About Kathie

About Kathie

Kathie Compton knows dogs! Dogs have been an important part of her family since the 1930's when her great-grandfather established Sangamo Kennel to raise Cocker Spaniels. Kathie learned traditional obedience training in the 1960's at the Capital Canine Obedience Club in Illinois but learning did not stop there. In the 1980's, she learned to train her parrot using reinforcement and discovered how fast, effective and fun it is to train dogs that way, too. Kathie still continues her training education through seminars, self-study, and networking with some of the best trainers, consultants, veterinarians and behaviorists in the business. She is knowledgeable about the latest trends and research in dog behavior and training. Kathie is the author of the book, "Dogs...Made Easy! A New Owner's Manual".

Kathie is certified through the national, independent testing program of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). She is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the prestigious International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Both programs maintain high educational standards for recertification.

As a trainer and behavior consultant, Kathie is uniquely qualified in evaluating, managing and modifying a wide range of challenging dog behaviors, building and strengthening the human / canine bond, providing advice about choosing a dog, and finding the right training classes for you.

Kathie is an active member of several professional organizations. She is on the Member Relations Committee of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and is current Vice President of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is a member of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA), the Animal Behavior Society, and is currently the President of the Board of Directors for Responsible Ownership of Marfa Pets (ROMP), a local area animal welfare group. Kathie is the volunteer Training and Behavior Director for Grand Companions Humane Society in Fort Davis, TX where she provides behavior assessments and training. She is an AKC Approved Evaluator for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC).

"Like people, no two dogs are exactly alike. I have a variety of training techniques and teaching methods I use based on individual needs. None of these methods include harsh physical treatment or punishment. All of them incorporate mutual respect, understanding and cooperation between owner and dog using positive reinforcement. My goal is to help you have the well-behaved pet you always imagined." - Kathie Compton

Imarfa Dog Training
Marfa, Texas 79843
432-386-5504