ABOUT

Passionate About Building Relationships Between People and Dogs

Sam utilizes science-based training techniques for effectiveness and follows the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) standard to assure that training is safe and enjoyable for both the dog and their handler. Besides being productive and fun, training in this manner produces a strong bond between a dog and their human companions.

About Sam

Sam Haeussner began training dogs professionally in 2006 in Colorado Springs. Since this time Sam has obtained a B.A. from Fort Lewis College, became one of 1,800 Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partners (KPA CTP) through the internationally prestigious Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), and earned the title Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers- the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. In addition to graduating from KPA, Sam started serving as the academy's Alumni Relations Coordinator in 2018, assisting her fellow KPA CTPs in their endeavors. Click here to learn more about KPA CTPs.

 

Every year Sam continues to expand her education and stay up to date with the ever-changing industry by seeking out well-respected courses, conferences, and mentorships while participating in professional associations with the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants (IAABC).

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Before training through her own company Pawsitive Marks, Sam served as the trusted assistant of trainer and author Annie Phenix. Sam is acknowledged in Annie's book, The Midnight Dog Walkers: Positive Training and Practical Advice for Living with a Reactive or Aggressive Dog, as "a special kind of person who provides a loving presence for all animals as well as quick wit that keeps [Annie] smiling. She is the next generation of dog trainers, and the world is so much better off having her skills available to dogs." Sam's American Staffordshire Terrier mix, Azzie, is featured in photographs in many of Annie Phenix's publications while Azzie and Sam assisted Annie in her sought after Growly Dog classes and seminars.

Credentials