Kate Cusimano
Dog Trainer & Behaviorist, specializing in Board and Train & Private Training
Kate operates our Vallejo CA Facility.
Kate provides accelerated obedience board-and-train programs and structured boarding from her home in Vallejo, California. She began her career working with dogs as a groomer and rescue volunteer during her teenage years. In addition to her hands-on experience working with dogs, she holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and spent 12 years working in schools worldwide, where she applied learning theory to support diverse learners and families—skills she now brings into her dog training practice.
Her journey into melding her dog handling and teaching experience together as a professional dog trainer was shaped by her time as a client at Refined K-9, where she sought help for her own rescue dogs’ reactivity. Inspired by that process, she pursued formal education through programs like the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers and gained extensive practical experience under mentorship from seasoned trainers. She continuously furthers her practice by working with other dog trainers and educators through seminars, direct coaching/mentoring, and sport training clubs. Kate emphasizes the importance of building trust, developing flexibility, and pursuing progress from a place of curiosity in her relationships with both dogs and their human counterparts!
Beyond her client work, Kate is deeply involved in dog sports and the broader dog community. She trains and competes in a fast-paced protection sport called French Ring with her Belgian Malinois Ozark, while also dabbling in other dog sports with her other crew members. Rogue and Uma play barn hunt and dock dive, while Pocho and Dante love to bike (YES, despite their three-leggedness!). They also hike regularly and adventure as often as possible into the hinterlands to recharge in nature in Kate's traveling 'dog ship:' a fully off-grid capable camping van full of crates to include everyone safely!
Kates pack includes:
Ozark - Belgian Malinois - Newest member and working dog prospect.
Rogue - Belgian Malinois - paradoxical super cuddler and spicy sport dog
Uma - Dutch Shepherd type supermutt - multi-sport athlete with ball drive for days
Pocho - Kelpie type supermutt - only has three legs but can outrun the Belgian Malinois
Dante - Chihuahua blend - living the good life as a adventure lap dog