A Reward-Based, Positive Training Philosophy
Sammye's Dogs' training employs humane, effective training founded on the latest scientific evidence. Our protocols are designs by highly experienced Certified Professional Dog Trainers to set you and your dog up for success from the start.
We use reward-based methods and commonly utilize reinforcers such as treats and toys to teach concepts in game-style ways. We mark desirable behaviors using a "clicker" (sound maker) or our voice with a verbal marker word such as "YES!"
In our training, we work together one-on-one tackling training goals through achievable increments. During our sessions, we explain, demonstrate, and coach you through training your dog. Even with Pro Day Training and Board & Train, YOU are included in training and are THE most important key to lifelong success with your dog. We create a training plan, and assign manageable homework in between sessions. We are there for you every step of the way!
How do we do it?
1) Teaching and reinforcing desirable behaviors so they will be more likely to occur in the future.
2) Preventing and interrupting undesirable behaviors WITHOUT the intentional use of physical or psychological intimidation.
3) Taking the dog's physical and emotional wellbeing into account.
4) Continuing to educate ourselves as Professional Trainers with the goal of employing humane, effective training based on the latest scientific evidence.
The way we train furthers progress through a more compassionate relationship between humans and animals and is void of fear, force, or intimidation.
We value transparency - No gimmicks or empty promises
In the often challenging search for the right dog trainer, we are proud to be transparent about our philosophy, training methods, process, pricing, and our expertise and background. Much like other service-based professions, not all dog trainers are equal. Dog training is an unregulated field, meaning anybody could call themselves a "dog trainer." "behaviorist," or "behavioral trainer." However, we hold ourselves to the highest degree of ethics and commitment to voluntary certification and adherence to kind and science-based practices. Dog trainers can differ significantly in terms of their methods, philosophies, experience, and overall approach to training, so we understand you must be careful with who you select. We appreciate your seeking of professional help, research and trust in us.
About the Owner
I'm Sammye Darling, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) with an extensive background spanning over a decade in dog training and behavior consulting. My journey into this field in 2011 was ignited by a passion for rescuing homeless dogs, making them more adoptable, and ensuring they have forever homes. I've also dedicated my expertise to training service dogs for individuals with disabilities, a mission that led to the establishment of my own 501c3 non-profit organization in 2015.
My expertise extends to addressing the needs of dog owners whose beloved pets are commonly described as difficult, high-energy, overly excited, easily distracted, impulsive, fearful, stressed, anxious, or reactive, and I am experienced in dealing with dog-aggressive cases.
My approach to dog training is highly personalized, recognizing the unique needs of each client and their dogs. I craft customized training plans that align with your specific goals and behavioral modification. Through these plans, I aim to enhance not only the skills of dog owners but also the cherished human-animal bond shared with their beloved pets. To facilitate continued progress, I provide manageable homework assignments and training charts.
I am here to assist dog owners with a wide array of concerns, including but not limited to barking, whining, potty training, teething, destructive behavior when left alone, jumping, lunging, pulling on or biting the leash, digging in the yard, counter surfing, theft of food or objects, darting out of doors, resource guarding, and issues related to fence, leash, or dog aggression.
My commitment is to empower you and your furry family members, fostering harmony, understanding, and lasting positive change.
About The Company Owner
Sammye Darling, BS Hons., CPDT-KSA
Education
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Minor in Neuroscience, 2015
Distinction: Honors
GPA: 3.76
Major/Minor GPA: 4.00
Clear Creek High School, League City, Texas, 2011
Distinction: Honors
GPA: 3.98
Credentials
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA)
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
AKC Trick Dog Evaluator
AKC Golden Retriever Breeder Bred with HEART
Pet First Aid Certified
Honors
Dean’s Honor List
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
President’s Scholar
Psi Chi- The International Honor Society in Psychology
Undergraduate Research Scholar
Completion of Graduate Courses at TAMU
Professional Memberships
The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (ADPT)
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
American Psychological Association (APA)
Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA)
Greater Houston Golden Retriever Club (GHGRC)
Continuing Education
Teaching Experience
Recertified with the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers
