KT Tong
Starmark Certified Behavior Specialist
- Holds a Starmark Degree as A Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist
- professional movie animal trainer with experience on set with dogs, cats, snakes, scorpions, and more
- successfully resolved over 400 cases of reactivity
- akc cgc evaluator & temperament tester with 10+ years of professional experience
More about
kt tong
TRAINING SPECIALTY
KT is most passionate about reactivity, successfully resolving over 400 cases of stubborn reactivity across dogs of all ages and breeds. While the causes of reactive behaviors can vary from fear to frustration to aggression, the calm end result is always equally satisfying when the dog and their owner finally feel relief!
FUN FACT
KT is regularly called for jobs as a movie animal trainer and has been on the sets of TV shows, movies, and commercials, ranging from the new Brothers show with Matthew McConaughey to Clorox commercials!
KT’S DOGS
- Tahnee, a Border Collie who herds livestock and does party tricks!
- Lunchbox, an easy-going companion Border Collie
- Ellie, a Border Collie who does trick frisbee throws and allergen detection work
CERTIFICATIONS
KT first earned her certification as a Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist at Starmark Academy in 2017 in Austin, TX. She went on to work at some of the largest boarding and training facilities in Austin and San Antonio, where she developed a special passion for solving cases of reactivity. She has resolved over 400 reactivity cases in addition to hundreds of programs for obedience, human aggression, dog aggression, resource guarding, agility, frisbee, trick training, scent detection, and dock diving.
OTHER AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Puppy Training –> KT has guided hundreds of puppies through the skills required for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program. Early development is one of her passions, and she focuses on setting good habits from the very start!
- Leash Reactivity —> This is KT’s favorite kind of work, with over 400 cases under her belt. Her patient, steady demeanor translates directly to the dogs she works with.
- Sport Training —> In KT’s free time, she trains her dogs in disc, agility, and dock diving, bringing that same energy and precision back to her clients.
- Movie Animal Training —> KT has worked on the sets of commercials, TV shows, and films with dogs, cats, and other animals. When a movie opportunity comes up, she often pulls from her client base, so don’t be surprised if you get a call!
- Shelter Dog Placement —> KT has volunteered with shelters for years, helping rescue dogs work through behavioral challenges and find the right home.
- Developing Neutrality in Dogs —> KT has a real passion for dogs who run excitable, nervous, or anxious. She teaches them to settle, relax, and stay calm and neutral in public spaces.
