These dogs
didn't give up.
Neither did their
people.
Every story here belongs to a family that showed up, did the work, and trusted the process. We're honored to share them.



FEATURED S|
A rescue pup
named Gus
❝"Kourtenay with Hearth and Hounds is truly amazing — hands down the best trainer we've ever worked with. Our rescue pup, Gus, was dealing with high reactivity and anxiety, likely stemming from a combination of early life experiences. From the very beginning, Kourtenay listened with empathy and truly heard our concerns...."
She came to meet Gus, carefully evaluated his behavior, and developed a thoughtful, actionable plan to help him work through his anxiety. What sets Kourtenay apart is not just her deep knowledge, but her patience and compassion. She didn't give us generic tips — she gave us tailored strategies and honest feedback that helped us understand Gus better and become better partners in his progress.
Gus absolutely adores her. During our weekly sessions, he would wait by the door, looking out the window in anticipation of her arrival. Kourtenay's care extended beyond training sessions — she sent updates, photos, and videos, and treated Gus as if he were her own.
We're so grateful for Kourtenay's guidance and heart. She's not just a trainer — she's a partner in your pup's journey."
— Angie Adams
"Never met a dog trainer who looks out for the best interest of the pup as much as she does."
— Cameron Deer · Google Review
★★★★★
MORE STORI|
More stories from the pack.
From reactive dogs to first-time puppy parents, every family here took a chance on us. We're grateful for each one.

Grace Zeitlin
🐾 Pi
"I can't recommend Kourtenay highly enough. She has been working with Pi since she was just 4 months old — now 3 years — and the difference she has made is incredible. Her calm, patient demeanor stood out from the very beginning. She truly understands dogs and always takes the time to tailor her approach to what Pi need..."
"I can't recommend Kourtenay highly enough. She has been working with Pi since she was just 4 months old — now 3 years — and the difference she has made is incredible. Her calm, patient demeanor stood out from the very beginning. She truly understands dogs and always takes the time to tailor her approach to what Pi needs most.
Beyond her skill as a trainer, she's also been a trusted pet sitter for us. I never have to worry when Pi is in her care. Kourtenay is knowledgeable, professional, and communicative — I always feel informed and reassured, whether it's about training progress or updates during a sitting.
If you're looking for someone who truly loves what they do and treats your dog like their own, look no further. We are forever grateful we found Kourtenay."

Beth Dawson
🐾 Red
"For the last three years, Kourt has helped us so much, training and beyond. She tirelessly worked with our pandemic puppy, who missed out on socialization and became insecure and reactive as the world reopened. With compassion and patience, Kourt helped Red (and me!) feel more comfortable in public. She loves Red so mu..."
"For the last three years, Kourt has helped us so much, training and beyond. She tirelessly worked with our pandemic puppy, who missed out on socialization and became insecure and reactive as the world reopened.
With compassion and patience, Kourt helped Red (and me!) feel more comfortable in public. She loves Red so much that she's been there for him during unexpected family emergencies. I cannot say enough good things about Kourt."

Dana Barnett
🐾 Cooki
"Today, Cooki can sit, lay down, stay, and is crate trained and potty trained. My daughter needed a comfort dog, and Cooki is becoming exactly that."
"Kourtenay has been privately training my dog Cooki since she was 8 weeks old. Today, Cooki can sit, lay down, stay, and is crate trained and potty trained. My daughter needed a comfort dog, and Cooki is becoming exactly that.
Thanks to Kourtenay and Josh for their care and consistency. The private lessons are absolutely worth it, and I have a safe, trusted place for my dog whenever I travel."

Brianna Hanc
🐾 Pulse, Ruger, Flambé, Strange & Rez
"Kourtenay has house- and dog-sat for me many times over the past two years — and yes, that means all six of my dogs. She keeps up with potty breaks, playtime, and energy burns whether we're doing day trips to Austin or full overnights. All the dogs do great with her, and I love the updates. She's never been late, her c..."
"Kourtenay has house- and dog-sat for me many times over the past two years — and yes, that means all six of my dogs. She keeps up with potty breaks, playtime, and energy burns whether we're doing day trips to Austin or full overnights. All the dogs do great with her, and I love the updates.
She's never been late, her communication is excellent, and I trust her fully."

Candice Elliott
🐾 Maximus
"My boy Maximus is the sweetest, but he's reactive around other dogs. After just two lessons with Kourtenay, I already feel like there's real hope for him. It helps that she genuinely loves him. If you're on the fence, I 100% recommend giving her a try."
"My boy Maximus is the sweetest, but he's reactive around other dogs. After just two lessons with Kourtenay, I already feel like there's real hope for him. It helps that she genuinely loves him. If you're on the fence, I 100% recommend giving her a try."

