Amy Sandmann is a dedicated and passionate positive reinforcement dog trainer with a deep commitment to helping dogs and their owners build strong, trusting, and harmonious relationships. With years of experience in the field, Amy has cultivated a wealth of knowledge in dog behavior, training techniques, and canine communication. Her expertise is rooted in the belief that dogs thrive when they are motivated through kindness, and respect, making positive reinforcement the core principle of her training philosophy.

Amy’s journey into dog training began with her lifelong love for animals and a desire to better understand the nuances of canine behavior. Over time, she became increasingly fascinated by how dogs learn and how human-animal relationships can be strengthened through science-based training methods. This interest led her to pursue formal certification and joined VSPDT in 2012. Amy participates in various workshops, seminars, and conferences each year to stay fresh and up-to-date.

One of Amy’s standout qualities as a trainer is her ability to tailor her approach to the unique needs of each dog and handler. She understands that every dog is an individual with its own personality, energy levels, and challenges, which is why her training sessions are always personalized and adaptable. Whether working with puppies, adult dogs, or dogs with behavioral issues, Amy takes the time to build a trusting relationship with both the dog and its owner, ensuring that training is a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

In her work, Amy emphasizes the importance of clear communication and consistency, teaching owners how to effectively communicate with their dogs using praise, treats, toys, and other forms of positive reinforcement. She believes that rewarding desired behaviors, rather than punishing undesirable ones, leads to long-lasting behavioral change and strengthens the bond between dogs and their families. Her training methods foster a sense of confidence, security, and mutual respect, which in turn creates a more relaxed and well-behaved dog.

Amy works with a wide range of dog breeds and behavioral issues, but her passion is guiding owners and their new puppies  through the first challenging year.  She is particularly passionate about guiding owners with realistic training techniques that are easy and effective.

Beyond her one-on-one sessions, Amy regularly hosts group classes, workshops, and community events where she shares her knowledge and offers guidance to dog owners. She is a strong advocate for continuing education and regularly stays up to date with the latest research and techniques in dog behavior and training. As a result, her clients benefit from evidence-based strategies that are proven to be both effective and compassionate.

Amy’s reputation as a positive reinforcement trainer has earned her the trust and respect of countless dog owners and the veterinary community who appreciate her gentle approach, patience, and ability to bring out the best in their pets. Her goal is always to empower owners with the skills and confidence they need to strengthen their relationships with their dogs and to ensure that dogs are well-adjusted, happy, and well-behaved members of the family.

In her free time, Amy enjoys volunteering with her therapy dog and is an avid cyclist. Her commitment to animal welfare and her passion for fostering positive relationships between dogs and humans make her a respected figure in the dog training community. Whether through her training sessions, educational outreach, or volunteer work, Amy Sandmann continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of dogs and their owners.