Gentle Spirit Dog Training was created in 1997. The name was chosen to portray a dog-friendly training philosophy that uses reward-based techniques. The company’s name and its philosophy have helped many clients with their search for a professional dog trainer.

Kate Gorman, founder of Gentle Spirit Dog Training, has been a trainer and behavior consultant since 1995. Prior to creating Gentle Spirit Dog Training, Kate began her dog training career at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ. She is certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), an independent certifying organization and the industry leader in defining and maintaining competency in the dog training and behavior profession. Kate is proud to have achieved all three of the certifications currently offered to dog trainers by the CCPDT.  She is a Professional Premium Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and is a Certified Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Kate is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with both the CCPDT and the IAABC. She was quoted in the APDT’s 2010 book Top Tips from Top Trainers. Please click the button below for a link to the Certification page.

Kate is passionate about her work and is committed to using methods that are reward-based, emphasizing positive reinforcement. She regularly attends seminars and workshops to increase her knowledge of dog behavior and to stay current with the latest teaching methods and other related topics. Her goal is to help pet owners understand their dogs’ behavior and give them the tools they need to develop relationships based on communication, trust and mutual respect. Kate’s approach will ensure fun, fast and effective solutions to your training and behavior needs. Please click the button below for a link to the Training Philosophy page.

Kate Gorman, CBCC-KA, CDBC, ACDBC, CPDT-KSA, CPDT-KA

Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)

Certification issued by the CCPDT

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)

Certification issued by the IAABC

Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (ACDBC)

Certification issued by the IAABC

Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA)

Certification issued by the CCPDT

Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)

Certification issued by the CCPDT       



“Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.”

                                                                                                  Roger Caras