My Story

Happy Wags, LLC is owned and operated by me, Catherine Alkons. I have been a dog lover my entire life and I have over 15 years of positive training experience! It made perfect sense to build a career working with dogs and other animals. 

I currently live in Reading, PA and I am originally from northern PA. I have three dogs, Winston, Eva and Ares. Winston is an australian cattle dog mix who was rescued in 2011. He is a registered CGC (canine good citizen) and a therapy dog. He enjoys volunteering at local hospitals where he visits children and brightens their day. Eva was rescued January 2015 and has made a wonderful addition to our pack. She is a jack russel mix who loves to chase squirrels. Ares is the newest addition who was rescued August 2024. He is a great pyrenees/border collie mix. He has an amazing personality and I hope to certify him as a therapy dog in the near future!

I also live with my wonderful husband, Alex and our two children. We also have two cats: Ester and Leela. 

I graduated from Millersville University, PA with a BS in Biology. Before I began my dog training career, I first began pursuing dolphin training through extensive internships in the Florida Keys and Clearwater, FL over the span of two years. There I learned many vital training methods. I was amazed to see how well animals thrived and learned when given the right environment and were taught using positive methods.  That is what drove me to go back to school to become a certified dog trainer. I chose the Animal Behavior College to further my education with dog behavior and positive training methods. ABC is approved by the Bureau for Private Post secondary and Vocational Education and is an internationally recognized school.

I was hired by PETCO in 2012 where I was a dog trainer and animal specialist for over two years. I helped 300+ owners and their dogs reach a higher level of training through group and private classes.

I then began my business, Happy Wags LLC, in 2014 and became a certified professional dog trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Through this certification, I continue to expand my knowledge with the latest positive training methods and tools through self education and seminars. CPDT Info

In my time as an animal lover, trainer, and caretaker I have had experience with dogs, cats, several different species of fish (both salt and fresh), anemones, coral, various types of birds, snakes, turtles, lizards, otters, horses, llamas, and last but not least dolphins!

I would love to hear from you to see how I can make your life easier. Please take some time to check out the dog training packages that I offer.