Julie Schmitt has been a professional dog trainer for over twenty five years. As the only dog trainer in San Diego who is a licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSPDT), Julie is one of the most experienced trainers in the San Diego region. She is recommended by numerous veterinarians, professional animal trainers from the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, and other pet professionals. She is a Licensed Be a Tree Presenter (dog bite prevention for school children), a Professional Member with the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and The Pet Professional Guild. She is also an evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Exam and for Independent Therapy Dogs, Inc., as well as a volunteer at the El Cajon Animal Shelter.
Julie’s goal is to educate dog owners that having a well-behaved dog is a life-long process that can be enjoyable, rewarding and easily achieved. She only employs positive dog training methods because they are scientifically proven to be most effective. As a mom herself, she often educates her clients that they can use these very same practices to improve their relationships with their children as well!
Julie’s career began teaching basic and obedience classes at a humane society in Northern California. After working at the humane society, Julie joined Animal Behavior and Training Associates as the District Training Manager where she supervised and trained all associate dog trainers, taught obedience classes and conducted private, in-home dog training sessions.
In 1996, Julie began working at the prestigious Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., in San Rafael, California. She completed a three year intensive apprenticeship and is a licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructor through the State of California. With six years of hand-on experience at Guide Dogs, Julie trained over 90 guide dogs. During her tenure, she worked with over 400 dogs. She was responsible for the teaching and reinforcement of positive and humane methods of dog care; including training, daily care, administration of medications and provision of stress relief activities.
In 2002, Julie and her family moved to San Diego where she established Out N’ About Dog Training. She finds peace in the great outdoors and encourages others to never stop exercising their bodies and their minds. Julie lives in La Mesa with her husband, who is a veterinarian, and their two daughters. She has a passion for her work and a love for animals that is evident in her training style.