Playgroup Workshop - (23894)
Correcting K9 Misbehavior & Aggression Part 3 with Pat Miller - (24219)
Correcting K9 Misbehavior & Aggression Part 4 with Pat Miller - (24220)
Ian Dunbar: Barking Up The Wrong Tree - (15108)
Taking Your Training Online - (17642)
Impulse Control Part 1 - (18198)
Impulse Control Part 2 - (18310)
The Overly Aroused Dog - (18959)
Resource Guarding: Part 3-Management - (18952)
Resource Guarding: Part 2 - (18951)
Resource Guarding: Part 1. - (18950)
Excitability - (19544)
SEPARATION ANXIETY (Mission Impossible) - (19545)
Reactivity - (19546)
PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION for Canine Non-Aggression Problems - (19547)
RECALLS: Why Dog Aren’t Coming When Called and What We Can Do About It. - (19548)
The Power of Choice And How It Can Decrease Stress in Dogs With Irith Bloom and Kristina Spaulding - (19658)
Your PORTL to Shaping - (21401)
Knock-Knock: From Chaos to Calm - (20907)
Interactive Intro to the Tellington TTouch® for Dogs - (20467)
Your Virtual "Learn How to Train Dogs to Detect Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Nightmares" - Workin - (20496)
Girl Scouts Project Supervisor, Silver Award, 2023
Wag! Dog Walking App Walker and Training Developer, December 2017 - October 2018
Academic Tutor, TAMU Psychology & Research Department, August 2012- May 2015
Girl Scouts Animal Helper Badge Seminar, May 2015
Clinical Experience
Veterinary Assistant, Bee Creek Veterinary Hospital in College Station, Texas, May 2013- August 2014, 15 hours/week
Externship
Criminal Intelligence Analyst, City of College Station Police Department, September 2014- December 2014, 15 hours/week
Research
Honors Thesis Independent Researcher, September 2014 – May 2015
Dr. Darrell Worthy, Motivation and Cognition Interface Lab
Psychology Department, TAMU
Topic: Reward-Based Decision-Making
Student Researcher, June 2014 - August 2014
Dr. Joseph Ferrari, Community Psychology Lab
Psychology Department, DePaul University
Topic: Procrastination and Recollection of Positive Memories
Student Researcher, January 2014 – January 2015
Dr. John Edens, Clinical Psychology Department, TAMU
Topic: Antisocial Personality Disorder and Texas Death Penalty Cases (1976-2014)
Research Assistant, January 2014 - June 2014, 9 hours/week
Dr. Darrell Worthy, Motivation and Cognition Interface Lab
Psychology Department, TAMU
Psychology Research Position, May 2013- September 2013
Dr. Michael Chaddock, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences One Health Initiative at TAMU and The American Humane Association
Topic: Patterns of Household Pets
Academic Presentations
Darling, S.N., Tibbett, T. P., & Ferrari J.R. (May 2015). Procrastination and Zen: Recalling life's 33 happy moments by indecisive. Poster to be presented at the annual meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.
Darling, S.N., Byrne, K.A., & Worthy, D.A. (March 2015). Striatal Dopamine Moderates Effects of Psychopathy on Decision-Making Task Performance. Paper presentation for the annual Texas A&M University Student Research Week, College Station, TX.
Tibbett, T. P., Darling, S.N., & Ferrari J.R. (February 2015). Zen and the indecisive: Role of affect in the recall of happy moments by decisional procrastinators. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Long Beach, CA.
Kelley, S.E., Anderson, H., Glass, C., Darling, S.N., Walker, A., Cudmore, C., & Edens, J.F. (November 2014). The role of antisocial personality disorder in Texas death penalty cases (1976-2014). Poster presentation at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology, San Francisco, California.
Brown, D., Agudelo, S., Darling, S.N., Janning, K., Pluhar, L., Romeo, A., Shaffel, S.,
Chaddock, M., Holub, M. K. (March 2013). Texas A&M University and One Health Alliance Program in Conjunction with the American Humane Association: Addressing the Cat Issue. Poster presentation at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, Washington, D. C.
Publications
Darling, S.N., Byrne, K.A., Worthy, D.A. Effect of successful psychopathy on reward-based decision-making. Texas A&M University.
Employment Background
Business Owner, Sammye’s Dogs LLC, December 2021 - Current
“Company’s Top Ten” Lead Dog Trainer, Karma Dog Training, October 2020 - Current
Executive Director, National Assistance Dogs (NADI), Non-Profit Corporation, October 2018 - October 2020
Director of Operations, National Assistance Dogs (NADI), Non-Profit Corporation, December 2017 - October 2018
Founder and Executive Director, Texas Service Dogs (merged with NADI), Non-Profit Corporation, May 2015- December 2017
Texas Regional Hiring Manager and Instructor, Wag! Dog Walking App, June 2016 – April 2017
Professional Service Dog Trainer, Making Assistance Dogs Easy (MADE) in Texas Assistance Dogs (merged with Scout's Legacy), Non-Profit Corporation, March 2014- October 2014
Psychology Expert, American Humane Association "One Health" & TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine, Paid Researcher, 2013
Puppy Raiser, Power Paws Assistance Dogs Puppy Raiser (PPAD), Non-Profit Corporation,
Director of Publicity, Aggie Guide Dogs and Service Dogs (AGS), TAMU Organization, 2012
Vice President, Psi Chi Honor Society, TAMU Organization
