"Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole" Roger Caras

Find the Best Dog? Check!  Now what?

Katie’s search for an assistance dog led her to Vonnie, and the journey began! 

Vonnie, a brilliant, sensitive rottweiler with sweet ‘n’ sass for days and a mind all of her own, was perfect, she just needed a little training!   

 “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” Lao Tzu

Though a stellar student in group classes, Vonnie’s excitability and drive went unaddressed. Katie felt it… something was missing. 

One-on-one training was prohibitively expensive. 

Finding trainers skilled in the specifics of assistance dogs proved daunting.  

Hitting roadblock after roadblock, Katie was confronted with difficulties so many pet owners face. She realised she would have to become the animal trainer she and Vonnie needed- embarking upon an adventure and education. 

Now, years later, she helps dogs and their families around the world online, and locally in Brisbane, Australia. 

 “When the student is ready the teacher appears” Lao Tzu

Working closely with nearby trainers for hands-on experience, Katie also immersed herself in the resources of online dog training. As an invited contributor to one of the largest dog training help sites in the world she gained the information and knowledge she had struggled to find. Just as valuable, she found herself working alongside positive dog trainers of the highest calibre. Certified behaviour experts and highly esteemed animal experts mentored her work with Vonnie. Over time the guidance extended to her business questions as gradually people turned to her for help with their own dogs and training problems. With particular compassion for individual needs and animal personalities, Katie’s education and mentorships continued as she developed her approach and training practice, and “Paws and Sniff” was born. 

Today, Katie shares her life with her beloved Vonnie. Katie remains committed to ongoing growth in her field, engaged with a network of animal professionals worldwide, and sharing expertise and resources for loving pet owners everywhere.