About Us
Who we are
We are a collaborative group of experienced, professional dog trainers serving the Duluth / Superior and surrounding communities. The Homeschooled Pooch is owned and operated by a wife-and-husband team! We use a variety of proven, research-based training methods with an emphasis on positive reinforcement.
Why Dogs love us
We understand dogs! We customize your pooch's training experience with his or her unique personality, breed characteristics, and motivations in mind. We help dogs to have a more satisfying and mutually respectful relationship with their humans than ever before!
Why You'll love us
Our focus on client communication and support is what puts our training programs ahead of the rest of the pack! Whether you just need a little coaching in basic obedience training or help solving stressful behavior issues, YOU will be closely involved with your dog's training every step of the way!
Our Trainers
Amy J., CPDT-KA
Amy J., CPDT-KA
Amy J., CPDT-KA
Amy Johnson is the owner and business manager of The Homeschooled Pooch. You'll usually find her at the day school, either behind the computer or holding a leash. A Duluth native and a College of Saint Scholastica graduate, Amy is a former middle school science teacher. She began training dogs as a full-time profession after completing an
Amy Johnson is the owner and business manager of The Homeschooled Pooch. You'll usually find her at the day school, either behind the computer or holding a leash. A Duluth native and a College of Saint Scholastica graduate, Amy is a former middle school science teacher. She began training dogs as a full-time profession after completing an apprenticeship program with RR Professional Dog Training in 2017. She's also worked as a head dog trainer at Canal Bark, creating a comprehensive puppy and dog training curriculum with digital supporting materials for their humans during lockdowns and social distancing. Amy is CPDT-KA certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and AKC Trick Dog evaluator. Amy believes that anyone can be a "dog whisperer" once they learn how to listen to their dog... Sometimes all you need is the right teacher! :)
Jason J.
Amy J., CPDT-KA
Amy J., CPDT-KA
Jason Johnson is our co-owner, senior trainer, and primary in-home private lesson instructor, field trip chaperone, group class leader, and all-around "boots-on-the-ground" guy! (You'll also find him helping out at the day school pretty regularly.) He often refers to himself as "the guy on the dumb end of the leash," but don't let his sel
Jason Johnson is our co-owner, senior trainer, and primary in-home private lesson instructor, field trip chaperone, group class leader, and all-around "boots-on-the-ground" guy! (You'll also find him helping out at the day school pretty regularly.) He often refers to himself as "the guy on the dumb end of the leash," but don't let his self-deprecating humor fool you... Jason knows dogs! A UW-Stevens Point graduate, Jason completed an apprenticeship with a local dog trainer in 2018 and was hooked! Additionally, Jason was head dog trainer at CanalBark, where his unique responsibility was to train new trainers and oversee their work, before co-founding The Homeschooled Pooch with his wife, Amy. Jason is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog evaluator. His patience and attention to detail when it comes to "reading" dogs is invaluable, and he has a special talent for solving tricky behavioral issues. Jason understands that coaching his human clients is at least as important as training their dogs, and he is dedicated to helping canines and their humans live their best lives together.
Mikayla S.
Amy J., CPDT-KA
Mikayla S.
Mikayla joined us as a full time professional dog trainer at our day school facility in January 2023, after apprenticing with us over the previous year. Mikayla had previously worked in a local veterinary clinic. and manages a multi-species household including puppy Samara (pictured), shiba inu Kaneki, and three cats!
Register for a $20 Training consultation!
Contact us now for more info + registration materials.