Samantha Johnson
With a firm belief that a successful training regimen is rooted in a solid foundation of structure, boundaries, and appropriate physical and mental outlets, I remain committed to empowering dogs and their owners.
I am a balanced trainer but believe in guidance, proper breed fulfillment and exercise over corrections. As a mother to a spirited 10-year-old, I understand that patience, proper fulfillment, and play are essential cornerstones in helping any being. When a dog is fulfilled and properly guided, corrections are rarely ever necessary.
I love dogs, but my passion for teaching humans to be the best versions of themselves runs deep. I recognize that lasting change begins with educating the owner. With my extensive knowledge and experience, I cultivate a thriving global community of dog enthusiasts, both online and in person. I feel profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work with clients, providing education, support, and guidance every step of the way as they embark on their training journeys.
My journey into dog training began while I was pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with the intention of going to medical school. I came across a rescue page with a pit bull who had endured abuse and was found tied to a pole. Determined to foster and rehabilitate Lily, I submerged myself in understanding dog behavior and training techniques. This transformational experience ignited my passion to help more dogs, families, and rescues.
Building on this newfound interest, I started taking Lily to group classes at Cesar Milan’s Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita. From there I gained invaluable hands-on experience as an assistant trainer and quickly rose to the position of lead trainer in weekend classes, focusing on socialization, reactivity, and mastering the art of the walk. Although I am deeply grateful for the incredible trainers I met there and the wealth of knowledge I gained in just a couple of years, I also learned what I didn’t want to do in the dog training world. recognize differing training philosophies and have felt inspired to learn from as many trainers as possible always trying to learn a softer approach in the last 10 years in the dog training world.