Meet the Trainers
Kat Carter
Kat Carter has been training dogs since 2004, but her love for animals started long before that. At 14, her parents gifted her a rescued shepherd mix and a book on dog tricks, sparking a lifelong passion that continues to grow! Over the years, Kat has explored various dog training methods and worked with a wide range of trainers and behavior professionals, always learning and evolving her approach. She believes that every dog is unique, and that there’s no one-size-fits-all method for training. This philosophy is the foundation of Hound’s Tooth Academy.
At Hound’s Tooth Academy, Kat is dedicated to providing training that’s personalized to each family. She understands that what works for one dog and family might not work for another, and she tailors every experience to meet individual goals. Kat takes the time to involve owners in the process, explaining not just how dogs learn, but why certain methods work best in each situation. She believes that the best training results happen when owners are actively engaged in their dog’s progress.
Training dogs isn’t just a hobby for Kat—it’s her full-time passion and life’s work. She’s a proud member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, and an AKC CGC/CGC-A/CGC-U/STAR Puppy Evaluator. Kat is also a Certified Pet First Aid & Disaster Preparedness Instructor with ASHI.
Kat lives just outside of Lexington with her husband, three kids, two dogs, a bunny, and—definitely too many—chickens.
Kelsey Widener
Kelsey Widener’s dog training journey began over 12 years ago in Winston-Salem, NC. In 2010, she founded “Rescue. Train. Repeat”, focusing on giving shelter dogs a second chance. With a deep passion for working with rescued animals, Kelsey has trained her own dogs to compete in various sports, while also helping rescue dogs boost their confidence and improve their chances of finding a forever home. Several of her former rescues have gone on to become service dogs, police dogs, or search and rescue dogs, while others have found wonderful companion homes.
Kelsey has also worked in commercial kennels, where she developed her skills in animal care and husbandry, and spent four years employed at a local animal hospital. Realizing the growing need for support in local shelters, she began evaluating and pulling dogs for training and adoption, a mission she continues today alongside running her business full-time. Kelsey has rescued and trained dogs for organizations such as Eastern Herding Dog Rescue, Stokes County Humane Society, AARF, South East German Shepherd Rescue, and Triad Golden Retriever Rescue.
In addition to her work with rescues, Kelsey spent a summer specializing in the enrichment, training, and care of wolfdogs at a sanctuary, gaining invaluable experience and skills.
Kelsey currently runs the in-board program at Hound’s Tooth Academy and offers private lessons through TriCity Canine, based in Winston-Salem.
Contact Us
Get in Touch
Our facility is right on South Main St in Lexington, so our classes are within easy driving distance of Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Thomasville, Clemmons, Trinity and Denton!
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ADDRESS
1450-B South Main St Lexington, NC27292 -
CONTACT
336-425-9677 -
EMAIL
Kat@houndstoothacademy.com