I’m Kathleen Engelmann—a biologist, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and shelter volunteer with a particular love for rescue dogs.

Helping adopted dogs and their people find their feet together is the heart of my work. My experience includes working with shelter dogs and living with fearful and reactive dogs of my own. I know how rewarding that relationship can be—and how challenging everyday situations can sometimes feel.

Before retiring, I was a biology professor and Dean of the College of Science and Society at the University of Bridgeport. My graduate work at UConn and postdoctoral research at NYU helped shape a lifelong interest in how animals learn, behave, and respond to the world around them.

I bring that curiosity to training: observing the individual dog, understanding what matters to them, and helping their people build practical skills through kind, reward-based learning.

Training should also leave room for fun. I love teaching tricks, finding satisfying activities for busy dogs, and helping puppies get a good start.

My cattle dog mix, Atha, keeps me learning. We train at the Port Chester Obedience Training Club, and I’m an agility and nosework enthusiast. Working and playing together continually reminds me how much there is to discover about even a familiar dog.

Over the years, I’ve shared my life with rescue dogs and cats, as well as animals ranging from chinchillas and corn snakes to chickens and goats. They’ve all given me reasons to pay attention, ask questions, and appreciate different ways of experiencing the world.