Kathy,
What can I say except that you are a big part of the reason my dog and I have such a great relationship. As you know, this was not only my first greyhound, but my first real experience taking care of and training a dog on my own. Well Kota gave me everything he had trying to make it as difficult as possible for me, and if you hadn't helped me to stick with it, not only would we not be as comfortable with each other as we are now, but I'm not even sure he would still be in my life. I thank you so much for your support, calling to check in, and making numerous home visits to give me personal instruction. You really made it clear that you weren't just helping us because it was your job, but you genuinely care about these animals and the relationship they share with their people. I wish you all of the best, and you will always be the first person I call when I need professional advice on my next, third, fourth, and so on, greyhound. Ill attach some photos of Kota, Id love to see him on your website, so feel free to use any of them, and be sure to let me know when its up and running! - Tanner W. Hall |
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I had our greyhound Spirit for well over a year, taking him to Meet and Greets including Pet Stores with shiny floors. He had always been nervous about shiny floors even during his prison training, but it had never been a significant problem with us. Suddenly, about 4 months ago he regressed to the point where he didn’t want to go anywhere near a shiny floor, and if I was able to get him to go into a pet store for a Meet and Greet he would shake and pant all the time he was there. Why this happened, I do not know.
I first met with Kathy for an evaluation, and then we met at a pet store. To my surprise, Kathy took Spirit's lead and guided him into the store and up and down the aisles without any problem. Yes, he kept his nose near the floor, and he wanted to walk along the side of the aisle, but he did it. Kathy then showed me that most of the problem was me rather than Spirit, and she coached me in how I needed to project confidence to him, to be relaxed rather than worried about him being nervous, and how to walk him. The upshot of it all was that, before we left, I was walking him around the store myself.
Since then, I have been exposing him to shiny floors at every opportunity always with positive results. Last week, I took him to an "assisted living" home as a therapy dog. All the individual rooms had shiny wooden floors, as well as a large rehab room. After an initial hesitation at the first room, he went everywhere I wanted him to without resisting or pulling back. It was a great experience for me.
In reality, I was doing everything wrong in the way I was trying to deal with his fear. Kathy, with her knowledge and experience, was able to show me how to overcome Spirit's fears. The most impressive part was that the training was done in a very relaxed manner. No commands, no forcing him to do something, just gentle guidance. I will be forever in her debt for helping me help Spirit.
In fact if you have any issues with your hound, whether it be overcoming issues such as mine or helping with additional training, I would heartily recommend seeking Kathy’s help, she will not disappoint.
- Peter Willis
I first met with Kathy for an evaluation, and then we met at a pet store. To my surprise, Kathy took Spirit's lead and guided him into the store and up and down the aisles without any problem. Yes, he kept his nose near the floor, and he wanted to walk along the side of the aisle, but he did it. Kathy then showed me that most of the problem was me rather than Spirit, and she coached me in how I needed to project confidence to him, to be relaxed rather than worried about him being nervous, and how to walk him. The upshot of it all was that, before we left, I was walking him around the store myself.
Since then, I have been exposing him to shiny floors at every opportunity always with positive results. Last week, I took him to an "assisted living" home as a therapy dog. All the individual rooms had shiny wooden floors, as well as a large rehab room. After an initial hesitation at the first room, he went everywhere I wanted him to without resisting or pulling back. It was a great experience for me.
In reality, I was doing everything wrong in the way I was trying to deal with his fear. Kathy, with her knowledge and experience, was able to show me how to overcome Spirit's fears. The most impressive part was that the training was done in a very relaxed manner. No commands, no forcing him to do something, just gentle guidance. I will be forever in her debt for helping me help Spirit.
In fact if you have any issues with your hound, whether it be overcoming issues such as mine or helping with additional training, I would heartily recommend seeking Kathy’s help, she will not disappoint.
- Peter Willis
We have left Carly our six year old greyhound, with Kathy at GreyMatters numerous times and we could not be happier with the personal attention and care Carly receives there. Carly clearly enjoys her stay and returns a happy hound! At first we'd drop off a rather timid and shy little greyhound. Now when Carly stays with Kathy and her hounds she makes herself at home and feels so comfortable. And we have peace of mind that our baby is in great hands.It's Kathy's passion to work with these dogs and it's obvious that to her, Greys REALLY do "matter!" Kathy is a kind and loving person and we recommend her to anyone who is looking for a qualified and competent Greyhound Behavior Trainer and for a great place to board your dog.
- Gail Dryburgh
We are the proud owners of two wonderful greyhounds, Jasper and Kinsey. We have come to depend on the services offered at Grey Matters in so many ways including the excellence in training skills and the wonderful boarding facility. We are very particular about where we board our hounds and we have total peace when they are at the Grey Matters Facility with Kathy. She keeps us thoughtfully updated with pictures and ongoing communication during their stay. Our hounds are happy, safe, and engaged when they are in Kathy’s care. We never worry about them for a second!
