Samantha Lewis Dog Trainer

13/06/2026

Playing tug doesn’t cause aggression—it’s actually a fantastic way to burn energy, build confidence, and work on impulse control ("grab" and "drop" cue!).

Keep the games short, let them win sometimes, keep it fun, and enjoy the bond!

11/06/2026

As an assessor for the ADAA, days like today are incredibly rewarding. It is an absolute privilege to watch owner-trained assistance dog teams put their hard work, dedication, and training into practice.

​Every assessment is a reminder of how vital our mission is—bridging the gap in the sector, ensuring inclusivity, and helping valid, safe, and dedicated partnerships gain the recognition and independent validation they deserve.

​Huge congratulations to the team I met today for their hard work, and a big shoutout to everyone at the Assistance Dog Assessment Association for continuing to champion these standards. 🐾💛


# SamanthaLewisDogTrainer

08/06/2026

07/06/2026

As a behaviorist, there is nothing better than seeing a plan come together. 🛠️🐾

​Currently, I’m looking after a 17-week-old Miniature Jack Russell for a client who is disabled and currently very ill. He had a incredibly rough start, coming from a backyard breeder with zero socialisation, severe fear of the world, and separation anxiety.

​We are on Day 3, and I am so proud to say he is thriving! 🚀

​Sometimes it’s good to test your own medicine. This stay has completely reconfirmed that the step-by-step advice I give to all my new puppy owners is absolutely spot on. Positive, force-free training works, even for the most vulnerable pups.

07/06/2026

Reminder:
Not all dogs naturally love having doggy visitors!

Guarding the home is a totally normal canine behaviour. But when we put in the time, patience, and proper force-free management... magic happens.

Pepper begrudgingly decided the puppy was okay and settled down for a nap right nearby

06/06/2026

The puppy is staying with us for the weekend to support his socialisation and toilet training.
Our cat is on a lead as he is a house/garden cat.
They have seen each other from a distance but Jenson, our cat, decided to get a bit closer to see what's going on.
Free choices, positive, force free training through choice.

04/06/2026

Dog grooming should be done when your dog is completely relaxed. Pepper is so relaxed she is horizontal!
My daughter has been cutting Peppers fur for the last 5 years. Team work ❤️

31/05/2026

First outing since arriving home. His owner is disabled so they can't do any socialisation so we took ourselves on an adventure.

We had a car ride, observed the world from outside McDonald's, did a drive through, went to the park and watched some children play and had a sniff around lots of dog smells and made a new human friend.

Socialisation isn't all about meeting other dogs it's about exploring the world around them.

30/05/2026

Buster is 15 years old, blind, has been physically/mentally abused, is petrified of being groomed, and loves to bark.
He gets so excited when asked for a behaviour he has to answer back! ❤️

23/05/2026

Pepper is an ex-street dog, so recall doesn’t come easily to her. When I call her, I don’t nag—she can hear me. Instead, I wait, watch, and mentally count to 5. Just like that, she chooses to come back. 🤍
I always pause before giving the treat to keep her engaged and by my side. Seeing how proud she looks after a great recall makes every second of patience worth it.