SJ Dog Training LLC provides private, in-person dog training as well as private virtual dog training. The services include puppy training and socialization, basic manners training, cooperative care training, behavior problem solutions, and more.
All training plans are fully customized to meet the needs of each individual client and dog. Stephanie has been training animals professionally since 2015. Her training career began with three California sea lions and an African fish eagle at a zoo and aquarium accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Zoological Association of America.
During her time with the sea lions, she was involved in the birth, successful hand-raising, and training of the first marine mammal ever to be born in the state of Arizona. Upon moving to Florida, Stephanie cared for and trained Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. She then transitioned to training service dogs for veterans with PTSD, TBI, and MST.
As part of a military family herself, Stephanie found fulfillment in giving back and assisting veterans who have sacrificed so much. Stephanie is excited to bring the experience she has gained from training multiple species to guardians and their dogs. Her goal is to help clients build a better relationship with their dogs by aiding them in understanding behavior and learning how to effectively communicate and train their dogs using positive reinforcement.
Stephanie is dedicated to her professional development and continuing education. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in animal biology. Additionally, she has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course by world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio.
Stephanie is also a Professional Level Member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. She attends Karen Pryor Academy’s Clicker Expo annually, along with studying other books, seminars, lectures, discussion groups, and materials from top animal trainers worldwide.
