I'm Sam Matlick and I'm a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). To earn this certification, I successfully passed a comprehensive exam after achieving an extensive number of training and consulting hours. It proves that I have the knowledge and experience necessary to excel as a trainer, and that I am dedicated to training as a profession. I have voluntarily pledged to adhere to a Code of Ethics, and am required to continue my professional education.
Like many trainers, my own dogs were the impetus to learn effective training skills. In 2010, I began training dogs professionally. As a volunteer for the Humane Rescue Alliance (formerly the Washington Animal Rescue League), I completed a trainer program which enabled me to work with more behaviorally challenged dogs and to teach classes at the shelter. As I gained more experience, I began to work with individual clients in addition to the group classes I was teaching. I have been extremely fortunate to have amazing, knowledgeable and generous mentors who have guided my learning and helped me to become an excellent trainer.
I am a member of a number of organizations and participate in many training opportunities:
In certain circumstances, my dogs serve as training assistants. Thus, they earn their own spot on our About Us page!
Like many trainers, my own dogs were the impetus to learn effective training skills. In 2010, I began training dogs professionally. As a volunteer for the Humane Rescue Alliance (formerly the Washington Animal Rescue League), I completed a trainer program which enabled me to work with more behaviorally challenged dogs and to teach classes at the shelter. As I gained more experience, I began to work with individual clients in addition to the group classes I was teaching. I have been extremely fortunate to have amazing, knowledgeable and generous mentors who have guided my learning and helped me to become an excellent trainer.
I am a member of a number of organizations and participate in many training opportunities:
- Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
- Evaluator, AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Puppy Star Program
- Certificate, Pet CPR and First Aid program through Rescue One Training for Life, Inc.
- Member, Therapy Pet International (TPI)
- Member, World Canine Freestyle Organization (WCFO)
- Member, Canine Work and Games (C-WAGS)
- Member, World Cynosport Rally Limited (WCRL)
- Member, Barnhunt Association
- Participant, Camp Gone to the Dogs (Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015 and Fall 2016)
In certain circumstances, my dogs serve as training assistants. Thus, they earn their own spot on our About Us page!
Tahiti James
Tahiti is a 70 pound Boxer/Lab mix who's about six years old. In 2011, Tahiti was rescued from One More Chance in Ohio, a rescue organization that went horribly wrong and became a hoarding nightmare. Tahiti spent the first two years or so of his life living in a barn stall with 5 or 6 other dogs. Tahiti was brought to the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) where he learned to live inside and trust people. Although he suffered from severe separation anxiety, these days Tahiti is a happy and super sweet fellow. Tahiti is a Canine Good Citizen and a Novice Trick dog, and has earned his beginner title in Musical Freestyle. Tahiti is great with puppies and shyer dogs, and has served as a walking companion for reactive dogs.
Tahiti is a 70 pound Boxer/Lab mix who's about six years old. In 2011, Tahiti was rescued from One More Chance in Ohio, a rescue organization that went horribly wrong and became a hoarding nightmare. Tahiti spent the first two years or so of his life living in a barn stall with 5 or 6 other dogs. Tahiti was brought to the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) where he learned to live inside and trust people. Although he suffered from severe separation anxiety, these days Tahiti is a happy and super sweet fellow. Tahiti is a Canine Good Citizen and a Novice Trick dog, and has earned his beginner title in Musical Freestyle. Tahiti is great with puppies and shyer dogs, and has served as a walking companion for reactive dogs.
Doshi O. Seriously
Doshi is a 97 pound six year old Bernese Mountain dog mix who's an almost perfect gentleman. He's a calm older dog who is well mannered and yet doesn't take much guff from the youngsters. Doshi is from the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) and serves as a great demo dog for a number of different types of events. He is a Canine Good Citizen and a Therapy Dog, a Novice Trick Dog, and has earned basic titles in canine freestyle, barnhunt, rally and obedience. He loves nosework and swimming, but more than anything in the world, Doshi loves dead things. Not small things, big things. Hiking with Doshi is always an adventure in exploring the mighty outdoors, and since he has a scientific bent to his personality Doshi loves to get up close and personal.
Doshi is a 97 pound six year old Bernese Mountain dog mix who's an almost perfect gentleman. He's a calm older dog who is well mannered and yet doesn't take much guff from the youngsters. Doshi is from the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) and serves as a great demo dog for a number of different types of events. He is a Canine Good Citizen and a Therapy Dog, a Novice Trick Dog, and has earned basic titles in canine freestyle, barnhunt, rally and obedience. He loves nosework and swimming, but more than anything in the world, Doshi loves dead things. Not small things, big things. Hiking with Doshi is always an adventure in exploring the mighty outdoors, and since he has a scientific bent to his personality Doshi loves to get up close and personal.
Cocoa Bean Puppe
Cocoa is a 33 pound Jindo mix who was born in South Korea in November, 2014. He was rescued by the Humane Society International and brought to the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) in January, 2015. Without the socialization necessary during his early days, Cocoa and his two siblings were feral. Doshi and Tahiti were brought in to see if they could calm the pups, and indeed, the puppies immediately began playing and exploring their space. With the older dogs near, Cocoa began to move closer to humans and to take treats. We brought Cocoa home to continue his progress, and lo, it turns out that he belonged with us. While I will always serve as his advocate and protector in this world, Cocoa happily goes everywhere and does everything when he's with his brothers, and is working on being more comfortable out in the world on his own. Cocoa is a graduate of Good Dog DC's Puppy Academy and earned the AKC Puppy S.T.A.R. and Canine Good Citizen title.
Cocoa is a 33 pound Jindo mix who was born in South Korea in November, 2014. He was rescued by the Humane Society International and brought to the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) in January, 2015. Without the socialization necessary during his early days, Cocoa and his two siblings were feral. Doshi and Tahiti were brought in to see if they could calm the pups, and indeed, the puppies immediately began playing and exploring their space. With the older dogs near, Cocoa began to move closer to humans and to take treats. We brought Cocoa home to continue his progress, and lo, it turns out that he belonged with us. While I will always serve as his advocate and protector in this world, Cocoa happily goes everywhere and does everything when he's with his brothers, and is working on being more comfortable out in the world on his own. Cocoa is a graduate of Good Dog DC's Puppy Academy and earned the AKC Puppy S.T.A.R. and Canine Good Citizen title.
The dog silhouette used in our logo was created by Daniel Schroeder from Noun Project.
