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Cathy Madson - Leash Reactivity Dog Aggression Training
Cathy Madson - aggressive dog training near me

About Me

Over the past 15+ years, I've had the opportunity to work with dogs in shelters, dog daycares, grooming salons, group classes, and private dog training on a wide variety of behavioral challenges. I believe that preventive and proactive training is key to helping dogs live a happy, well-adjusted life with their family.

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I use humane and ethical dog training methods. I never intentionally use aversive tools or methods in my training or behavior plans. I do not use shock collars (e-collars), prong collars, or choke collars.

 

I believe in teaching a dog what to do before introducing any consequences. Positive does not mean permissive. And the best learning happens when the training is fun and rewarding for both dogs and people.

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I'm a Family Dog Mediator (FDM), and hold a CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA certification through the CCPDT. I currently serve as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. I'm a Fear Free Certified Professional, member of the Pet Professional Guild, Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Dog Writers Association of America, and a graduate of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course. I'm a certified instructor for Pet First Aid and CPR through Pet Emergency Education. I also volunteer as a participating trainer for the Humane Alliance of Rescue Trainers.

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I've appeared on a variety of local Seattle media, such as Q13, King5, Evening, and New Day NW, and am frequently interviewed for print magazines and online content as a dog behavior expert.​​

certified professional dog trainer
    aggression in dogs master course certificate
    certified canine behavior consultant
    apdt-member
    fear free certified training professional
    pet professional guild member
    pet emergency education certified instructor

    Certifications and Continued Education

    • CPDT-KA

    • CBCC-KA

    • Fear Free Certified Professional – Trainer

    • FDM (Family Dog Mediator)

    • Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the Dog Writer's Association of America (DWAA), and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG).

    • AKC CGC/Tricks Evaluator

    • Pet Emergency Education Certified Instructor

     

    Continued Education Includes:

    • Aggression in Dogs Master Course

    • Forensics of Dog Aggression

    • Clicker Expo 2011, 2019

    • Aggressive Dogs Conference, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

    • Shelter Behavior Mentorship

    • and more...

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    CPDT-KA certified trainer
    CBCC-KA certified canine behavior consultant
    Fear Free Certified Dog Trainer
    Aggresion in Dogs Master Course Certificate
    APDT Member
    Pet Professional Guild Member
    Certified Instructor for Pet First Aid and CPR

    ©2025 Cathy Madson Dog Training, LLC

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