About Us

Benjamin Hartwell

Benjamin has studied under Dr. Coberly, PhD, CDBC, FFCP-T since 2023, and now also studies at the internationally recognized Centre of Applied Pet Ethology. Centered on supporting the dog-human relationship, Benjamin’s approach focuses on developing stronger communication, building relationships, and providing practical, real-world solutions that help both dogs and their people thrive together.

• Specializations: Working with dogs with behavioral issues ranging from aggression and reactivity to phobias, Benjamin specializes in severe trauma and chronic stress-related behaviors.
• Methodology: Benjamin follows LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) and Fear Free™ principles, and relies on relationship analysis and building, therapeutic play, and a treatment model based on supporting your dog’s ethological needs in a framework that fits your life.
• Community Involvement: Benjamin helped hundreds of dogs with severe behavioral issues and their humans and provided leadership support to a worldwide cadre of trainers and behavior consultants while studying under Dr. Coberly, where his work focused on building a culture of support and acceptance for struggling dog owners and their dogs.
• Education: In addition to his studies, Benjamin is a member of the PPG and IAABC, and his PCT-A is pending. While he completes his required practice hours for his CDBC, he works with the guidance of Dr. Coberly.

Katie Brethauer

Katie has a knowledge of pets rooted in a lifelong special interest and has worked in the pet industry for 8 years. In 2023, Katie began studying under Dr. Coberly and is now enrolled at the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology. Katie’s work focuses on proactive, preventive care, relationship-building, and multi-species households.

• Specializations: Katie’s areas of interest are focused on relationship-building for dogs who are new family members, whether puppies or adults, and preventing emotional and behavioral issues through proactive relationship building and training.
• Methodology: Relying on 8 years of training in canine nutrition, physical conformity, and behavior, Katie follows LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) and Fear Free™ principles, and focuses on relationship-building, skills training, and setting dogs up for healthy, successful lives with their humans.
• Community Involvement: Katie has been helping dog owners and guardians in the greater Cleveland area for many years in different capacities, and after serving as a member of the Dog Training 101 Community and helping hundreds of dogs keep their homes, is now bringing services directly to you.
• Education: In addition to enrollment at COAPE, Katie is currently working towards the PCT-A license and works under the guidance of Dr. Coberly.

Caitlin Coberly

Dr. Caitlin Coberly is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with over 40 years of experience and a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from Duke University. Her work is characterized by a “naked training” philosophy, which involves working with animals naturally without traditional tools or compulsion.

• Specializations: She specializes in high-risk pathologies, including human and dog-directed aggression, bite risks, reactivity, and Canine Compulsive Disorders (OCD/CCD).
• Methodology: Adhering to LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) and Fear Free™ principles, she uses lifestyle analysis and relationship-building to resolve complex issues.
• Community Leadership: In 2010, she founded the “Dog Training 101 Community Forum” on Facebook, which has grown to over 200,000 members, providing evidence-based advice to prevent the adoption-surrender cycle.

Our Philosophy

Being “science-informed” means our techniques are rooted in the established laws of Learning Theory and Ethology. We don’t rely on “alpha” myths or outdated dominance theories; we rely on how dogs actually process information.

• Evidence-Based Learning: We rely on rewards-based methods and best practices, prioritizing the physical and emotional safety of animals and avoiding methods that cause fear, pain, or distress. Science shows that this creates the most durable and reliable learning outcomes without the side effects of fear.
• Understanding the “Why”: We look at the biological and environmental drivers of behavior. By understanding a dog’s genetic needs and neurobiology, we can address the root cause of a behavior rather than just suppressing the symptoms.
• Continuous Evolution: Science is never static. We stay at the forefront of canine behavioral research to ensure our clients benefit from the most humane and efficient strategies available today.

Inclusivity Statement

At Insight and Instinct, we believe that every person and every dog deserves to be seen, understood, and treated with dignity and respect.

We celebrate the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We welcome clients of all races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment where every client feels safe, valued, heard, and supported through their journey with their dog.

At Insight and Instinct, inclusion is more than a statement – it is a commitment to building trusting relationships, embracing differences, and helping both people and dogs thrive together.