meet the owner
Katie Middlebrook, CDBC | Owner & Behavior Consultant at Positively Wild LLC
I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), with a Bachelor of Science in Biology—specializing in Animal Physiology and Behavior—from Arizona State University. As both a behavior consultant and lifelong animal advocate, I bring a science-based, individualized approach to every client relationship — whether canine companion or wildlife facility. My professional journey has been driven by a commitment to improving animal wellbeing through ethical, compassionate training.
My career spans a diverse range of experiences, starting with animal care and education roles working with exotics. Formative experiences during the earlier days of my career included field research monitoring natural behaviors of wild species in Mossel Bay, South Africa, and Anchorage, Alaska. From there, I went on to hold positions as a veterinary technician, avian rehabilitation coordinator, and zookeeper — each role adding depth to my understanding of behavior, welfare, and the human-animal bond. My work includes training essential husbandry and medical behaviors such as voluntary injections, stationing, and kenneling, with species ranging from Red Foxes and Black Bears to Sitka Black-Tailed Deer.
After transitioning from the wildlife field to start a family, I saw an opportunity to merge my academic training, hands-on experience, and passion for teaching by launching my own behavior consulting practice. Positively Wild LLC was created to offer high-quality, ethical, and learner-centered training services to families, professionals, and facilities seeking lasting behavior change rooted in science and empathy.
As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, my approach is grounded in operant conditioning with an emphasis on positive reinforcement and the constructional approach. I prioritize the learner's agency — ensuring animals have the ability to opt out of interactions and access multiple paths to reinforcement. I also place strong emphasis on client education: I believe it’s not enough to teach behavior; we must understand the processes behind it to build sustainable, trust-based relationships.
Since founding Positively Wild in 2019, I’ve had the privilege of working with wonderful families and their animals, partnering with a grooming business to support cooperative care practices, and consulting with multiple wildlife organizations. I am committed to continued professional development and regularly attend industry conferences, courses, and workshops to stay aligned with current best practices in ethical animal training.
My goal is to enhance the quality of life for every animal I work with by applying ethical, evidence-based behavior change strategies. Whether you're seeking support for companion animals or zoological species, I bring expertise, professionalism, and a deep respect for the animals and clients I work with.
I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about my background and approach. I'm looking forward to the continued growth of Positively Wild and for the ever-advancing field of animal behavior and training.
In Memory of Coffee
Coffee was by my side for 12 years and played an essential role in the journey that led to the creation of Positively Wild. He was with me through every milestone and challenge, quietly shaping the foundation of what this business stands for today.
Through his presence, Coffee showed me what a true human-animal bond looks like—built on trust, mutual respect, and compassion. He not only influenced the kind of trainer I became but also deepened my commitment to ethical, relationship-based training.
Coffee taught me lessons that no book or course ever could, and his impact continues to guide my work each day. He will always be a part of Positively Wild’s story and spirit.
My Approach
Every training journey begins with a goal. Whether you want to teach your dog to sit, train your horse to accept eyedrops, or help your parrot stop biting during step-ups—there is always a path forward. By understanding your animal’s individual needs and behavior, we can build a customized plan to reach your goals through compassionate, effective training.
Goals
Behavior change takes time, consistency, and a thoughtful approach. I begin by listening to your goals and assessing the behavior to determine an appropriate number of sessions. From there, I’ll develop a personalized training plan tailored to your specific needs, starting with a strong foundation.
Each behavior is built through gradual approximations—small, achievable steps that lead to the desired outcome. Once a behavior is established, ongoing practice is essential to maintain reliability and long-term success.
Make it a reality
Training should be a fun and motivating experience for the animal. Learning is a process, and when we involve the animal by offering choice and agency, we foster greater engagement and long-term progress. My approach focuses on using the Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE) model by Eduardo J. Fernandez, ensuring ethical animal training practices throughout the learning process.
By understanding what motivates behavior, and by building trust and consistency, we create a positive learning environment where both the animal and caregiver can succeed.
ENRICHMENT & TRAINING:
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO BEHAVIOR CHANGE
Is your animal showing maladaptive behavior (destructive chewing, excessive barking, seperation anxiety)?
Combining enrichment plans with training programs is a highly effective way to reduce unwanted behaviors and support overall animal well-being. A well-rounded enrichment plan should address key areas such as veterinary care, physical exercise, a sense of security, foraging opportunities, mental stimulation, and appropriate social interaction.
Intentional enrichment allows animals to express natural behaviors—like digging, chewing, or barking—in appropriate and healthy ways. These behaviors are normal, especially in dogs, and should be redirected rather than suppressed. Tools such as novel scents, puzzle feeders, toys, safe spaces, and exercise routines help fulfill your animal’s physical and emotional needs through positive engagement with their environment.
Training itself is also a powerful form of enrichment. It encourages mental stimulation, strengthens the human-animal bond, and creates a structure where desirable behaviors can thrive.
CONTINUED EDUCATION
Staying current with modern training methods and advances in animal behavior is a priority for me. I strive to attend at least one conference annually focused on topics such as animal behavior, training techniques, enrichment, and animal welfare to continually expand my knowledge. Additionally, as a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, I am required to complete ongoing continuing education to maintain my certification and uphold professional standards.