SAMANTHA SMITH

Owner/Trainer/Pet Sitting/Dog Walking

For over a decade, Sam has dedicated herself to working extensively with animals in Calgary, Alberta. Her experience spans pet stores, dog day-cares, and volunteering with rescue organizations. Through her rescue work, Sam discovered a profound passion for dog training, which led her to immerse herself in studying canine behavior, training techniques, and canine nutrition. While balancing volunteering, work, and academic commitments, Sam focused on learning how to address various behavioral issues in dogs.

Sam has completed numerous educational programs and seminars and is currently pursuing her CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) designation. She is committed to continuous improvement and regularly participates in courses and seminars to enhance her dog training skills.

At home, Sam shares her life with two dogs — Boone and Shady — as well as three cats and a variety of other animals. Her diverse household reflects her deep love for all species and her dedication to animal care and training.

To Sign the Pledge, go here.

Continued Education/Seminars:

  • March 15th 2020 – How to Organize a Kittengarten – Paula Garber
  • March 15th 2020 – The CARE Protocol Webinar – Jennifer Titus
  • March 15th 2020 – Toddlers and Dogs: The Dynamic Duo Webinar – Jennifer Shryock
  • September 14th & 15th 2019- A Dog Wellness Seminar – Turid Rugaas
  • June 3rd 2018 – The Power of Play: Helping Semi-feral and Traumatized Dogs Make Social Connections conference DVD – Rise VanFleet
  • May 29th 2018 – Behavioral Genetics lecture DVD – Jim Ha, Ph.D
  • February 4th 2017 – Sniff On Nose Work (working spot) – Shanna Chynoweth
  • February 4th 2017 – Tricky K9’s (working spot) – Sara Carson & The Super Collies
  • February 3rd 2017 – But That’s an Elephant – Les O’Brien
  • 2016 – How to train your spouse, and your dog! – Dogma Behavior and Education Centers
  • 2016 – Dog Talk – Dogma Behavior and Education Centers
  • July 16th 2016 – The Power of the Bond: How to reduce fear, anxiety and stress in our canine friends – Sheila Gunston, Hudson’s Hounds
  • 2016 – Dogma Apprenticeship Program

POPPY

Pet Sitting

*photo coming soon*

Meet Poppy, one of our primary pet-sitting caregivers! Poppy has owned and loved animals for the majority of her life, from reptiles and birds, to dogs and cats. Poppy is force-free and positive reinforcement based, and has been working with Beyond Dog for several years on the side of her day job, bringing love and compassion to the animals in her care. Always revered for being fun, optimistic, and gentle, she is an ideal caregiver for any pet in need of pet-sitting! Poppy enjoys fishing, camping, the outdoors, horseback riding, and pet-sitting your best friends.

EMMA

Pet Sitting

*photo coming soon*

Meet Emma! While Emma is a newer member of the Beyond Dog team, she has loads of experience with pet-sitting, house sitting and babysitting! Emma’s best buddy is her wonderful cat, Concorde, and she loves dogs! Emma is also force-free and positive reinforcement based. Emma follows instructions diligently, she’s adaptable, and she’s a quick learner too. With a gentle, kind approach, many dogs warm up to Emma quickly, making her a quick favorite. Emma also has incredible patience, and tons of love to give to your furry best friends while you’re away.

WALT

*photo coming soon*

Pet Sitting

Meet Walt! Walt has been supporting Beyond Dog since the very beginning, but his understanding and experience within the dog industry dates much further than that! Growing up in a home on a farm where dogs were bred, shown in conformation rings, groomed, trained and an integral part of the farm life, Walt gained invaluable experience. He also worked some of the Alberta Kennel Club shows during that time. Now a Sociology major in University, Walt enjoys the time he gets to spend with dogs, as being a student and a part time worker does not enable him the lifestyle to currently have his own furry companion, but rest assured that Walt LOVES dogs and will treat your furry best friend just like his own.