It takes a whole team to keep dogs learning, growing, and feeling at home.
Here are the faces your pup will get to know along the way.
Katie Weibel is the heart behind Appalachian Dog Training. A U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of hands-on experience, she pairs discipline with deep compassion to help dogs and their families thrive.
Her career spans service and therapy dog work, guiding anxious or reactive rescues, and building one of the strongest Golden Retriever breeding programs in the country. Katie’s approach is grounded in science and shaped by instinct, creating training that’s clear, kind, and genuinely effective.
At ADT, she’s not just the lead trainer. She’s the mentor who sets the tone for the team. Whether she’s working a young Golden in the field, coaching a handler through a breakthrough moment, or celebrating a puppy’s first milestone, her dedication shows.
When she’s off the training field, she’s usually with her own Goldens, continuing the bloodlines she’s carefully developed over the years. For Katie, this work is a lifelong craft — raising the standard in training, breeding, and the relationships we build with our dogs.
atie Weibel is the heart behind Appalachian Dog Training. A U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of hands-on experience, she pairs discipline with deep compassion to help dogs and their families thrive.
Her path has spanned everything from raising service and therapy dogs, to guiding anxious rescues, to building one of the most respected Golden Retriever breeding programs in the country. Katie’s work is rooted in science but guided by instinct, blending clear structure with genuine care. Her dogs — and the families she’s helped — are a testament to her belief that calm, confident training builds lasting partnerships.
Around ADT, Katie is known not just as a trainer, but as a mentor and leader who sets the tone for the entire team. Whether she’s out in the field with her Goldens, coaching a handler through a breakthrough, or celebrating a puppy’s first big milestone, her dedication is unmistakable.
When she’s not training, you’ll often find Katie with her own Goldens, continuing to refine the bloodlines she’s spent years cultivating. For her, every day is about raising the bar — in training, in breeding, and in the lifelong relationships we build with our dogs.
Traci brings a lifetime of hands-on experience, intuitive animal sense, and a twinkle in her eye to Appalachian Dog Training. A lifelong homebody with a powerful presence, she runs a working hobby farm filled with pygmy goats, Muscovy ducks, and her pride and joy: Australian Cattle Dogs.. so it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about routine, responsibility, and muddy paws.
With a natural confidence and a background in both horse training and child education, Traci is as firm as she is nurturing. Dogs respond to her instantly, sensing the clarity of her boundaries and the depth of her care.
One of her proudest moments at ADT was helping Rae, a fearful Chihuahua who had lost her home and family, go from trembling and withdrawn to jumping up with joy at the sight of her. That kind of transformation is what drives Traci’s work: creating an environment where even the most sensitive dogs can feel safe, loved, and seen.
From early morning walks to late-night tuck-ins, Traci ensures every dog at ADT gets thoughtful care, clear boundaries, and genuine affection… plus a healthy dose of baby talk and ego boosts along the way!
atie Weibel is the heart behind Appalachian Dog Training. A U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of hands-on experience, she pairs discipline with deep compassion to help dogs and their families thrive.
Her path has spanned everything from raising service and therapy dogs, to guiding anxious rescues, to building one of the most respected Golden Retriever breeding programs in the country. Katie’s work is rooted in science but guided by instinct, blending clear structure with genuine care. Her dogs — and the families she’s helped — are a testament to her belief that calm, confident training builds lasting partnerships.
Around ADT, Katie is known not just as a trainer, but as a mentor and leader who sets the tone for the entire team. Whether she’s out in the field with her Goldens, coaching a handler through a breakthrough, or celebrating a puppy’s first big milestone, her dedication is unmistakable.
When she’s not training, you’ll often find Katie with her own Goldens, continuing to refine the bloodlines she’s spent years cultivating. For her, every day is about raising the bar — in training, in breeding, and in the lifelong relationships we build with our dogs.
Jordan brings warmth, reliability, and a genuine love for animals to the Appalachian Dog Training team. With four dogs of her own at home — including her beloved chihuahua — she understands how much joy a happy, well-cared-for dog can bring to a home.
Jordan first discovered her passion for animal care while volunteering at Free Rein, a local horse stable. These early experiences built the foundation for the calm, patient energy she now brings to her work with dogs every day. She’s especially drawn to small breeds and loves making even the tiniest pups feel seen and safe.
Whether she’s tidying up, offering a gentle head scratch, or simply keeping the kennel cozy and peaceful, Jordan’s goal is always the same: to brighten each dog’s day. And they return the favor — nothing beats coming home to her chihuahua’s happy dance.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys hiking with her dogs, curling up with a good book, and is currently taking classes at Blue Ridge to further her education and growth.
atie Weibel is the heart behind Appalachian Dog Training. A U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of hands-on experience, she pairs discipline with deep compassion to help dogs and their families thrive.
Her path has spanned everything from raising service and therapy dogs, to guiding anxious rescues, to building one of the most respected Golden Retriever breeding programs in the country. Katie’s work is rooted in science but guided by instinct, blending clear structure with genuine care. Her dogs — and the families she’s helped — are a testament to her belief that calm, confident training builds lasting partnerships.
Around ADT, Katie is known not just as a trainer, but as a mentor and leader who sets the tone for the entire team. Whether she’s out in the field with her Goldens, coaching a handler through a breakthrough, or celebrating a puppy’s first big milestone, her dedication is unmistakable.