Grace Zeitlin
🐾 Pi
"I can't recommend Kourtenay highly enough. She has been working with Pi since she was just 4 months old — now 3 years — and the difference she has made is incredible. Her calm, patient demeanor stood out from the very beginning. She truly understands dogs and always takes the time to tailor her approach to what Pi need..."
"I can't recommend Kourtenay highly enough. She has been working with Pi since she was just 4 months old — now 3 years — and the difference she has made is incredible. Her calm, patient demeanor stood out from the very beginning. She truly understands dogs and always takes the time to tailor her approach to what Pi needs most.
Beyond her skill as a trainer, she's also been a trusted pet sitter for us. I never have to worry when Pi is in her care. Kourtenay is knowledgeable, professional, and communicative — I always feel informed and reassured, whether it's about training progress or updates during a sitting.
If you're looking for someone who truly loves what they do and treats your dog like their own, look no further. We are forever grateful we found Kourtenay."

Beth Dawson
🐾 Red
"For the last three years, Kourt has helped us so much, training and beyond. She tirelessly worked with our pandemic puppy, who missed out on socialization and became insecure and reactive as the world reopened. With compassion and patience, Kourt helped Red (and me!) feel more comfortable in public. She loves Red so mu..."
"For the last three years, Kourt has helped us so much, training and beyond. She tirelessly worked with our pandemic puppy, who missed out on socialization and became insecure and reactive as the world reopened.
With compassion and patience, Kourt helped Red (and me!) feel more comfortable in public. She loves Red so much that she's been there for him during unexpected family emergencies. I cannot say enough good things about Kourt."

Dana Barnett
🐾 Cooki
"Today, Cooki can sit, lay down, stay, and is crate trained and potty trained. My daughter needed a comfort dog, and Cooki is becoming exactly that."
"Kourtenay has been privately training my dog Cooki since she was 8 weeks old. Today, Cooki can sit, lay down, stay, and is crate trained and potty trained. My daughter needed a comfort dog, and Cooki is becoming exactly that.
Thanks to Kourtenay and Josh for their care and consistency. The private lessons are absolutely worth it, and I have a safe, trusted place for my dog whenever I travel."

Brianna Hanc
🐾 Pulse, Ruger, Flambé, Strange & Rez
"Kourtenay has house- and dog-sat for me many times over the past two years — and yes, that means all six of my dogs. She keeps up with potty breaks, playtime, and energy burns whether we're doing day trips to Austin or full overnights. All the dogs do great with her, and I love the updates. She's never been late, her c..."
"Kourtenay has house- and dog-sat for me many times over the past two years — and yes, that means all six of my dogs. She keeps up with potty breaks, playtime, and energy burns whether we're doing day trips to Austin or full overnights. All the dogs do great with her, and I love the updates.
She's never been late, her communication is excellent, and I trust her fully."

Candice Elliott
🐾 Maximus
"My boy Maximus is the sweetest, but he's reactive around other dogs. After just two lessons with Kourtenay, I already feel like there's real hope for him. It helps that she genuinely loves him. If you're on the fence, I 100% recommend giving her a try."
"My boy Maximus is the sweetest, but he's reactive around other dogs. After just two lessons with Kourtenay, I already feel like there's real hope for him. It helps that she genuinely loves him. If you're on the fence, I 100% recommend giving her a try."
Rated 5 Stars on Google
Straight from the pack.
Every word below is verbatim from our Google listing.
"Having that weekly session to keep the momentum going and troubleshoot when we plateau is invaluable."


"Never met a dog trainer who looks out for the best interest of the pup as much as she does."
"A clear, responsive, proactive communicator and a thoughtful steward of our home."
"So patient and kind in teaching the humans too. She explains things in an understandable, relatable, memorable way."
"After struggling for a year with reactivity, we finally feel relief and like we have the best help possible."

"Puppy life saver here!"


"Very responsible and responsive. It's been a pleasure working with her."
"Kourtenay has been great with our pup and we look forward to continuing to work with her."

"Very communicative — sends pics and videos. I would highly recommend."
"Making amazing progress with just a few lessons, and I love all the homework to take home."

"I can breathe knowing he's in good, capable hands — she walks a reactive dog and still keeps everyone safe."


"My dogs absolutely adore her and get so excited when they see her."
"She has completely changed how we feel about traveling — we finally know our dogs are in great hands."

5.0
★★★★★
reviews on Google
Thank you for trusting us with your pup. If we've made a difference for your family, sharing your story helps Hearth & Hounds reach dogs who need us most.
HEARD FROM|
"Having that weekly session to keep the momentum going — and to troubleshoot when we plateau — is invaluable."
— Amy Lin · Google Review
★★★★★
Share the Love
Two ways to tell us how it’s going
Whether you want to shout it from the rooftops or send a quiet note our way, we’d love to hear from you.
Public
Share your story
Loved working with us? A quick Google review helps other dog families find Hearth & Hounds.
Leave a Google review →Private
Praise the team
Want to send a note straight to us? Give a shoutout to a team member who went above and beyond.
Send a shoutout →