The Unexpected Journey to Becoming a Dog Trainer

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If you had told me years ago that I’d become a dog trainer, I would have laughed – or crossed the street.
I was terrified of dogs. Seriously, I avoided them at all costs. My Plan A was always to become a primary teacher, which is why I studied teaching. I worked for couple of years with autistic kids until I moved to Australia  – and everything changed.

Working on farms, I was suddenly surrounded by Border Collies and Australian Kelpies. Training wasn’t a priority there, so I had to deal with being jumped on dozens of times a day – basically a crash course in overcoming my fear. But instead of fear, I found something new: I started to love dogs. I saw their loyalty, their intelligence, and their ability to connect. They were there when I felt lonely or homesick – and that changed everything.

Everyone told me I couldn’t handle a working dog, but I was determined. Sam, my first dog, turned my world upside down. I read every book, watched every video, and took every course I could find. In theory, I thought I knew it all – but real life quickly taught me that perfection doesn’t exist (even if Instagram tries to tell us otherwise). I went to so many trainers and nobody could help me and I was so close to rehome him, until I decided I am becoming a Dog Trainer myself.

Sam didn’t cuddle. He didn’t listen. He liked everyone more than me. I was frustrated and disappointed – until I stopped trying to be perfect and started focusing on having fun with him. That’s when everything clicked. We built a strong bond based on trust, patience, and understanding – and became an amazing team.

Today, with my three Border Collies – Sam, Stella, and Atlas – I use what I’ve learned to help others. I know what it feels like to struggle, and I also know the joy of turning that struggle into success. My goal is to help you build a real partnership with your dog – with structure, humor, and heart.

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