About us

Florida’s Emerald Coast DogSmith

Catherine M. Zehner, CDT, CGC Evaluator
Delta Society Pet Partner, Member of IPDTA
William J. Zehner, Jr., CDT

William and Catherine Zehner launched the first DogSmith enterprise in July 2008 after coming to the realization that pets – and particularly dogs – have the power to change lives.

From an early age, Catherine showed a special affinity for and understanding of animals. She grew up in Walpole, Mass. where her family raised and showed Norwegian Elkhounds in conformation. She began her performance in the AKC ring as a junior handler at the age of 11. Catherine also competed in equine competition, learning to ride at age 10 by cleaning stalls for a one-hour riding lesson each week. Within a year, she was competing in equitation and show jumping. By age 14, she was employed in a private barn training Swedish and Irish warmbloods for show jumping and three-day eventing.

It wasn’t until she and William adopted their first German shorthaired pointer, Colter, in 2005 that they began to realize that working with dogs is truly where their skills and passion resided. After learning about a program where pets are used in therapy and rehabilitation, Catherine and Colter embarked upon a course of study that would change their lives. At six months of age, Colter earned his Canine Good Citizen “CGC” certification from the American Kennel Club. At just over a year of age, Colter earned his Therapy Dog International Certification, allowing him to work with children and patients in all sorts of settings. As a team, they earned their Delta Society Pet Partner certification that allows them to visit patients in hospital settings, and the healing power of pets made a profound impression. It also fueled the desire to learn and do more, and they began learning about and competing in AKC rally and agility competitions.

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The DogSmith Pledge
As a DogSmith professional,I pledge to use my knowledge and skills for the benefit of pet owners and their pets.

I will practice my profession conscientiously with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of The DogSmith ethics, mission, vision and values.

I accept as a lifelong obligation, the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

Read Puppy socialization article from the Panama City News Herald

The DogSmith of The Emerald Coast, Florida offers Dog obedience training, private dog training classes, dog behavior counseling, group training classes, canine board and train programs, latch key dog training, canine good citizen training, puppy star training, puppy socialization classes and a selection of pet care services, in home pet care, pet sitting, canine slumber parties, dog walking, pet waste cleanup and overnight pet sitting services. We service the following areas, Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach, Wewahitchka, Callaway, Springfield, Parker, Cedar Grove, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Fountain, Youngstown, Laguna Beach, Sunnyside, Seagrove Beach, Seaside, Grayton Beach, Rosemary Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar, Niceville, Valparaiso, Bluewater Bay, Eglin AFB, Destin, Sandestin, Fort Walton Beach, Freeport, Ebro, DeFuniak Springs.