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Certified dog trainer
Amalia Leamon
Amalia Leamon

San Francisco, CA

Amalia Leamon

Amalia grew up on a farm in the Berkshires and was inspired by her shepherd mix puppy Scout’s love of learning new tricks. She began her professional dog training career in San Francisco walking and training dogs, teaching classes, managing a puppy day school and a team of trainers. After obtaining her professional training certification (CPDT-KA) and a MA in Counseling Psychology she founded FREEDO to partner with local shelters, vet clinics and community members to offer services to strengthen the bond between guardian and dog.

Training Philosophy

Amalia's training philosophy is based on positive reinforcement, focusing on building a strong bond between the dog and its owner. She believes in making training fun and rewarding for both the dog and the owner.

Services

  • Private training: Tailored to individual needs, these sessions help build a comprehensive toolbox of skills for dogs and strengthen the bond between the dog and the family.
  • Group walks: On-leash group walks provide socialization and exercise for dogs.
  • Adventure walks: Off-leash adventure walks offer a more adventurous experience for dogs.
  • One-on-one walks (or runs!): These walks are tailored to the dog's favorite spots.
  • Overnight care: In-home sitting for competitive rates, including a minimum of 3 walks with treats, toys, and grooming. For training clients, an all-inclusive training option is also available.

Certifications

CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed)

Specializations

Puppy training, obedience training, socialization, behavior modification

Training Methods

Positive reinforcement training

Customer Reviews

“Amalia is such an empathetic, intelligent, client-oriented dog sitter. She's managed to read my dogs body language, teach me how to correct him and help train my dog from thousands of miles away. I don't know what Lucas and I would do without her, but I can safely say that she's made being a dog mom a much more fun experience and has brought me and Lucas closer together.”
— Annie and Lucas

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

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