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.
Soon 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 completing 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 continued to learn as much as I could from Rhonda, taking every course/class she offered, and training my own dog. I also attended various in person, and online workshops, hosted by a variety of well known trainers, to learn as much as I could about different approaches to dog training.
I then had the amazing opportunity to officially mentor with Rhonda, by taking her year long dog trainers course, and learn everything she knew about dogs and dog training. There was also a big emphasis on how to work with the clients. Afterall, dog training is really about being able to teach the client, more than the dog. This changed everything for me, and put me on the career path I'd always wanted... being a dog trainer!
I continue to expand my knowledge by attending courses (in person & virtual) whenever possible. Learning about various training methods, from many different trainers. You should never stop learning, or being open to new things!
In 2020 I adopted Ava, a 3 yr old red Doberman... she keeps me on my toes, and teaches me more everyday!
** 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.
Soon 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 completing 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 continued to learn as much as I could from Rhonda, taking every course/class she offered, and training my own dog. I also attended various in person, and online workshops, hosted by a variety of well known trainers, to learn as much as I could about different approaches to dog training.
I then had the amazing opportunity to officially mentor with Rhonda, by taking her year long dog trainers course, and learn everything she knew about dogs and dog training. There was also a big emphasis on how to work with the clients. Afterall, dog training is really about being able to teach the client, more than the dog. This changed everything for me, and put me on the career path I'd always wanted... being a dog trainer!
I continue to expand my knowledge by attending courses (in person & virtual) whenever possible. Learning about various training methods, from many different trainers. You should never stop learning, or being open to new things!
In 2020 I adopted Ava, a 3 yr old red Doberman... she keeps me on my toes, and teaches me more everyday!
** Fill out the inquiry form on my training page, to get started! **
