Now offering
Two weeks of training,
at home with us.
Your dog moves in with us and trains inside ordinary daily life: the doorbell, the kitchen at dinner, the walk, the settle in the evening. We take one dog at a time, so yours is never competing for our attention.
You learn it too. Three lessons along the way, at drop-off, midway through, and on the day we bring them home, so the training does not leave when we do.
- One dog at a time
- Three lessons for you, not just your dog
- Obedience, house manners, new rescues and puppies
Training · Board & Train · Pet Care · Walks
Expert training and trusted care,
all in one place.
Reviewed & trusted across Houston
Already working with us
The Hearth & Hounds Hub
Your lessons and homework, the report from every visit, and your dog's records, vaccinations and vet details in one place.
"I can breathe knowing he's in good, capable hands: she walks a reactive dog and still keeps everyone safe."
What Clients Are Saying
Houston families trust us
with what matters most.
★★★★★Rated 5.0 · Google Reviews
"I can breathe knowing he's in good, capable hands — she walks a reactive dog and still keeps everyone safe. The photos she sends are crazy good quality and she is so easy to work with."
"She has completely changed how we feel about traveling — we finally know our dogs are in great hands. I would recommend her without hesitation!"
Meet Kourtenay Dolmos
Houston's trainer for the dogs other trainers gave up on.
She says it often: she's grateful for every chance to become part of a client's family, and she considers it a privilege just to know so many dogs. This career has involved her with so many dogs, and so many amazing people, over the years.
She does this because she loves dogs and loves teaching communication. It's a genuinely wonderful feeling to help someone learn how to communicate with their dog instead of just controlling it, and both the dog and the person end up happier because of it.
"Behavior modification isn't pretty, but the long-term results can be beautiful. It's not linear, but there are very real, measurable steps to success."
Training happens through private lessons, field trips, and BAT sessions, built around wherever your dog is starting from. Between sessions, a small, hand-vetted local team she trusts personally handles walks, drop-ins, and overnight sitting.
We come to you for every session: your own trainer, in your dog's real-world environment, every single time.
Got Questions?
Frequently asked questions
Nope, Hearth & Hounds is fully mobile. We come to you: your home, your neighborhood, your dog's actual environment. Training where your dog lives means the skills actually stick. For certain reactive dog work we also use outdoor locations like parks or quiet streets to practice real-world scenarios.
It's kind of our specialty. We use threshold-based and desensitization work specifically designed for reactive, fearful, and overstimulated dogs. Instead of flooding your dog with triggers or suppressing reactions with punishment, we work at a pace your dog can handle and build real confidence over time.
It's a no-pressure 20 to 30 minute call where you tell us about your dog, history, behaviors, what you've already tried, and what you're hoping for. We'll ask questions, give you our honest take, and explain what a plan might look like.
Honestly, it depends on the dog and the goal. Most clients notice meaningful changes within 4 to 6 sessions. Reactive dogs doing threshold work often need longer, but you'll usually see your dog starting to check in with you and disengage from triggers within the first few weeks. We'll set realistic expectations on your discovery call.
Yes! Early socialization and foundation skills are some of the most important work you can do. Puppy training at Hearth & Hounds focuses on building confidence, basic manners, and bite inhibition, all built on motivation and trust so your pup grows into a dog who actually enjoys learning.
Methods matched to your dog, not to a label. Kourtenay is LIMA-informed, meaning we start with the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive approach that gets results and build from there. No fear, no intimidation.
Pet care and walks are led by a small, hand-vetted local team that Kourtenay personally selects and trusts, not a random app match. Every sitter goes through a thorough vetting process, meets her first, and is someone she'd trust with her own dogs. You get consistent faces your dog actually knows, photo updates during every visit, and a single point of contact who knows your dog's whole story.
Drop-in visits include a check-in at your home, feeding if needed, fresh water, playtime, a potty break, and a photo update sent to you. Your dog stays in their own environment and keeps their normal routine, which is especially important for anxious or reactive dogs. Single drop-ins start at $25; multiple visits in one day (up to 4) are $20 each.
Yes. All services under Hearth & Hounds, including training, walks, and pet care, are covered by liability insurance. You can have complete peace of mind knowing your dog is in professional, accountable hands. Proof of insurance is available on request.