ABOUT SAMMY
MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour, UW-AAB, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP
Sammy received her B.S. in Physiology and Neurobiology in 2013 and after working in medical education and research for several years, she decided to put her passion for science and animals together. She began working as an assistant dog trainer as she attended the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Professional Program, where she received her KPA-CTP certification. She also completed the Certified Professional Dog Trainer exam and earned her CPDT-KA certification. After several years working as a lead trainer at The Pet Republic, she expanded her service area by starting Sammy Hyde Dog Training, LLC. Sammy continued her studies at the University of Washington, earning a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior before going on to earn her MSc in Clinical Animal Behavior from the University of Edinburgh. Sammy has also worked as a member of the Baypath Dog Behavior Team. Working with shelter dogs and pet dogs for many years has provided her both valuable knowledge and experience in tackling a variety of behavior issues.
Sammy specializes in reactivity and aggression. She has a special interest in juvenile and adolescent dog development and behavior. When she isn’t training dogs, Sammy enjoys hiking in the mountains, conducting gluten free baking experiments, attempting to grow low-maintenance plants, and reading all the books on behavior she can find!
Education and Certifications
- MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour, University of Edinburgh
- B.S. Neurobiology and Physiology, University of Connecticut
- Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior, University of Washington
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed
- Karen Pryor Academy – Certified Training Partner
- Certificate of Completion – Aggression in Dogs Mastercourse
Memberships and Affiliations
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumnus
- IAABC Member
- Animal Behavior Society
- National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW)
ABOUT SAMMY
Sammy received her B.S. in Physiology and Neurobiology in 2013 and after working in medical education and research for several years, she decided to put her passion for science and animals together. She began working as an assistant dog trainer as she attended the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Professional Program, where she received her KPA-CTP certification. She also completed the Certified Professional Dog Trainer exam and earned her CPDT-KA certification. After several years working as a lead trainer at The Pet Republic, she expanded her service area by starting Sammy Hyde Dog Training, LLC. Sammy continued her studies at the University of Washington, earning a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior before going on to earn her MSc in Clinical Animal Behavior from the University of Edinburgh. Sammy has also worked as a member of the Baypath Dog Behavior Team. Working with shelter dogs and pet dogs for many years has provided her both valuable knowledge and experience in tackling a variety of behavior issues.
Sammy specializes in reactivity and aggression. She has a special interest in juvenile and adolescent dog development and behavior. When she isn’t training dogs, Sammy enjoys hiking in the mountains, conducting gluten free baking experiments, attempting to grow low-maintenance plants, and reading all the books on behavior she can find!
Education and Certifications
- B.S. Neurobiology and Physiology, University of Connecticut
- Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior, University of Washington
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed
- Karen Pryor Academy – Certified Training Partner
- Certificate of Completion – Aggression in Dogs Mastercourse
Memberships and Affiliations
- UW Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed
- Karen Pryor Academy – Certified Training Partner
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumnus
- IAABC Member
- Animal Behavior Societyammy
ABOUT SAMMY
Sammy received her B.S. in Physiology and Neurobiology in 2013 and after working in medical education and research for several years, she decided to put her passion for science and animals together. She began working as an assistant dog trainer as she attended the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Professional Program, where she received her KPA-CTP certification. She also completed the Certified Professional Dog Trainer exam and earned her CPDT-KA certification. After several years working as a lead trainer at The Pet Republic, she expanded her service area by starting Sammy Hyde Dog Training, LLC. Sammy continued her studies at the University of Washington, earning a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior before going on to earn her MSc in Clinical Animal Behavior from the University of Edinburgh. Sammy has also worked as a member of the Baypath Dog Behavior Team. Working with shelter dogs and pet dogs for many years has provided her both valuable knowledge and experience in tackling a variety of behavior issues.
Sammy specializes in reactivity and aggression. She has a special interest in juvenile and adolescent dog development and behavior. When she isn’t training dogs, Sammy enjoys hiking in the mountains, conducting gluten free baking experiments, attempting to grow low-maintenance plants, and reading all the books on behavior she can find!
Memberships and Affiliations
- UW Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed
- Karen Pryor Academy – Certified Training Partner
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumnus
- IAABC Member
- Animal Behavior Society
My Philosophy
Effective dog training should focus on optimizing welfare for both the dog and the human end of the leash. If either end of the leash is experiencing poor welfare, it can affect the other in a cyclic pattern.
Dog training should focus on building a positive relationship with our dogs. Our training should not be a constant battle that adds conflict to your lives and damages our bond with our dog.
Training your dog can be, and SHOULD be, enjoyable! Both the dog and human need to enjoy the process otherwise it will be difficult to commit to the training plan long enough to see results.
FAQ
What METHODS DO YOU USE?
I strive to always use the most effective and humane methods to change behavior at both ends of the leash! First, I will address the physical and mental wellbeing of the dog and human, to ensure that behavior issues aren’t a function of poor welfare, and to provide an optimal state for learning. Behavior change can then be created through strategic set-up of the environment, positively reinforcing desired behaviors, removal of opportunities of unintentional reinforcement, desensitization and counter-conditioning. I do not utilize fear or pain to modify behavior.
why hire a dog trainer?
Teaching a new skill to anyone is a challenge, but it is even harder when that person isn’t human! Being a dog owner shouldn’t require you to become an expert in canine behavior and learning. However, sometimes that knowledge is needed to change your dog’s behavior. Hiring a professional dog trainer will help you get the results you want, without you having to become an applied ethologist. An experienced professional can evaluate your situation, your dog, and determine the best training plan to help achieve your goals. Hiring a trainer can help you get the life you want with your dog faster!
Why choose a certified trainer?
Dog training is an unregulated field and, unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Dog training is an applied science, and it is important that trainers are knowledgeable in both behavior and learning, and the best ways to apply that to dog training. By choosing a certified trainer from a reputable organization, you can be assured that your trainer has the necessary education and experience to humanely and effectively train your dog. Certified trainers must adhere to their organizations code of conduct, and are held accountable by their respected organization. Continuing education is a requirement for maintaining most certifications, ensuring that certified trainers are using the most modern and effective training methods.
Meet The Family
Freja
Freja and her family were rescued from a hoarding situation. Circumstance made it necessary for her to be separated from her mom and litter-mates at quite a young age. Looking for a forever home to fill the gap left by her lost dog family, she came into Sammy’s life, at only 7 weeks old. Since then, Freja has overcome many challenges and has since grown into a confident and brilliant young dog. At just over 1 years old, she graduated the Karen Pryor Academy with Sammy. Freja loves to swim and hike with her family. She also enjoys doing agility and nosework. She has her NTD and is working on her ITD and NW1.
Murdock
Murdock was found as a kitten on the streets of Iran, likely rejected by his mother due to his condition. He was born completely blind as his eyes did not fully develop before birth. He was brought to the US where he received veterinary care and was put up for adoption. When Sammy saw his profile on a local rescue site, she knew he had to join their family. Murdock, named after Matt Murdock (AKA Daredevil), lives up to his name. Being blind has never slowed this crazy cat down. Murdock’s favorite activities are snuggling in his Mama’s lap and relaxing on the porch.