Dog Grooming and Training in Cedar Hill!

Pets First, Always

What makes Cedar Hill's Gateway Canine's dog grooming, and dog training different? Dedication, experience, work ethic, and our motto, "Pet's first, always." What does that mean to you? That means your dog will always come at the top of our list. Before profit, before schedules, before numbers, before anything, your pet is the most important part of our day. Always. Their safety, happiness, health, education, and well-being is what we're here for.

Our Team

Rick Johnson, Master Trainer, Owner

Rick came to us from Minnesota where he not only trained and directed police canines for both Minnesota and Canadian officials, but where he developed a successful German Shepherd Dog breeding program as well. He attended the Tom Rose School for both the Professional and Master's Programs. And has gone on to place dogs in active Military missions, and assisted in the betterment of local canine officers as well.

Emily Johnson CTDI, CCFC, Master Trainer, Owner

Emily started her career as a teen working for with a major pet giant in our nation. From there she went on to intern as a vet tech in North County, and then attended both the professional's and master course at the Tom Rose School. She helped lead a program for a large Therapy Dog organization out of Chicago, Directed Gateway's own service dog program for veterans, and lead as Training Director for Got Your Six Support Dogs in Illinois. A member of the IACP, and a certified evaluator for AKC's Canine Good Citizen, Trick, and Fitness programs. She's also a certified instructor and evaluator for DMWYD, a Certified Canine Conditioning Coach, Animal Actors Evaluator, and a certified Stunt Dog Judge. She recently was awarded the Trainer of the Year award from DMWYD.

Kate Doster, Head Groomer, Trainer

Kate is our magic woman behind the scissors. She entered the grooming life early as a teen and was guided by amazing conformation groomers along the way, now with over 8 years under her belt she is not only wowing clients with her techniques, but making great strides with how she handles the pets in her care. Kate has also been studying to become a trainer as well combining skills from 4h, from grooming, equine studies and much more. Kate also is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator as well, and a CTDI with DMWYD.

Founded in 2005

A Family Business

Gateway Canine began in 2005 as Gateway K9 Training in Florissant, Missouri, providing private lessons for families, and assisting local police departments making their dogs more dependable and sound. From there we went on to assisting families, and companies across the country. Training support dogs in Chicago, and directing several service dog programs in the midwest. We're continuously growing, learning, and changing to provide our community services they truly need and want, as we provide pets with the same balanced education they deserve to become welcomed members in society. We're a family business, no franchises or corporate ropes. And we can't wait to have you join our family. We are family owned, and live here in Dittmer. We believe in supporting our local communities and giving back as much as possible! We hope you'll join us as we grow!