Little Falls, NJ
Samantha Thogode
Samantha is a graduate and former instructor of CATCH Canine Trainers Academy: a state-licensed, 10-phase certification course in dog behavior and training. With an undergraduate degree in psychology, Samantha taught hundreds of students the ins and outs of becoming a professional dog trainer while running her own pet-sitting and dog walking business.
Training Philosophy
Samantha's goal is to teach humans how to effectively communicate with their dogs using smart, humane dog training strategies. Using positive reinforcement, she strives to make training accessible to everyone, provide easy-to-implement training programs, and solve behavioral problems with the least invasive, most humane and effective methods possible.
Services
- Puppy Training: Foundational skills like name recognition, coming when called, attention/focus, sit, down, polite greetings, go to place, crate training, and potty training. Prevent puppy behaviors from becoming puppy problems, including nipping/mouthing, jumping, and chewing. Raise a pup you can take anywhere by learning how to properly socialize your dog. One hour - $135
- Basic Manners: Foundational skills and behaviors like name recognition, polite greetings, and settling down. Basic manners like sit, down, and go to place. Advanced skills like leave it, drop it, stay, and walking nicely on leash. Curb unwanted behaviors or build upon the behaviors your dog knows. It's never too late to start training your dog, no matter what skill level they're at! One hour - $135
Certifications
Certified Dog Training Knowledge (C.D.T.K.)
Specializations
Samantha specializes in interpreting dog behavior to give humans and their dogs the tools they need to communicate and learn together more effectively.
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement
Customer Reviews
“Being a first time pet owner was a stressful situation for me and my wife, but Sam trained us just as well as our puppy Kobe. Her philosophy worked so well and allowed us to come up with our own behaviors that we could implement ourselves. Such a great person and company!”
— Kobe, Kevin and Mackenzie
“Amazing experience all together. Helped us train our 5 month old Siberian Husky! Easy to schedule times to meet, super helpful and supplied us with tips and extra resources to read about how to help train our brand new puppy. She doesn't only train the pup how to act, but she also trained us on how to be better dog parents and support our learning dog. ”
— Kai, Michael and Nick
“I cannot recommend her enough if you are in need of a great trainer for you and your fur baby! My dog and I absolutely love her! Her kindness and compassion really showed in her work with me and Bash. She was knowledgeable, patient, and committed to our success.”
— Bash and Kelly
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
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.
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.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
