All great things are built on a strong foundation.

Katie McCrillis’ first job was at a veterinary hospital. At 15, her love and knack with animals stood out. While she worked with dogs, cats, and small pets, she was fascinated with behavior and how both animals and humans respond to their environment. In college, she studied psychology and biology, followed by working on a PhD in neuroscience. In neuroscience research, she focused on behavior and learning in animals, specializing in impulse control behaviors, reactivity, anxieties, and fear. At home she worked with dogs and other animals, training, fostering, and adopting several of her own. Now in Texas, her penchant to understand and work with dogs, as well as other pets and livestock, inspired the creation of Mindful Canines of Texas. We strive to bring obedience and unity to your home.

All training through Mindful Canines is reinforcement based and fear-free for lifelong learning without pain, intimidation, or physical force. Katie earned bachelors’ in both Psychology and Biology and pursued a PhD. in Neuroscience. She also has a Master of Science degree in scientific education with an emphasis in Biology. Both through education and practice, she has mastery spanning behavior, the brain and biology of behavior, and learning theory. She worked in Post-Graduate Neuroscience research for 13 years before beginning her own company specializing in dog training. She is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also CARE REDI and Fear Free certified. She is currently in the process of obtaining her KPA, CBCC-KA, and CDBC certifications.