Our Certified Trainers

Aimee is an AKC Certified Trainer with over 17 year’s experience, who specializes in behavior modification, service dog training, and therapy dog training, with a strong foundation in science-based, pain-free and aversive-free methods. Born and raised in San Diego as the daughter of a veterinarian, she grew up immersed in animal care helping in her family’s veterinary hospitals and spending summers on her grandparents’ farm caring for a wide range of animals. After moving to Los Angeles, Aimee began her professional dog training journey in 2008 following the adoption of her heart dog, Ginger, a fearful and aggressive rescue who required gentle, behavior-focused training. Working alongside renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda inspired Aimee’s deep commitment to understanding canine behavior and emotions, sparking a lifelong passion for helping dogs with complex needs.Now based in San Diego, Aimee lives with her four rescue dogs and has worked with over 3,000 dogs to date. She specializes in helping dogs with reactivity, fear, anxiety, resource guarding, noise phobias, handling sensitivities, vet and grooming desensitization, impulse control, and basic manners, as well as new puppy education. Over the past 13 years, she has designed and taught puppy kindergarten and socialization classes, confidence-building classes for fearful dogs, obedience from beginner to advanced levels, Canine Good Citizen preparation, and real-world “out and about” classes. Aimee believes training should be fun, compassionate, and rewarding while providing clear guidance and structure that builds confidence, communication, and trust between dogs and their people. ‍

Diana is an ABC animal behavior, college certified dog trainer and an AKC certified CGC evaluator with over 15 years experience in training and group classes. She uses compassion, positive training, methods, and lots of love. She also offers cage-free boarding in her home as safe and loving environment. Dogs in her care enjoy comfort, structure, and personal attention. She treats dogs the way she would want someone to treat her fur baby so that you may travel knowing your dog will be well taken care of and loved in your absence.At Dogpanion, we believe that dogs learn best when they feel safe, understood, and loved. We have worked with puppies just starting out, dogs learning, basic obedience and manners, dogs needing behavior modification, teams preparing for the K9 good citizen program, and those seeking to be service dogs. Whether you are raising a new puppy or polishing up skills for an older dog, we are here to make life with your dog easier, happier, and more fun. When dogs feel safe, understood, and loved amazing things happen!‍

Over 30 years of experience working with rescues has helped me to understand patience and listening to the dog and client is key. Positive reinforcement is vital for teaching all dogs cues (commands). I work at the dog’s pace and train the dog according to what fits for the individual or family’s lifestyle. I also compete in dog sports and do therapy work with my dogs which gives me a broader experience range.

Mel’s training philosophy is grounded in a science-based, whole-dog approach. As a trainer with over a decade of experience, she knows the importance of creating a space that embraces the power of partnership in the training process. She does not utilize a one size fits all approach. Instead, she tailors her customized training plans to help each dog and owner reach their full potential. Her strategic training and communication methods are designed to build a foundation of trust while creating lifelong bonds between pet parents and their one-of-a-kind companions. Committed to continuous learning, in 2019 Mel wanted to expand her skill set and completed a comprehensive program where she received her Service Dog Coach certificate. Service dog training helped her discover a hidden passion for mental health. She went one step further and received her Be There Certificate which provided her with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to safely support anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. Then in 2022, she became a certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer behavior consultant through Julie Naismith and now specialize in working with dogs who suffer from separation anxiety and help pet guardians navigate this difficult issue through the use of force-free training methods grounded in science. Her passion for helping pet guardians learn to effectively communicate with their dogs stems from her experience and love of her own (recovered) separation anxiety dog, Duncan. This dedication to education, combined with her extensive experience, allows her to offer the most effective solutions for the dogs and owners she works with. Mel is a big advocate for positive reinforcement and strives to make training a fun experience for both the person and their dog. She believes every dog has the potential to accomplish amazing things! She looks forward to partnering with you on your training journey!