Samantha “Sami” Garza – Owner & Head Trainer
I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching Animal Planet, reading every dog book I could get my hands on, and even trying to start a backyard doggy daycare at 10 years old with homemade flyers and business cards.
My real start came when I got my first dog, Jack, a West Highland White Terrier. I was 9 years old and completely obsessed. He was my best friend through every stage of life and the first dog I ever trained, even if I didn’t realize that’s what I was doing at the time.
Years later, after moving to Seattle and working everything from zoo retail to running a busy bar, life shifted during the pandemic. I started walking dogs and quickly realized most of them had zero leash manners. That frustration pushed me to start learning. What started as a solution for sore shoulders turned into a full deep dive into canine behavior.
I became certified through Animal Behavior College in 2021 and graduated with honors. While in the program, I spent months shadowing trainers and working hands on with reactive and aggressive dogs. That is where I found my passion. Since then, I have worked full time as a dog trainer, continuing my education through seminars, workshops, and mentorships.
I have trained alongside and learned from some of the best in the industry, including completing a one on one shadow program with Tom Davis at Upstate Canine Academy, where I traveled to New York to work dogs and have my training and business audited. I have also attended multiple workshops with respected trainers like Forrest Micke, Michael Ellis, and Natalie Dobkins.
My work has taken me beyond Washington, traveling out of state to work with clients, and building a reputation that reaches nationwide.
With my own dogs, I stay heavily involved in sport and continued education. My dog Stewart has earned multiple dock diving titles including Dock Junior, Dock Senior, and Dock Master. My younger dog Zelda, who I brought home in February 2025, is my current sport prospect. Since getting her, I have dedicated over 250 hours to training, workshops, and education in protection sports with the goal of earning her PDC and competing in PSA. She is also working toward her first dock diving title this year.
I am also a partner with Dog Gone Seattle, where I serve as a preferred trainer and foster. I regularly take on challenging cases, helping dogs either find homes or stay successfully in the ones they already have.
My mission is simple. I want owners to understand their dogs, build real communication, and create a relationship that actually works in the real world. Whether that is basic obedience or serious behavior modification, I am here to help people live better lives with their dogs.
You can find me online in the links below or just send me a message to say hi.