Additionally, one of our greyhounds did not come through the Second Chance program, so she was not trained when we adopted her. Kinsey is a very strong willed greyhound who required a skilled trainer. Kathy worked with her over a couple of weeks and taught her the basic training commands plus several extra commands as well. Our Kinsey came back a different girl! Kathy’s expertise in working with greyhounds was invaluable in promoting a more calm and obedient dog. Kinsey is so much more confident and quite proud of her new skills. Kathy also has a great instinct for working with problem behaviors. She troubleshoots and consults with us as needed. We have heard many success stories as a result of her interventions.
Grey Matters training and boarding services offer a safe, loving, structured environment. Kathy is a very consistent, thorough, and detailed oriented person who is willing to meet your individual needs. Kathy has been an invaluable resource for our furry family. We would highly recommend her quality services to any greyhound lover!
- Angela and Bill Birdsong
Additionally, one of our greyhounds did not come through the Second Chance program, so she was not trained when we adopted her. Kinsey is a very strong willed greyhound who required a skilled trainer. Kathy worked with her over a couple of weeks and taught her the basic training commands plus several extra commands as well. Our Kinsey came back a different girl! Kathy’s expertise in working with greyhounds was invaluable in promoting a more calm and obedient dog. Kinsey is so much more confident and quite proud of her new skills. Kathy also has a great instinct for working with problem behaviors. She troubleshoots and consults with us as needed. We have heard many success stories as a result of her interventions.
Grey Matters training and boarding services offer a safe, loving, structured environment. Kathy is a very consistent, thorough, and detailed oriented person who is willing to meet your individual needs. Kathy has been an invaluable resource for our furry family. We would highly recommend her quality services to any greyhound lover!
- Angela and Bill Birdsong
We contacted Kathy about swimming lessons for our newly acquired greyhounds just before “pool” season began. We have a large active family with an often used pool in the fenced yard. Beau & Redmond were showing some interest in the pool and we wanted to be sure we knew how to handle them should they become too curious. Kathy came to our home and worked with us and our dogs to get them in and out of the pool, she discussed techniques and safety and then had us practice until we felt comfortable on our own. She even brought one of her own swimmers to help encourage our boys. With her help and encouragement our boys enjoyed the pool safely this summer. While Kathy was here she also encouraged us to ask questions about any behavior issues we might be experiencing and she took the time to discuss solutions. Because of her training and encouragement, our dogs are much more well adjusted and we are confident about being better owners.
If you are looking for help with behavior or training, I would highly recommend Kathy at GreyMatters!
- Scott & Kelly Carrier
If you are looking for help with behavior or training, I would highly recommend Kathy at GreyMatters!
- Scott & Kelly Carrier
I adopted Valor from Second Chance Greyhound’s adoption group in August 2013. Kathy has assisted me and gave me advice on all the questions and concerns over the last seven months. I have learned a lot from her about greyhounds being a first time dog owner. I have worked with GreyMatters for boarding and some issues Valor has had with climbing stairs. I have boarded my pup with Kathy for 3-8 days about five times and I am always impressed with how well she takes care of him. She sends frequent updates on his progress and activities. Kathy also sent me picture updates of what Valor was doing, which I really appreciated. I could not ask for more in a dog boarder and trainer. I really feel that she spoils him more than I do. She treated my boy like part of her family and he’s always excited to stay with her and her dogs. Your dog will be spoiled and have a great time in a huge fenced in backyard. Kathy is very organized with lots of years of experience with greyhounds. The communication has been great and I know my buddy will be treated well and enjoy himself while I’m out of town. I will definitely continue boarding with Kathy, and would recommend her to anyone with greyhounds.
- Charles Thomas
- Charles Thomas
Kathy and her pack (Zeus, Gemma and Cline) are truly home away from home for Miles. We saw her the other day and he went crazy with joy to see his other "mom". I travel without guilt and know he is in greyt hands! I also love the Instagram posts so I can see how my sweet boy is doing. I'm grateful for her loving care and expertise of greyhounds.
- Michaelene Mastrocola
If you want thoughtful, loving and competent boarding then contact Kathy at Greymatters. I have used the GreyMatters facility many times to board Zoe & Cabo. I have been thrilled with Kathy’s level of involvement with my animals. She keeps me updated on what is going on with pictures so I can enjoy whatever they’re up to. It gives me a sense of security to know that she has canine first aid certification so I know if a minor injury should occur she is capable of handling it without losing her wits. I know their safety is a priority of hers as well as providing individual attention to each hound. When I leave my hounds in her capable hands I know that I have nothing to worry about and I can relax and enjoy myself while away from my greys. My only concern is when I come to pick them up and they don’t want to leave!
