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, in 2016, 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, Mark McCabe, 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 for a year, to learn everything she knew about dogs and dog training! Much of what she had taken from several of the above mentioned trainers, and many more!
I continue to expand my knowledge by attending courses (in person & virtual) whenever possible. You should never stop learning, or being open to new things!
** Fill out the inquiry form on my training page, to get started! **
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, in 2016, 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, Mark McCabe, 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 for a year, to learn everything she knew about dogs and dog training! Much of what she had taken from several of the above mentioned trainers, and many more!
I continue to expand my knowledge by attending courses (in person & virtual) whenever possible. You should never stop learning, or being open to new things!
** Fill out the inquiry form on my training page, to get started! **
