Meet the Trainer: How I Help Dogs (and Their Humans) Around Milwaukee and Beyond

Trainer Kaycee with Cane Corso puppy Zelle

Hey there, my name is Kaycee and I'm the trainer at Paws For Applause LLC. I’ve always had a passion for animals – but I never imagined it would lead me here. I started training animals at 15, beginning with horses. That early experience taught me more than I expected: the value of patience, consistency, and clear communication. It also laid the foundation for the way I train dogs today. 

From Horses to Dogs: Where my Training Journey Began

Lucy and Kelly, Kaycee's horses

The first horse I trained, Lucy, was a little red chestnut mare. She was sassy and stubborn, and taught me a lot about leadership and timing. She was halter broke, but not yet saddle broke–so we had to start from square one. 

I didn’t rush. We spent time on groundwork–teaching her to respect space, follow cues, and trust me. Only after we built that foundation did I introduce riding. That patient process gave us a bond that made everything smoother (and safer). 

Trying to skip those early steps would have backfired. That lesson stuck with me: training is a journey, not a race. 

Dog Training Works the Same Way

Working with dogs follows many of the same principles I learned with horses:

• Start where they are

• Earn their trust

• Don’t rush the process

One of the biggest pieces of advice I give to clients is: stay calm. If your dog doesn’t “sit” the first time, don’t raise your voice or show frustration. Instead repeat the cue calmly, or use leash guidance or food lures to help them succeed. 

And if you’re feeling frustrated? It’s okay to pause. Training isn’t always linear–dogs have good days and bad days too. Taking a break can be more productive than pushing through with tension. 

When we invest time into building a bond based on trust and leadership, everything else becomes easier. Many dogs that struggle with reactivity area actually lacking confidence in their relationship with their owner. When dogs don’t feel safe or led, they feel they must take control and protect themselves. But when we show them that we’ve got it handled, they begin to let go of that burden.

What Is Balanced Training–and Why Do I Use It?

Balanced dog training means using both positive reinforcement and fair, humane corrections to help dogs understand expectations. It’s not a 50/50 split. In my programs, the ration is often more like 90% positive reinforcement and 10% corrections. 

Being balanced means I have the flexibility to:

• Meet each dog where they are

• Use the tools and methods that suit them best

• Focus on clear communication, not cookie cutter formulas

When I started my career, I trained with an e-collar based company. While I learned a lot about the tool, I didn’t agree with how it was used. I realized that tools should enhance training, not replace it. You can’t put a tool on a dog and expect them to magically understand–it’s not fair.

That realization led me to start my own business here in Port Washington, Wi, where I could train dogs the right way: with patience, structure, and balanced techniques that focus on the individual dog. 

How My Programs Are Different

I offer private lessons, classes and board & train programs–but my board & train model is unique.

Most traditional programs keep your dog for 2+ weeks, with one lesson at pickup and maybe a few follow-ups. That approach often leaves owners overwhelmed or unsure how to maintain the progress at home. 

My program alternates weeks:

• One week with me, one week with you

• At each transition, we do a go-home lesson to review progress and assign homework

• This keeps you actively involved and reinforces training in the real environment–your home

• After the program, we include follow-up lessons to make sure your confidence and supported

This structure gives you the tools and understanding you need to be your dog’s leader and keep the progress going long term. 

Ready To Build A Better Relationship With Your Dog?

If you’re ready to learn how to be the calm, confident leader your dog needs, I’d love to help. Whether you’re in Milwaukee, Port Washington, Sheboygan, or other surrounding areas, let’s work together to build the trust and structure your dog needs to thrive. 

Contact us today to find the right program for you and take the first step!

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