When she’s not training, you’ll often find Katie with her own Goldens, continuing to refine the bloodlines she’s spent years cultivating. For her, every day is about raising the bar — in training, in breeding, and in the lifelong relationships we build with our dogs.
Madelyn is part of our evening kennel team, where she focuses on caring for the dogs and making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and loved during their time with us.
She has always loved animals and takes a gentle, patient approach with every dog she works with. Madelyn enjoys getting to understand each dog’s personality, especially those who may be nervous or unsure, and is willing to take the time they need to warm up and feel secure. She’s especially attentive to making sure each dog feels cared for through affection, calm handling, and consistency.
Madelyn has grown up around Labrador Retrievers and has always had a special connection to the breed. She currently has a yellow Lab and a Blue Heeler/Lab mix of her own.
Outside of work, she enjoys playing volleyball and soccer, spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and trying new places to eat.
atie Weibel is the heart behind Appalachian Dog Training. A U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of hands-on experience, she pairs discipline with deep compassion to help dogs and their families thrive.
Her path has spanned everything from raising service and therapy dogs, to guiding anxious rescues, to building one of the most respected Golden Retriever breeding programs in the country. Katie’s work is rooted in science but guided by instinct, blending clear structure with genuine care. Her dogs — and the families she’s helped — are a testament to her belief that calm, confident training builds lasting partnerships.
Around ADT, Katie is known not just as a trainer, but as a mentor and leader who sets the tone for the entire team. Whether she’s out in the field with her Goldens, coaching a handler through a breakthrough, or celebrating a puppy’s first big milestone, her dedication is unmistakable.
When she’s not training, you’ll often find Katie with her own Goldens, continuing to refine the bloodlines she’s spent years cultivating. For her, every day is about raising the bar — in training, in breeding, and in the lifelong relationships we build with our dogs.
Tiffany is the voice behind the inbox and the steady hand behind the scenes at Appalachian Dog Training. As Office Administrator, she’s often the first point of contact for new clients, keeping communications clear, scheduling smooth, and making sure every dog’s journey with ADT begins on the right paw.
With a background in administration, social media management, and creative design, Tiffany brings both structure and artistry to her role. She keeps the details organized, supports the trainers with client onboarding, and makes sure the ADT brand reflects the heart of the team. Whether it’s refining the website, sending a thoughtful update, or coordinating schedules, her goal is always to make clients feel confident and cared for.
Outside the office, Tiffany is a lifelong creative with a love for cozy video games, writing, and design. She shares her life with her husky-pit mix, Moxie, and three-legged flame-point Siamese cat, Toasty… both of whom have taught her more about patience, resilience, discipline and joy than she ever thought possible!
atie Weibel is the heart behind Appalachian Dog Training. A U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of hands-on experience, she pairs discipline with deep compassion to help dogs and their families thrive.
Her path has spanned everything from raising service and therapy dogs, to guiding anxious rescues, to building one of the most respected Golden Retriever breeding programs in the country. Katie’s work is rooted in science but guided by instinct, blending clear structure with genuine care. Her dogs — and the families she’s helped — are a testament to her belief that calm, confident training builds lasting partnerships.
Around ADT, Katie is known not just as a trainer, but as a mentor and leader who sets the tone for the entire team. Whether she’s out in the field with her Goldens, coaching a handler through a breakthrough, or celebrating a puppy’s first big milestone, her dedication is unmistakable.
When she’s not training, you’ll often find Katie with her own Goldens, continuing to refine the bloodlines she’s spent years cultivating. For her, every day is about raising the bar — in training, in breeding, and in the lifelong relationships we build with our dogs.
Kala’s career began in 2016 as a bather, and over the years they worked their way up to become a certified AKC S.A.F.E. groomer. With nearly a decade of experience, they bring both artistry and patience to the grooming table, specializing in Golden Retrievers, Field Spaniels, and high-drive working dogs like German Shepherds and Malinois.
At Appalachian Dog Training, Kala keeps our Golden Retrievers looking their best — from neat, breed-standard trims to regular upkeep that ensures our dogs are comfortable, healthy, and ready for work or play. Their favorite part of grooming is finding breakthroughs with challenging dogs, helping them relax and even enjoy the process. One of their most memorable clients, a Bedlington Terrier once turned away from most salons, now happily hops on the table muzzle-free thanks to Kala’s consistent, compassionate care.
Outside of ADT, Kala spends their free time training their own dogs for sports and trials. At home, they share life with Sirius, a black German Shepherd, and Bandit, a Great Pyrenees/German Shepherd mix.
atie Weibel is the heart behind Appalachian Dog Training. A U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of hands-on experience, she pairs discipline with deep compassion to help dogs and their families thrive.
Her path has spanned everything from raising service and therapy dogs, to guiding anxious rescues, to building one of the most respected Golden Retriever breeding programs in the country. Katie’s work is rooted in science but guided by instinct, blending clear structure with genuine care. Her dogs — and the families she’s helped — are a testament to her belief that calm, confident training builds lasting partnerships.
Around ADT, Katie is known not just as a trainer, but as a mentor and leader who sets the tone for the entire team. Whether she’s out in the field with her Goldens, coaching a handler through a breakthrough, or celebrating a puppy’s first big milestone, her dedication is unmistakable.
When she’s not training, you’ll often find Katie with her own Goldens, continuing to refine the bloodlines she’s spent years cultivating. For her, every day is about raising the bar — in training, in breeding, and in the lifelong relationships we build with our dogs.