Dustin Schmidt

A man taking a selfie with eight dogs sitting on steps behind him in a wooded area.

I began working with dogs professionally in 2004 after moving from California to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to drive dog sled teams. What started as a short break from my career path quickly became a passion, as I became fascinated by how dogs interact with the world. I began studying dog behavior and training in my free time.

After three years guiding dogsled tours and a year racing, I moved to Alaska to guide on the Juneau Icefield with Alaska Icefield Expeditions. Living twelve miles up the Mendenhall Glacier with 300 sled dogs and just twenty people was a transformative experience. I spent six seasons there, learning from the dogs every day.

In 2013, I moved to Seattle to explore whether my experience with working dogs could help pet owners in the city—and it did. Over a decade later, the people and dogs I work with feel like family.

My training philosophy is rooted in life with a large pack of working dogs. While human trainers offer great insights, I believe the best teachers are dogs themselves. All dogs—whether sled dogs or pets—need purpose. Through “Less Talk, More Walk,” I help dogs reconnect with their primal instincts and feel fulfilled as part of a pack.

Person in winter clothing and face covering dog sledding with a team of sled dogs in snowy landscape.
A man wearing sunglasses, a black jacket, and a cap kneeling on a gravel path outdoors, surrounded by seven dogs of various breeds and sizes. The scene is sunny with trees and a wire fence in the background.
A person and a dog on a blue kayak in a lake with mountains in the background.

MY TRAINING METHOD

  • STRUCTURED PACK WALKS

    Most domestic dogs miss out on one of the most fulfilling primal experiences: walking as a pack. Our Structured Pack Walks offer a daily, one-hour group walk where dogs learn to walk calmly on a loose leash while building social skills and confidence. It’s great for leash training, socialization, and exposure to everyday distractions—like other dogs and skateboards. Pickup and drop-off from home or office included.

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    PRIVATE IN-HOME COACHING SESSIONS

    One-on-One Coaching sessions are custom-tailored to help you better understand and connect with your dog. Whether you're working through challenges or starting fresh with a new pup, we’ll cover essentials like clear communication, leadership, leash skills, and creating a balanced, fulfilling life for your dog.

  • OFF LEASH DOG PARK EXCURSIONS

    If your dog is social, friendly, and has good recall, this outing is for you. We spend 90 minutes at the dog park playing fetch, swimming, and socializing with dogs and people. Perfect for all energy levels. Your dog will be picked up from your home or office and returned towel-dried and ready for a nap.

Join the Pack
A group of dogs standing on a leash outdoors on a partly cloudy day.
A group of dogs of various breeds and sizes on a gravel surface outdoors, with green trees and an overcast sky in the background.
A group of eleven dogs of various sizes and breeds standing on a large fallen tree trunk outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
Four dogs, including a black and tan dachshund, two golden retrievers, and a husky, standing on a dirt path outdoors with a grassy hill and trees in the background.