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 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 obedience training and/or off leash recall 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, and we will get you and your pup started living an amazing life together! |