonable driving distance, primarily focused on Johnston County and surrounding areas.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Service Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- In-Home
- Video Calls
- Board and Train
- Day Training
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Hounds
- Terriers
- Doodles
- Brachycephalic
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
Training follows a 20- or 40-day structured journey called the “Transformation Process,” designed to build a 360-degree human-canine bond. Programs include in-home sessions, video-based homework assignments, and 24/7 access to a client portal for progress tracking. Packages are named “Belts” and focus on reliability, precision, and long-term sustainability. Service dog training and behavior modification are offered as specialized tracks.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Offers flexible pricing with “Pay As You Wish” options and tiered “Belts” packages for training. Pricing is not publicly listed but includes in-home sessions, boarding, and online portal access. Clients can book evaluations and choose from multiple service tiers.
Testimonials
“I picked Ginger up at the end of the day and immediately noticed improvement. She is much better on a short leash and especially around other dogs and distractions.”
– Wayne & Ginger
“I’ve had reputable trainers tell me that Hank may be beyond the point of training… until I started working with Sam. I highly recommend Sam for your dog training needs.”
– Sally & Hank
“Sam did an amazing job training our golden doodle puppy… Now at 13 months, he has retained his training and is an obedient happy boy.”
– Client
About the Trainer
KATA*K9 is a dog training business led by Sam Selim, a trainer with 46 years of personal dog ownership and 11 years of horse handling experience. They offer a unique, human-canine Transformation Process focused on building a bi-directional bond between owners and their dogs through transparency, collaboration, and enrichment. Training is delivered primarily in-home to create familiarity and involve owners directly in the process. The program uses a 20- or 40-day structured journey with video-based portals for 24/7 access to reviews, edits, narratives, and homework assignments. They emphasize instinctual communication, reliability, and lifelong fulfillment for both dog and owner. Additional services include boarding, service dog training, a pet store, and stud/sire services. Their approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and behavior modification, with a spiritual and intuitive philosophy inspired by indigenous traditions and lifelong animal connection.
KATA*K9 is nationally recognized as the 2023 Best Dog Trainer Contest Winner and ranked in the Top 100 USA by SniffSpot. They serve clients across North Carolina with a focus on personalized, in-home training that empowers owners to become their dog’s primary trainer.
The business offers specialized programs for behavior modification, service dog training, and foundational obedience, with packages called “Belts” designed for sustainability and continuity. Clients receive ongoing support through a private online portal called “KATA TRIBE.”
Accomplishments
Winner of the 2023 Best Dog Trainer Contest; Voted Top 100 USA Dog Trainer by SniffSpot 2023 & 2024; Certified in Crucial Concepts in Dog Behavior & Training by Dr. Ian Dunbar; Certified in Reactivity, Aggression & Behavior Modification by Kate Naito, CDBC; Affiliate Member of Animal Behavior College; CPD Certification in Dog Health & Anatomy; Member of IAABC.
How to Get Started!
Client engagement begins with a free in-home evaluation or meeting, bookable via the “BOOK NOW” link. After the initial assessment, clients are guided into a personalized training plan with access to the KATA TRIBE online portal for ongoing support, video reviews, and homework assignments.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
9am-6pm
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- IAABC
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
- Pet store
- Pet supply store
- Dog breeder
Location
3015 Equine Ln, Clayton, NC 27520Listing Tools for Trainers
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