Kat - Certified Private Dog Trainer - La Quinta, CA

5 out of 5

(2 reviews)

Member since Jan 2018

As a certified pet trainer with over 20 years of hands-on experience, I specialize in transforming pet behavior and enhancing the bond between pets and their owners. My journey began at a young age, assisting my father with our police dog, Max, which ignited my lifelong passion for animal training. I hold multiple certifications, including Dog Agility Training, Dog Obedience Training, Dog Therapy Training, and Pet Behavior Modification. I am also a proud American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator, which allows me to provide you with top-notch training services tailored to your pet's needs.

I offer comprehensive training solutions for dogs of all sizes—whether your furry friend is under 20 lbs, between 20-39 lbs, 40-79 lbs, or over 80 lbs, I’ve got you covered. My services include private dog training sessions and mobile training options that can conveniently take place in your home or nearby locations. With my business license and full insurance, you can trust that your pet is in safe hands. I also understand that every pet is unique, so I work closely with you to ensure you’re equipped to follow through with the training at home, fostering a supportive environment for your pet's growth.

Ready to create a harmonious relationship with your pet? I offer both in-person and online sessions to accommodate your schedule. With my background and commitment to animal welfare, I’m here to help every step of the way. Don't wait any longer—book me through Petworks today and let’s embark on this rewarding journey together!

  • Licensed
  • Certified
  • Bonded
  • Insured
  • Mobile Services

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Private Dog Training
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • K9 Training
  • Service Dog Training
  • Dog Behaviorist

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Agility Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Therapy Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification
  • Service Dog Training

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
  • International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA)
  • Pet Sitters International (PSI) Certification

Bonded and Insured

  • Bonded
  • Insured

Proud member of...

  • Animal Behavior Society (ABS)
  • Pet Sitters International (PSI)

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

La Quinta, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Laguna Beach, Dana Point

What year did you begin serving pets?

1999

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

kat todd

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BASED IN: La Quinta, CA
SERVICE AREA: Within 75 miles, including La Quinta, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Laguna Beach, Dana Point

Distinction

Animal Behavior Society (ABS) IBPSA American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC) Pet Sitters International Pet Sitters International (PSI) Certification

Customer Reviews

We used Kat's pet sitting service for our 3 cats. She came into our garage with a special key that we left her and fed our cats, cleaned their bowls and even topped off our pool water while we were gone for 17 days. Kat was very responsive and texted us daily and even sent us photos of our cats during some of her visits. She's new to this business but you'd never know it. I highly recommend her for pet sitting. - San Diego, CA

- William R

Kat is a godsend!!!! We have a VERY excitable and impulse control-challenged dog. Before we got him, he lived the kennel life and had been trained to be a field dog...so he was bred to be extremely energetic, excited and focused for one thing. Until Kat came into our lives, the most we were able to get him to do was SIT and STAY. But that was about it. Play time was INSANE. He couldn't hear any commands being given to him, he would go absolutely bonkers trying to get the toy out of your hand; something just came over him and he was in a trance. A jumping, lunging, "get that toy at all costs" kind of trance. It was actually quite scary. We had him stay with Kat for 10 days for a training intensive. He came back a much calmer, more controlled dog. Play time has finally become something we are able to do with him, albeit with new commands and a fresh perspective and understanding on our end. He is now able to listen to commands and he even learned more! She taught us how to work with him and how to keep up training with him everyday. Throughout the whole time he was there, she would send us progress videos and show us the exercises she was doing with him and how to do them with him so we can keep refreshing with him on our own. It was so amazing and rewarding to see his progression. We now feel confident with our dog and our ability to work with him where he is at. Would NOT have gotten to this without Kat's help. Thank you!!! - Los Angeles, CA - March 2025

- Alisa B

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Private Dog Training
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • K9 Training
  • Service Dog Training
  • Dog Behaviorist

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Agility Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Therapy Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification
  • Service Dog Training

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
  • International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA)
  • Pet Sitters International (PSI) Certification

Bonded and Insured

  • Bonded
  • Insured

Proud member of...

  • Animal Behavior Society (ABS)
  • Pet Sitters International (PSI)

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

La Quinta, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Laguna Beach, Dana Point

What year did you begin serving pets?

