Whole Dog Training and Behavior

Whole Dog Training and Behavior offers private, in-home training and behavior modification sessions tailored to each dog’s needs. Programs are built around a three-pronged approach: environmental management, honoring natural drives, and promoting canine agency. Sessions focus on teaching desirable alternatives to unwanted behaviors using positive reinforcement. Programs can be structured as one-time consultations, ongoing weekly sessions, or intensive interventions depending on the dog’s behavioral needs.

Whole Dog Training and Behavior is a private, force-free, positive reinforcement dog training and behavior modification service based in Seattle, WA. Led by Catherine Brueckner, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and Certificate in Canine Studies holder, the business focuses on building strong human-dog bonds through science-based, compassionate methods. Catherine uses a three-pronged approach: managing the dog’s environment to prevent unwanted behaviors, honoring natural canine drives with appropriate outlets, and empowering dogs with confidence-boosting choices. She specializes in manners training, aggression, reactivity, resource guarding, multi-dog households, and puppy development. Catherine is also an Animal Care Officer at the Seattle Animal Shelter, giving her daily experience with dogs exhibiting challenging behaviors. She emphasizes ethical, AVSAB-compliant practices and explicitly rejects aversive tools, punishment, or “balanced” training methods.

Catherine supports both dogs and their owners, recognizing the emotional connection between them as central to successful training. Her approach is enriching, fun, and focused on long-term behavioral health rather than quick compliance. She offers in-home private training and serves clients across the greater Seattle area, including Queen Anne, Belltown, Ballard, and Magnolia.

In addition to training, Catherine has professional experience in veterinary care, shelter behavior coordination, and puppy socialization classes, and she prioritizes ongoing education and collaboration with other animal professionals.

Accomplishments

Catherine Brueckner is a CPDT-KA certified trainer and holds a Certificate in Canine Studies from the Northwest School of Canine Studies. She has worked in private veterinary care, at PAWS and Kitsap Humane Society as a Behavior & Training Coordinator, and currently serves as an Animal Care Officer at the Seattle Animal Shelter, supporting dogs with complex behavioral issues daily. She has taught manners and puppy socialization classes at Four Paw Sports Center and prioritizes continuing education and professional collaboration.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact Catherine directly via phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. Training begins with an assessment of the dog’s behavior, environment, and goals, followed by a customized plan using positive reinforcement techniques.