Meet the Horns to Halos Team
Horns to Halos stands on the belief that dogs are our family and we want to be able to help them live the best life possible with us. We work to help bring families together in harmony with a better understanding of each other. From training basic behaviors to help dogs join in on more family events, to helping return peace to the neighborhood walks, and bringing back the joy of owning a dog. We help with all these things and more.
Certifications and Organizations
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant - International Association of Applied Behavior Consultants
Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed - Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Trick Dog Evaluator, Fit Dog Instructor, AKC SAFE Certified- American Kennel Club
Fear Free Professional Dog Trainer - Fear Free Pets
Association of Professional Dog Trainers Premium Member
Canine Enrichment Technician
Dog Bite Prevention Educator
Canine Life and Social Skills Evaluator -APDT
CATCH Academy Mentor Trainer
Animal Behavior College Mentor Trainer
Master Aggression Course Graduate
Katie Barger, cpdt-ka, CDBC | Owner/Head Trainer
I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and has over 17 years of experience in the dog training world. that means I knows what works and what doesn’t… and can help you find the most effective (and efficient!) solution to almost any problem you run into with your pup. Further, I am fully invested in positive training… which allows you to improve your pup’s behavior while also building a better bond without needing to use choke chains, prong collars, or e-collars.
I’m am also a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT), and have many other certifications in an industry where certification is totally an option (not a requirement), that means you get the comfort of knowing I have had my knowledge (and methods) reviewed by multiple professional organizations, and am required to continue to invest in continued education each year to maintain them. My advice will reflect the latest best practices and most up-to-date information available. (No outdated techniques here!) I also have a very large net of other professionals to help or refer you to if anything you bring is outside of my wheelhouse.
Ever since I started training I have seen a huge need for a trainer and program that could help work on behavioral issues, in a way that doesn't have fall out for the dog and put it all into terms that everyone can understand.
Helping owners bond with their dogs has always been important to me and I have learned that if I can find a sport or activity that humans can do with their dogs, not only is that bond made stronger, but the life of both parties are enhanced. I love the look on the owners' faces every time their dog overcomes their fear or accomplishes new trick.
Katie’s Zoo
My life has been very enhanced by the pets in my life. I have and continue to share my home with many rescue pets which may have shared some of the same issues you may have with your own. A Boxer/Beagle mixed name Toby who had overcome his resource guarding, his sister (Pebbles) who was so under socialized she had to be carried most places in the beginning, a St. Bernard (Albert Linus the First) who has overcome his dog reactivity, a Border Collie (Havasu) who had overcome her aggression with dogs and people, a German Shepard/Husky mix who has murdered small animals in the past that now plays with nicely with cats, an American Bulldog (Goofy) who came fear aggression and dog aggression, and many more over the years. While many of these wonderful companions have traveled across the rainbow bridge they are still a HUGE part of where my passion comes from.
I have also own a few cats, some fish, and ducks all of whom I have trained. Yes all of them!