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SQUAD DOGS is owned and operated by me, Amy Akerlind. I grew up in Vermont, and have always had a love for animals. After High School, I went on to obtain an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology, and worked as a Vet Tech/Animal Care Provider in area Humane Societies. I then pursued a career in Emergency Medical Services, becoming the Rescue Chief for Colchester Rescue Squad, and obtaining my Paramedic License. I continued on this career path for another 13 years, but always knew deep down that I wanted to work with animals again. After adopting Sheldon, a 6 month old albino Doberman pup, I contacted Rhonda Bilodeau, of Vermont Dog Pack, for training help. While working with Rhonda, I learned about My Dog Camp, an online training & support program that she has created for people interested in starting their own dog camp. This was perfect! It was time to get back to a career with my first love, dogs! After graduating from the My Dog Camp Program, I decided I wanted to further my knowledge, and follow my life long dream of becoming a dog trainer! I attended various in person, and online workshops, hosted by trainers like Jay Jack, Ivan Balabanov, and Tyler Muto to learn as much as I could about different approaches to dog training. I then had the amazing opportunity to officially mentor with Rhonda, to learn everything she knew about dogs, and dog training! During this time, I learned, and started using, an amazing behavior modification system, based on the Training Between The Ears (TBTE) principles, created by Mark McCabe. I continue to expand my knowledge from ongoing courses (in person & virtual) with Rhonda and Mark, as well as still following other trainers... never stop learning new things! Although my focus is on behavior modification, I can also help you with off leash reliable recall, and Obedience training. I am trained in the proper use of the remote electronic collar (E-Collar), and offer this training to those who want their dog to be reliable off leash. It is an amazing communication tool that I use for my own two dogs! I am so excited to offer a more natural and relaxed approach to training, for dogs and their owners! Fill out the inquiry form on my training page, to get started! |
