Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Jonkman.
Hi Kate, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My three main interests have always been: art, nature, and (of course) dogs!
I like to say that I “grew up in a pack” because in our house everyone had their own dog. Now that I’m an adult that seems ridiculous. But as a kid, I loved it! I had 101 Dalmatians decals on the walls. I used to share my ice cream with my dog. I’d study my AKC book of dog breeds and would trace the anatomy pages so I could quiz myself. I have always loved dogs!
As an adult, I worked with my personal dog as an amateur pursuing activities like backpacking, canoeing, Barn Hunt, and Scent Work. I spent 12+ years as a photographer and my favorite sessions were always the ones that included the family dog! So, in 2021, when I was considering pursuing other passions, I looked back to my main three interests and decided it was finally time to work with our four-legged friends.
I completed an internship, then worked with a mentor, and later enrolled in a certification course. In 2022, I became a certified professional dog trainer and launched Cahoots Dog Training!
Since then, I’ve focused on helping people understand their dogs better and vice versa, so everyone can have a more fulfilled life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
You know… I have been my biggest obstacle.
I was really hesitant to leave something that I was good at and had done for over a decade to start totally baby-faced fresh in an entirely new industry – while in my late 30’s. There was a lot of self-doubt so it took me a little while to make the leap. But I learned a really good lesson about the importance of taking the chance and not automatically disqualifying myself.
It was a risk that paid off. I love who I am and what I get to do! Becoming a dog trainer has made me more empathic, patient, and present.
I still get in my way a bit. I struggle with imposter syndrome from time to time and I’m absolutely awful at posting on social media! But I think a little imposter syndrome every now and then keeps a person grounded. Also, while I may not post regularly, I still communicate with clients! I use that extra energy to individually connect with and check in on everyone’s progress.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cahoots Dog Training?
I am a Training Without Conflict™ Certified Professional Dog Trainer based in the Greater Grand Rapids, MI area.
I work with pet/family dogs, specializing in play-based dog training. Using play creates engaged, confident, and fulfilled dogs. It also teaches the dog how to work as a team with his/her handler and how to stay focused in an excited state.
My extensive experience adventuring with dogs is the inspiration for the tagline of Cahoots: “Explore Life Together.” This also fuels a special passion for helping clients include their dogs in their favorite outdoor hobbies like hiking, paddling, and backcountry camping, etc. My goal is to see dogs getting out of the house or backyard and into the world with their owners – however that may look!
As a micro business, I get personal! I have the flexibility to develop tailored training plans that actually meet the individual needs and goals of my clients. Both the owners and their dogs get my undivided attention. By the end of a training program, we are all family!
I offer a few different services:
INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS – Typically held in the client’s home for 1 hour increments, these sessions are particularly great for owners who want a more active role during the early stages of training. These are also recommended for issues that may be environment specific or difficult to reproduce outside of the home.
DAY TRAINING PACKAGES – Like a day camp, this is an AM-PM training program where I lay the initial foundation and then guide you through how to maintain the progress. The dog stays with me during the day but gets to have the comfort of their home at night. This option is great for owners who don’t want the extra effort of working through the early stages of training. They still have to learn everything the dog does, but they don’t have the responsibility of being the student and teacher at the same time!
ADVENTURE TRAINING – This one’s for the Wanderlust! Adventure is the heart of Cahoots, so for those who want to teach their dog how to ride on a paddle board, have off-leash reliability, or just be an all around good adventure pup, I’m here for it! Depending on the goal this may be scheduled as individual sessions or built into a package.
No matter what I’m teaching, it’s important that my clients leave understanding both the “how to” and the “why,” so when the inevitable new scenario arises they have the confidence to make informed decisions! And if they don’t have the answer, they know they can always call me!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you are interested in training, please fill out the Contact Form on my website!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cahootsdogtraining.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cahoots_dog_training/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CahootsDogTraining/
