Julie Schmitt trains dogs the same way she raises her kids. As a mom of two girls, she knows that raising kids is not a “fix it and forget it” prospect, and the same is true when working with dogs. She believes that when dogs act out, it’s too easy to lose sight of their moments of greatness, so she helps empower frustrated dog owners to create lasting change in their dogs, leading to improved behavior and more shared joy.
The methods she employs represent a lifestyle choice. They are the same practices that can be used to improve relationships with family members, friends, or co-workers.
Vision: Keep it simple, appreciate the small things, find the joy.
Julie has been a professional dog trainer for over 25 years. She is the only dog trainer in San Diego who is a licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), Certified Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSPDT), and a Certified Fear Free Professional.
Who recommends her and where she can be found
She is recommended by the El Cajon Animal Shelter, Coastview Veterinary Hospital, Cuyamaca Animal Hospital, El Cerrito Veterinarian Hospital, Judy Veterinary Clinic, Lake Murray Village Veterinary Clinic, Mast Blvd. Pet Hospital, Mission Valley Pet Clinic, Rancho San Carlos Vet Clinic, Santee Pet Hospital, Spring Valley Animal Medical Hospital, VCA Grossmont, numerous professional animal trainers and other pet professionals. She can often be found working with clients at Fiesta Island, hiking trails at Cowles Mountain, or walking at Lake Murray. Julie conducts many training sessions at parks throughout the East County, with specific emphasis on such neighborhoods as Del Cerro, Rolando, San Carlos, Santee, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, and Lakeside.
Credentials
- Licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed
- Certified Victoria Stilwell Positive Dog Trainer
- Certified Fear Free Professional
- Licensed Be a Tree Presenter (dog bite prevention for children)
- Member, The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
- Professional Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Her story
In 1996, Julie began working at the prestigious and world renowned Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., in San Rafael, California. She completed a three year intensive apprenticeship and is a licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructor through the State of California. With six years of hand-on experience at Guide Dogs, Julie trained over 90 guide dogs. During her tenure, she worked with over 400 dogs. She was responsible for the teaching and reinforcement of positive and humane methods of dog care; including training, daily care, administration of medications and provision of stress relief activities.
In 2002, Julie and her family moved to San Diego where she established Out N’ About Dog Training. She was privileged to be approved as a Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer by Victoria Stilwell herself, star of Animal Planet’s hit TV series It’s Me or the Dog and a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement training methods.
Julie lives in La Mesa with her husband, who is a veterinarian, and their two daughters. They also have two terrific dogs, fish and a gecko. Julie has a passion for her work and a love for animals that is evident in her training style.