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CERTIFIED DOG TRAINER

Practical, Positive Training for Real Life

Whether you’re raising a new puppy, struggling with leash pulling, or working through behavior challenges, I’ll help you build the skills your dog needs—and the confidence to enjoy life together.

✓ Puppy Training • Leash Walking • Reactivity • Fearful Dogs

Why Train With Pawsitive Marks?

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Science-Based

Training guided by modern behavioral science—not outdated myths or intimidation.

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I use positive reinforcement methods supported by decades of research because they create lasting behavior while protecting your relationship with your dog.

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Personalized

No cookie-cutter training plans.

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Every training plan is tailored to your dog’s personality, learning history, family, and goals.

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Experienced

More than 20 years helping dogs and their people succeed.

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From brand-new puppies to fearful dogs and complex behavior challenges, I’ve helped hundreds of families build better lives with their dogs.

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Real Life

Training doesn’t happen only in a classroom.

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We’ll practice where you actually need the skills—at home, on walks, in parks, and wherever life takes you.

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COACHING

I don’t just teach dogs—I coach people.

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You’ll leave every lesson knowing not only what to do, but why it works, so you can continue making progress long after our sessions end.

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Meet Sam

Hi, I’m Sam.

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I’ve been professionally training dogs for more than 20 years, helping hundreds of families build better relationships with their dogs using positive reinforcement and practical, science-based methods.

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Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or working through challenging behavior, my goal isn’t just to change your dog’s behavior—it’s to help you understand your dog so you have the confidence to keep succeeding long after our lessons end.

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My goal isn’t just a better-behaved dog—it’s helping you enjoy life together.

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Credentials

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  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)

  • Academy for Dog Trainers Graduate (CTC)

  • 20+ years professional experience

Who I work best with

I specialize in helping everyday families build practical skills that make life with their dogs easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

✔ You’re raising a new puppy and want to start off right.

✔ Walks have become stressful because of pulling or reactivity.

✔ Your dog is fearful, anxious, or easily overwhelmed.

✔ You’d like better manners at home and in public.

✔ You want to understand why your dog behaves the way they do—not just stop unwanted behaviors.

✔ You’re looking for practical skills you can use every day.

✔ You’re preparing for a new baby, another pet, or a major life change.

✔ You want a trainer who will coach both you and your dog.

This May Not Be the Best Fit If…

  • You’re looking for punishment-based training methods.

  • You’re hoping for instant results without practice.

  • You’re looking for someone else to train your dog for you.

  • You’re interested in protection training.

How I Can Help

Every dog is different, but most training falls into one of these three areas.

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New Puppy

Build good habits from the beginning.

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  • Potty training

  • Puppy biting

  • Crate training

  • Socialization

  • Confidence

  • Foundations

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Everyday Manners

Make everyday life easier.​

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  • Loose leash walking

  • Coming when called

  • Jumping

  • Settling

  • Visitors

  • Cooperative care

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Behavior Support

Build confidence and work through challenging behaviors.

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  • Fear

  • Reactivity

  • Resource guarding

  • Barking

  • Anxiety

  • Aggression assessments

Don’t see your dog’s issue listed?

Every dog is different. During your Intro Call we’ll talk through your goals and decide whether I’m the right fit.

How We'll Work Together

Private Training

Personalized training built around your dog, your family, and your goals.

1. Free Intro Call

15–20 minutes

We’ll talk about your goals, answer questions, and make sure we’re a good fit before scheduling anything.

2. Orientation Session

Your home • 60 minutes

I’ll meet your dog, assess behavior, observe the environment, discuss goals in depth, and begin training while I gather the information needed to create your plan.

3. CUSTOM TRAINING PLAN

After the orientation, I’ll send a customized training plan with recommendations and next steps.

4. Ongoing Sessions

60 minutes each

We’ll meet at whatever pace works best.

Some families meet weekly.

Others every few weeks.

Some only need a handful of sessions.

We’ll adjust as your dog progresses.

5. Support Between Sessions

After each visit you’ll receive session notes and homework so you always know exactly what to practice and you can reach out with any questions that may come up.

6. YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

Once you’ve reached your goals, you’re ready to enjoy life with your dog.

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Many clients never need another lesson.

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Others come back months or years later when they add a puppy, adopt another dog, or have a brand-new goal.

Ready to get started?

Book a free 15–20 minute Intro Call and we’ll talk about your goals, answer your questions, and decide whether we’re a good fit.

Pricing

  • Orientation Session | $110​

  • Private Training Sessions | $110 / hr​

 

✓ No required packages

✓ No long-term contracts

✓ Pay only for the sessions you need

Pawsitive Marks Boarding Buddies

Private Training | $95 / hour

Dogs who board with me receive discounted training because I’m already familiar with your dog, your routines, and how you work together.

FAQ

Ready to get started?

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