About the Trainer

Hello! My name is Amie Stella. 

I am a dog trainer that specializes in behavior modification. My techniques would be best described as “holistic balanced training”, where a variety of training methods are utilized in the appropriate context. Every dog is different, therefore I do not constrict myself to one “type” of training style. I emphasize the importance of meeting our dogs canine needs and helping owners learn how to communicate with our dogs in a way they understand.

Credentials

  • CPDT-KA Certified

  • AKC CGC Evaluator Certified

Accomplishments

  • Over 1,000 hours of dog training

  • Taught over 700 group classes

  • Led workshops

  • Trained Therapy Dogs

I began my journey as a positive-only dog trainer, believing in the power of rewards and positive reinforcement to shape a dog's behavior. It was an effective approach for teaching tricks and obedience skills, all while giving us humans a “feel good” energy. However, I soon encountered dogs with severe behavioral issues, such as anxiety, aggression, and overexcitement that were all being failed by these methods. Either they would make little progress and plateau, or backtrack completely. Determined to find better solutions, I realized that a deeper understanding of dog psychology was needed, and sparked my journey towards becoming a holistic balanced dog trainer.

To enhance my skills as a dog trainer, I delved into the world of dog psychology. I devoured books, attended workshops, and sought the guidance of experienced trainers who focused on understanding a dog's thought process, instincts, and natural behaviors. Holistic dog training led me to appreciate the non-verbal communication between dogs and humans. I became adept at interpreting subtle cues and body language in order to assess their temperament, leading me to tailor my approach to each individual dog. This heightened sensitivity helped me better understand the underlying root causes of behavioral issues rather than just merely treating the symptoms, allowing for more effective training and problem-solving.

Today, I am known for my expertise in holistic balanced dog training, giving myself a broad range of tools and techniques to help dogs of all breeds and temperaments. My journey from positive-only training to holistic balanced training is a testament to my commitment to ongoing learning, growth, and evolution as a trainer.

My core belief is that the best reward you can give your dog is a calm state of mind. Guiding your dog into a calmer mental state requires direction, fair expectations, kind but firm boundaries, and the human’s ability to adapt and trust the process. If these foundational skills resonate with you, let’s get working!

“Training is a way of developing our ability to communicate with our dogs.”

— Suzanne Clothier

“My goal with every client is… they don’t need me anymore.”

— Robin McFarlane