About Us
Wondering what Run By Dogs is all about? What is our approach? What tools do we use, and why those tools? What behaviors will we work with?
Run By Dogs was founded with real dogs, real results, hard dogs and serious owners. Kate became a trainer - not because of cookie cutter dogs - but by sticking through the hard stuff, the hours of learning, hundreds and hundreds of dogs, and tough (read TOUGH!) dogs.
Run By Dogs is a professional dog training company committed to serving people and their dogs. We specialize in family dog training, behavior modification, educational programs, and dog sledding excursions. Our center welcomes all dogs, from puppies to those needing extensive behavioral education.
define the difference
Our tools and approach are different than others in our local community. We follow a low level, modern, remote technology foundation.* We carry a strict 90/10 rule. 90 % of our training time, we ensure we are giving the dog a “yes” word. 10% of the time we are giving a “no” word. 90% of the time we are working on a permission based- follow me- state of mind training with the dog, 10% of the time we give the dog free choice. Think of kids on a play ground- 90% of a school day is with structure, 10% of the day is at recess- but no bullying!
Along with modern remote collars, do use other tools- if a dog is confused about pressure on the leash and why it’s being given or released, or to mark a specific movement or behavior- we will use a clicker. Often we start our board and train dogs with food markers and rewards and wean the dog off of food use by the end of their stay with us. We use prong collars to help with leverage and to keep direct pressure off of the dog’s neck and trachea. We use slip leashes, toys, regular collars, body pressure, physical touch and verbal commands. We use treadmills to release endorphins and adrenaline and provide structure. We use walks to teach leadership. We use basket muzzles to create safety. We understand that each dog is an individual, and every dog needs individual help.
tools that help
What is state of mind training? Have you ever found yourself yelling, being frustrated into tears, the dog not listening and becoming angry because you know the dog knows the command- but just isn’t listening? That is state of mind training. Obedience training WORKS for some dogs and creates a great relationship with the family. Some dogs, and most of the dogs we work with, come in the door with great obedience. They will preform any rehearsed command. What frustrates owners are the hours they have spent working commands has done little to nothing for their dog when confronted with stress, problems, distractions, arousal, etc. We teach dogs how to problem solve, to focus, to follow through, and give building blocks, as well as teach owners how to advocate for their dogs needs, to give the dog a support system, and continuing education. We won’t turn away any breed, any behavior.
training that transforms
interview your trainer
Need help sifting through the options our community has?
Interview the trainer. Become a knowledgeable consumer. Look at results, read reviews. Require who you hire to train your dog has multiple videos of what the dog looks like before training, during training and being successful with the owner after training happens. Understand the tools. The last piece of info that really speaks about who we are at Run By Dogs… Listen to your heart and your blood pressure. When both are happy in equal measure, you are on the right path. Almost every person who has done training with us has heard that as an answer to many questions.
*We do not advocate the use of most brands of e-collars, shock collars, or correction collars. There are big time differences, and if you would like to check out our low-level technology, please stop in to feel the difference for yourself. Or, we also have a video on our website that describes in detail the differences.
Who makes
Run By Dogs ... run...
Kate Walrath
Owner, Trainer, Musher
Kerry
Seasonal - Dog Sledding Assistant
Heidi
Seasonal- Guest Services
You will see Kate everywhere on our property! She trains 100% of our training dogs, our sled dogs, livestock dog, and the horses. She is also the full time musher for the sled dogs.
Kerry is a local gem. She is a farmer, a flower and plant extraordinaire, nature lover and has been helping Kate with the sled dogs since 2022. Kerry is fun, quirky and a fierce advocate for keeping our sled dogs safe with families, loving their work and ready for the next run.
Heidi came to Run By Dogs in 2019 for dog training- and she just hasn't left! Heidi has been essential to helping guests with reservation check ins, local goodness, and will definitely want to know who your favorite sled dog was.
Wren Walrath
Junior Musher
Wonder
An extraordinary object or occurrence that causes astonishment
Sunshine
Senior Assistant Trainer
Wren is our wonderful daughter. You are almost guaranteed to see her helping with training, cleaning, dog sledding, and guest help. She has been riding a dog sled since she was a baby, and is driving her own sled team for a few years now. Wren is also instrumental in training the sled dogs every year.
Wonder is our guard dog: other wise known as Sled Dog Security. Wonder keeps our property, our horses, goats and chickens safe. And does a very important job of allowing the sled dogs to sleep soundly so they can rest for their mushing the next day.
We suspect Sunshine is truly a human in cat fur. If you are hiring us for dog training, you are guaranteed to meet Sunshine. She has trained 100's of dogs since being rescued as a stray cat.
Phone
518-284-1177