1999

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Customer Reviews

We used Kat's pet sitting service for our 3 cats. She came into our garage with a special key that we left her and fed our cats, cleaned their bowls and even topped off our pool water while we were gone for 17 days. Kat was very responsive and texted us daily and even sent us photos of our cats during some of her visits. She's new to this business but you'd never know it. I highly recommend her for pet sitting. - San Diego, CA

- William R

Kat is a godsend!!!! We have a VERY excitable and impulse control-challenged dog. Before we got him, he lived the kennel life and had been trained to be a field dog...so he was bred to be extremely energetic, excited and focused for one thing. Until Kat came into our lives, the most we were able to get him to do was SIT and STAY. But that was about it. Play time was INSANE. He couldn't hear any commands being given to him, he would go absolutely bonkers trying to get the toy out of your hand; something just came over him and he was in a trance. A jumping, lunging, "get that toy at all costs" kind of trance. It was actually quite scary. We had him stay with Kat for 10 days for a training intensive. He came back a much calmer, more controlled dog. Play time has finally become something we are able to do with him, albeit with new commands and a fresh perspective and understanding on our end. He is now able to listen to commands and he even learned more! She taught us how to work with him and how to keep up training with him everyday. Throughout the whole time he was there, she would send us progress videos and show us the exercises she was doing with him and how to do them with him so we can keep refreshing with him on our own. It was so amazing and rewarding to see his progression. We now feel confident with our dog and our ability to work with him where he is at. Would NOT have gotten to this without Kat's help. Thank you!!! - Los Angeles, CA - March 2025

- Alisa B

🐶 Certified Dog Trainers in La Quinta, California


Pet parents in La Quinta and the surrounding Riverside County area, including nearby communities such as Palm Desert, Indio, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Coachella, Bermuda Dunes, Indian Wells, Thousand Palms, Desert Hot Springs, Sky Valley, often look for a certified dog trainer who can help a dog and their people build a calm, trusting relationship. Trainers like Kat Todd focus on positive, science-based methods that fit real life at home and in public. Whether the goal is leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or a well-mannered companion, a good trainer shapes each session around the dog’s personality, history, and learning style, so progress feels natural and sustainable.


❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.


Certified dog trainers work with you as the owner, not only with the dog. They help you read behavior, build clear communication, and set routines that hold up at home and in public. A trainer like Kat is a coach for both of you.


✅ Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, certified dog trainers in La Quinta commonly help with:


  • Obedience and focus for home and public settings

  • Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks

  • Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity

  • Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success


Sessions should feel encouraging, practical, and easy to carry into your daily routine. The services listed on this profile show what Kat offers.


Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers


When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.


For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Kat Todd is one way to keep training grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about credentials, and confirming them on the profile, is one of the best ways to make a confident choice.


⭐ Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than a list of dog trainers in La Quinta. It gives you a clearer way to choose.


A profile like Kat’s lets you review a local professional, read feedback from other pet parents, and book securely through a trusted platform. Many trainers on PetWorks use force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents often look for that supportive, judgment-free approach when they decide who to hire.


🦔 How Booking Dog Training in La Quinta, CA on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On this page you can explore Kat’s profile, read feedback from pet parents across Riverside County, and either start a booking with "Book Now" or begin a conversation with "Get Custom Quote" or "Send Message".


Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can improve with consistent, professional guidance, and many pet parents notice meaningful progress within a few sessions.


In La Quinta and throughout California, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers often rises in spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit ahead can help you get a schedule that works.


Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review the services on this profile and choose the option that matches your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, with a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with your trainer.


❓ Dog Training FAQs


How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex issues like reactivity or anxiety may take ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do dog trainers offer in-home sessions in La Quinta, CA? Many trainers on PetWorks offer in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services on Kat’s profile, or use Get Custom Quote, to confirm what is available.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective for reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. A certified professional helps keep that progress safe and lasting.


🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness, and in your peace of mind.


Explore Kat’s profile, read reviews from pet parents across Riverside County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog. Availability for trainers in La Quinta can change week to week, so booking ahead is a good idea.