Our Philosophy
The Good Dog Yorktown is a woman-owned dog training company run by experienced dog trainers, but most importantly, passionate dog advocates. We strongly believe in clearly communicating exactly what you want from your dog through reward-based learning and structure-based reinforcement. Since every dog is different, this is not a one-size-fits-all training. Our training is molded and customized to fit each individual dog’s needs as well as catering to each owner’s personal capabilities and expectations. The key to dog training is consistency, therefore it is important that everyone in the home is 100% on board with the training. Because of this, we encourage you to bring any family members that are involved with training to class with you. We focus on eliminating bad habits and encouraging the dog to make good decisions on their own by teaching the owner how to present themselves as a trustworthy leader. This method lays the foundation for a strong bond to grow between the owner and dog that will last for years to come.
MEET THE OWNERS
Katie Eaton
I grew up in Sterling, VA and from a young age I was always drawn to dogs, even my high school senior quote read, “Be the person your dog thinks you are.”. During my time in Sterling I worked at a doggy daycare. That’s when I truly found my passion and gift for working with dogs. I then moved to Newport News to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Organismal Biology at Christopher Newport University. While attending CNU I worked at another doggy daycare, where I continued my observation of dog behavior in a pack environment. With my love for dogs only growing, I began working as a dog trainer in the last few months of 2017 and quickly fell in love with dog training. In the summer of 2018, I graduated Magna Cum Laude at Christopher Newport with my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Organismal Biology along with a minor in Psychology.
After two years of extensive learning, researching, and hands-on-effort in my training, along with the guidance of my mentor, I was able to obtain the highly-esteemed “U.S. Certified Trainer” Professional Dog Trainer Certification through American Society of Canine Trainers in 2019. Towards the end of 2021 American Society of Canine Trainers unanimously voted to promote my certification to "U.S. Certified Master Dog Trainer". In my free time, I go on hikes and beach trips with my three dogs, Athena, Aurora and Artie. As I continue to grow as a trainer, I solely focus on better understanding the canine psyche and helping owners feel confident and comfortable handling their dog in any situation.
Morgan Strack
I was born & raised in Yorktown, VA and absolutely love this area. I graduated from York High School in 2016 and then Christopher Newport University in 2020. I have always had a passion for dogs and, as a child, I always dreamed of being a dog trainer. Obtaining my Bachelor's Degree from the Luter School of Business at CNU also led me to aspire to be an entrepreneur. Opening The Good Dog Yorktown allowed me to do both! Throughout school, even though I was always either working or in class, I always fulfilled my passion for dog training by working with dogs that belonged to friends and family. This is what solidified that dog training was what I wanted to do as a career.
I started with doing one-on-one training sessions but within the last few years found my passion in group obedience classes. I received my Master Trainer, Therapy Support Canine, and Trainer Service Canine certifications through the American Society of Canine Trainers in January of 2022. I love connecting with my clients on a personal level and getting to know their dogs like my own. Nothing makes me happier than watching the bond between owner and dog grow, while teaching both new skills and techniques. When I’m not at work, I enjoy hiking, going to the beach, and spending time with my dog, Cooper. Nothing is more enjoyable than having a well-behaved dog to go on adventures with and my goal is to help you get there as well!
TRAINING STAFF
Melissa Grube
I was born and raised in Melbourne, Fl and joined the military after high school. This is my second time being stationed in Virginia; my other assignments took me to Texas, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. I have been in the training field for nine years training military personnel. I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Instructional Design and Performance Technology. Needless to say, I love training!
My passion for dog training grew when my family got our first puppy, Lilo, in April 2020. We started taking obedience and agility classes at The Good Dog Yorktown as soon as they opened. I jumped at the opportunity to get involved when Katie and Morgan announced their Dog Training Mentorship Program. Dog training and agility has made such a positive impact on my bond with my dog. I hope to help you on your journey with your furry friend in a fun and exciting environment. Dogs truly are wo(man)’s best friend.
Jasmine Massa
Growing up in Connecticut, there was rarely a time I found myself without dogs. From the time I was born, much of my family’s life centered around raising working breeds such as Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Labs. Over the years I fell in love with their behavior and drive. As a military brat, my dogs were my constant companions through frequent moves. During this time and even after, I often filled my days with training my own dogs and dog sitting for friends.
Shortly after moving to Virginia, I adopted my first puppy, Rayna, and discovered The Good Dog Yorktown. Attending classes as a client quickly turned into a mentorship. With a background in Education through Connecticut College, I found my teaching ability strongly translated into training. Under the guidance of Katie and Morgan, I’ve not only built an incredible relationship with Rayna, but have found passion in instilling that same confidence in other dog owners. I live for the moments when owners are excited to share milestones they experience in and outside the training room. My goal as a trainer is to set up each individual dog and owner up for success to reach their unique goals. In our spare time Rayna and I love to go on hikes, beach outings, and road trips. Training has allowed Rayna and I to have the freedom to travel together in a way I’ve always dreamed of and working all together I know we can get you and your companion there too!