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! Your pooch's individual training experience is curated with his or her unique personality, breed characteristics, and motivations in mind. Dogs LOVE that we teach their humans how to communicate with them, You and your dog will have a more satisfying and mutually respectful relationship than ever before!
Why You'll love us
Our transparency, supportiveness, and compassion are what put our training programs ahead of the rest of the pack! We believe that training your dog should be a fun, rewarding, and bonding activity. 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 is CPDT-KA certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers!!
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
Amy is CPDT-KA certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers!!
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 covid-19. She believes that anyone can be a "dog whisperer" once they learn how to listen to their dog... all you need is the right teacher! She trained her own dog, Buck (above left) to be her mobility service dog; he is now retired. Onyx (above right) has his CGC and TKN titles - but he's still naughty sometimes. :)
Jason J.
Amy J., CPDT-KA
Amy J., CPDT-KA
Jason Johnson is a co-owner, 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 when he's not doing everything else!) He often refers to himself as "the guy on the dumb end of the leash," but don't let his self-deprecating humo
Jason Johnson is a co-owner, 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 when he's not doing everything else!) 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! Jason was also a head dog trainer at CanalBark, where he trained and supervised new trainers, before co-founding The Homeschooled Pooch with his wife, Amy. His skill when it comes to "reading" dogs is invaluable, and he has a talent for solving tricky behavioral issues. Jason knows that coaching his human clients is just as important as training their dogs, and he is dedicated to helping dogs 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! Mikayla's calm demea
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! Mikayla's calm demeanor and abundance of patience gives her a big advantage with winning over shy and nervous pups. She works full time at the day school, assists with group classes and pack walks, and also manages TONS of our day-to-day operations (including keeping Jason on task!).Mikayla and Kaneki also compete together in FastCAT with the Head of the Lakes Kennel Club!
Train With a Certified Pro!
The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), established in 2001, is the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. The CCPDT is the leader in the development of rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery of humane, science-based dog training practices. Learn more HERE!
Register for a $20 Training consultation!
Contact us now for more info + registration materials.