We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katerina Anderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Katerina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I didn’t wake up one day and just know what I wanted to do with my life. Honestly, it was a lot of trial and error.
I went to school for accounting (dropped out). Then legal secretary (finished, but never used it). Then veterinary assistant (had a terrible internship experience and realized it wasn’t for me).
Eventually, I landed at an insurance company and I actually thrived there. I worked my way up from making $10 an hour at the local office to a high-level corporate role, managing the Salesforce system for 15k employees. I loved my coworkers, I loved growing into new responsibilities, and for a while, I thought it would be my forever job.
But here’s the thing: it was also draining. I was constantly frustrated, dreading mornings, and stuck in a mindset that wasn’t healthy for me long term.
The thing that always brought me joy? Working with my dog, Rexha. Figuring her out, building her skills, watching her confidence grow. It lit me up in a way nothing else did. So I thought… why not take a chance?
I went back to school; this time for dog training. After my internship and working with another local company, I finally stepped into what I always planned: starting Black Onyx Dog Training.
Now, I get to do something that feels deeply purposeful: helping dogs and their humans build calmer, happier lives together. On top of that, working with PJ’s Rescue adds another layer of meaning to what I do.
This is the first time I’ve felt like what I’m doing isn’t just a job; it’s good for the world. Watching owners feel proud of their dogs, more confident in themselves, and finally able to enjoy life together? That’s the kind of work I never get tired of.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Black Onyx started as a dream to create something more meaningful than just a job. I was tired of the corporate grind and wanted to do work that truly mattered; not just to me, but to the people and dogs I serve. My own dog, Rexha, was a big part of that journey. She was my teacher in so many ways and showed me firsthand how much training can transform not only a dog’s behavior, but also the relationship and mindset of the person on the other end of the leash.
I specialize in stay & train programs out of my home, which gives dogs a real-life training experience and makes the transfer back to their families more natural. My focus goes beyond obedience commands, I care about shaping calm, confidence, and clarity so owners can actually enjoy life with their dogs.
Right now, I’m excited to be working on a new digital resource called Pushy to Peaceful, an e-book designed to help owners navigate pushy, overwhelming behaviors and start building a calmer, more respectful partnership with their dog. We’re also expanding with a new addition on our home, which means more dedicated space for training and future possibilities for Black Onyx.
If there’s one thing I’d want people to know, it’s this: training isn’t about “fixing” dogs; it’s about building mutual trust, respect, and a mindset that makes life together not just manageable, but enjoyable. That’s what we’re about here.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Adaptability. Training dogs (and running a business) never looks the same two days in a row. Learning to adjust, meet dogs where they’re at, and pivot when something isn’t working has been key. My advice: don’t get stuck on “it has to look this way.” Stay curious, stay flexible, and you’ll learn faster.
2. Communication.
Training is just as much about the human as it is about the dog. Being able to explain clearly, break things down simply, and encourage without judgment has made all the difference. For anyone starting out: practice talking about training in everyday language, not just “trainer talk.”
3. Education.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without learning from other trainers, attending workshops, and keeping an open mind. Every dog teaches you something new, but so does every trainer you connect with. My advice: don’t assume you have to know it all right away… find mentors, invest in education, and stay humble enough to always be a student.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client isn’t someone looking for a “quick fix” (because honestly that’s unrealistic) it’s someone who’s all in for the process. They don’t have to get everything right, but they do need to be willing to try, stay consistent, and make changes in their own routine if that’s what their dog needs.
The clients I connect with most are the ones who do the prep work, actually read the resources I give them, and show up curious and open-minded. Their dogs are often a little chaotic- pulling on leash, jumping, barking, or just not having an “off switch,” but what makes them ideal is their commitment to creating calm, not just chasing obedience commands.
At the end of the day, the best results always come from owners who are invested in building trust, respect, and a healthier mindset for their dog, not just checking a training box.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackonyxdogtraining.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackonyxdogtraining
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16XUetjkJB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: Email: [email protected]
