Pawsitive Marks
ABOUT
Why I do things the way i dO
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the hardest part of dog training for most people is simply finding the time to do the work... and I get it!
There’s something magical about living life with a dog. It could be the thousands of years we’ve spent evolving together, or maybe it’s just the irresistible charm of puppy eyes. But sometimes, that magic feels a little out of reach—whether you're dealing with unexpected behavior problems or feeling overwhelmed by the commitment of a new dog. Since 2006, I’ve dedicated my life to dog training because I find so much joy in helping people build that connection and live better with their best friend.
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We all know training is a must—it’s a human-centered world, after all! But I know from experience that finding the time and energy for it, especially when you're learning something new, can be tough. Between work, family, and everything else life throws our way, it’s easy for training goals to take a backseat. I understand; I have two kids, two dogs, two cats, a partner, and a business!
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That’s why I offer a range of flexible training services designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’re looking for day-training, where I handle the legwork of training your dog for you, or private sessions to coach you through the process, I’m here to make sure training fits seamlessly into your life. I also offer online private training to provide you with expert support no matter where you are. My goal is to take the stress out of training, so you can focus on enjoying life with your dog.
Together, we’ll unlock the magic of a joyful, well-trained companion, whether you're looking for hands-on guidance or prefer a more involved approach. No matter your dog's needs or your schedule, I’m here to support you every step of the way, ensuring training is as rewarding and stress-free as possible for both you and your dog.
Your dog deserves a happy, enriched life—and so do you.
SAm's Story
Dogs have always been my life.
Growing up in a dog-loving family, I credit my parents and extended family for sparking my lifelong obsession with dogs. My family didn’t have a lot, but we had dogs, and they meant everything to us. Weekend hikes with my dad and our English Springer Spaniels were full of joy, watching them leap through tall grass like gazelles while we worked on their recall and heeling. At home, we’d teach them tricks or just enjoy hours of their playful energy—what we called “dog TV.” In tough moments, they were always there to comfort me, teaching me early on about the magic of a deep relationship with a dog.
My career in dog training began with a crash course
In 2006, at just 18, I started training professionally at a busy PetSmart in Colorado Springs. It was a crash course in dog training, and I thrived under the mentorship of the region's head trainer. I assisted in training new trainers, led a variety of classes—from beginner obedience to trick training—and even handled board-and-train add-ons for the store’s PetsHotel. In just two years, I trained over 300 dogs, and this experience fueled my passion for learning. Before my 21st birthday, I left PetSmart to pursue my undergraduate degree at Fort Lewis College, and I’ve called Durango home ever since.
I am committed to staying at the forefront of dog training.
Dog training is an unregulated field, which means anyone can call themselves a trainer. I saw the consequences of this during my time at PetSmart, and I’ve dedicated myself to ensuring I’m held to the highest standards. I’m proud to hold two of the industry’s leading certifications: one from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and another from the internationally recognized Karen Pryor Academy. I’m also working towards an advanced certification through the Academy of Dog Trainers. These certifications hold me accountable and ensure I stay current with the latest science and best practices in dog training. You can verify my credentials via the links at the bottom of this page.
A career shaped by unique opportunities.
Since 2006, I’ve had the honor of working in a variety of roles within the dog training industry. Alongside running my own business and assisting senior trainers, I’ve had the privilege of working for the Karen Pryor Academy as their Alumni Relations Coordinator, supporting fellow trainers and working at the ClickerExpo conference. Most recently, I worked in pet tech with Companion Labs, designing training protocols and user experiences for their AI-powered training and enrichment device. These roles have deepened my understanding of training and given me access to some of the world’s top animal trainers. Now, in 2024, I’m excited to bring this knowledge and experience back to the Durango community and help dogs and their people live their best lives together.
Credentials
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Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP): Certification # 53695
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Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