- Shae Nida
- Shae Nida
We sent our greyhound, Visa, to Kathy for a week to address her mild aggression issues and her lack of discipline. She would occasionally growl when approached while she was on her bed or if she had a high value food item and had snapped at us a few times when she didn't want to do what we needed her to do. This only happened on a few occasions but it concerned us enough to refer her to Kathy. She also was not consistently responding to commands that we knew she had learned in her previous training program.
Kathy came to our house twice, prior to Visa’s stay with her. She emphasized consistency and showing us effective applicable training techniques in our home.
Kathy told us that only once during her stay did she growl when her other dog approached her while she was on her bed. Kathy said that she stopped immediately when she was corrected, indicating to her that Visa was not an aggressive dog. She felt like we needed to provide more structure to show Visa who was in charge. She gave us some tips about how to continue our training with Visa and how to provide the structure that was needed.
Visa seems to be more affectionate to us and her behavior is improving every day. She responds much better to our commands; she definitely waits at doors better and doesn't lie on the kitchen floor in my way any longer. Kathy didn't allow the dogs in her kitchen unless invited, and we have tried to continue this, removing her from the kitchen rather then walking around her like we did previously. She has had only one growling episode, when we tried to approach her to move a high value item, a fresh butcher bone (we wanted to move it off the carpet where she was). Since working with Kathy we remained calm and knew what to do in that instance to successfully get the bone away, which we did!
Kathy patiently spent hours on the phone with us and again in our house during those visits, which she made a priority and was able to come over within days. She asked what our concerns were and she listened very intently, truly hearing us and figuring out our needs. She customized her sessions to us, rather then going from a script. She answered every question we had. She showed us how to perform the training techniques and had us repeat them until we were comfortable that we were doing them correctly. She was very reassuring to us that this could be worked out and that we could do it. Kathy continues to follow up with us checking in on Visa’s behavior and our training, offering praise along with suggestions as needed. Her continued support is priceless! Kathy is very professional and a great resource. We would highly recommend her, especially with greyhounds, for which she has a special affinity.
- Jill Walter
Kathy came to our house twice, prior to Visa’s stay with her. She emphasized consistency and showing us effective applicable training techniques in our home.
Kathy told us that only once during her stay did she growl when her other dog approached her while she was on her bed. Kathy said that she stopped immediately when she was corrected, indicating to her that Visa was not an aggressive dog. She felt like we needed to provide more structure to show Visa who was in charge. She gave us some tips about how to continue our training with Visa and how to provide the structure that was needed.
Visa seems to be more affectionate to us and her behavior is improving every day. She responds much better to our commands; she definitely waits at doors better and doesn't lie on the kitchen floor in my way any longer. Kathy didn't allow the dogs in her kitchen unless invited, and we have tried to continue this, removing her from the kitchen rather then walking around her like we did previously. She has had only one growling episode, when we tried to approach her to move a high value item, a fresh butcher bone (we wanted to move it off the carpet where she was). Since working with Kathy we remained calm and knew what to do in that instance to successfully get the bone away, which we did!
Kathy patiently spent hours on the phone with us and again in our house during those visits, which she made a priority and was able to come over within days. She asked what our concerns were and she listened very intently, truly hearing us and figuring out our needs. She customized her sessions to us, rather then going from a script. She answered every question we had. She showed us how to perform the training techniques and had us repeat them until we were comfortable that we were doing them correctly. She was very reassuring to us that this could be worked out and that we could do it. Kathy continues to follow up with us checking in on Visa’s behavior and our training, offering praise along with suggestions as needed. Her continued support is priceless! Kathy is very professional and a great resource. We would highly recommend her, especially with greyhounds, for which she has a special affinity.
- Jill Walter
I am a first time greyhound owner. I got Bailey in December and had read up on the breed. About a month in was a Train the Human done by Kathy. She is so knowledgeable. She helped all of us. She also came to the house to help solve some problems we had with Bailey. She solved the problems and followed up for several weeks to make sure all was ok. She is a amazing trainer. So patient witness the dogs and human's.
- Judy Cohn
- Judy Cohn
For months I lifted my 80 pound dog into the car, because he absolutely refused to get in on his own. Kathy knew just what to do to - she got him to hop in and she taught me how to reinforce the behavior. Her expertise made car rides more fun (and much easier on my back)...now it's Jackson's favorite thing to do!
Kathy has helped me with my dogs repeatedly since then. She has a great way of explaining a better way to do things, without making me feel 'wrong'. And her expertise gets results every time.
Thank you Kathy!
- Julie