Katie Morrell, trainer and behavior consultant
With over 40 years of animal experience, Katie has gained expertise working with a variety of breeds in canine behavior patterns and training techniques. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Central Washington University.
Katie has extensive experience in many aspects of training; including in-kennel board & train, rare breeds, private lessons, group classes ranging from the basics to advanced courses, clicker training, agility, Rally Obedience, and conformation. She also specializes in working with terrier breeds and with problem behaviors, such as aggression.
After working a number of years at other training facilities, Katie opened Dogs in Progress in 2010.
In addition to training, Katie is also involved with many local dog organizations and rescues by assisting with training, lectures, and consultations. She resides in the Snohomish-Woodinville area. When she is not training other people’s dogs, she spends time training and competing with her own dogs in a variety of performance events.
Katie's Dogs:
Cruz- CH. MACH4 Sunkist Shift into High- CGC,BN, RE, MXC, MJS2, XF, JE, CA , VX, L1C:
Sunkist Shift into High, a.k.a. “Cruz” is a border terrier born on 6/3/11. Cruz is Katie’s first dog purchased from a carefully selected breeder and he has exceeded all expectations.
He started obedience and agility training as young puppy and loves working! In addition to his many titles, Cruz qualified for and competed in the AKC agility invitational in 2017 and the AKC agility nationals in 2018. Besides his work as a performance dog, he is an exceptional companion and work partner to Katie, assisting in socializing all types of dogs with his remarkable dog skills and being a demo dog in her classes.
Unfortunately, on July 31, 2020 Cruz suffered a devastating neck injury leaving his whole body paralyzed. You can see his remarkable journey to recovery here: https://www.facebook.com/CruzInProgress/. After a year and a half of physical therapy, Cruz was ready to get back to work. While he is not be able to do the same physical activities that he used to do such as agility or playing with other dogs, he started learning Nosework and absolutely loves it! In 2024 he passed his Odor Recognition Test and received his first nosework title. He has also resumed being a demo dog in Katie’s classes on a limited basis. He is truly a miracle dog!
Brazen- CH. Sunkist Stakes are High- CGC, RA, AX, AXJ, JE, L1E, L1V
Brazen is Cruz’s son, born March 9, 2018. Like his dad, he started agility and obedience training at an early age. He has earned titles in conformation, rally, earthdog, and agility.
At the end of 2020, Brazen suddenly developed severe, unexplained anxiety at agility trials. After trying many, many things to help him overcome this, he quit agility altogether and started taking Nosework classes. This has really helped his confidence and he really excels at this sport! He has passed his Odor Recognition Test and is ready to compete. Also in 2024, after 3 years away from agility, he has started competing in it again and loving it!
Enzo- CGC, OA, OAJ, RN
Enzo is a Jack Russell terrier mix born on January 26, 2021. He came to live with Katie in May of 2022 after she met him at Home Depot being walked by his then foster mom. His exceptionally good nature and eagerness to learn has made him the perfect addition to the family. He absolutely loves agility training, has exceptional social skills with people and dogs and is quickly becoming a great demo dog for Katie’s classes.
.
Tyson- CGC, RA, PD3 (USDAA), NW1:
Tyson was a rat terrier born on 11/28/97. Katie adopted Tyson from Hooterville Pets in April of 1999. She was his fourth home due to his general terrier naughtiness and aggression issues. With a little work though, he soon became her demo dog for her obedience classes and became great at helping to socialize other dogs. He also introduced Katie to all things terrier and competed in agility and earthdog trials, took many tracking lessons, and even starred in an independent film or two. Tyson completed his Master’s Agility Dog title in USDAA in January of 2009 and retired from the sport in October of 2010. His retirement activities included AKC Rally Obedience and K9 Nose Work. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks??!!
In Memoriam:
Tyson passed away on June 14, 2013 at the age of 15 1/2. Everything I learned about training dogs started with him and he will live on through all of the dogs who pass this way for training. I put together this video to chronicle his life and hopefully inspire others to see the potential in their dogs. See Tyson’s video.
Teddy- CGC, OA, OAJ, XF, RN, NW2 :
Teddy is a rat terrier who came to live with Katie as a temporary foster for a rescue in April of 2006. He was born approximately 9/1/2004. Katie was his fourth placement due to his intense fearfulness and reactive behaviors. She tried to find a home for Teddy for over a year but was unsuccessful in finding the right place for him. During that time however, Teddy starting going to agility classes to help build his confidence and burn off some of his nervous energy. He took to it right away and competed at the Master’s level in USDAA and at the Excellent level in AKC. He was also able to pass his Canine Good Citizens test and get his Novice Rally title! He loved competing in Nose Work when he retired from agility.
In Memoriam:
Teddy passed away on April 12, 2021 at the age of 16 1/2. Teddy taught me a lot about how to live with and work with very fearful and anxious dogs. His lessons to me will be passed along to others for many years to come.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
