About Us
Sami Jo
Sami is a certified dog trainer and behaviorist with over eight years of professional experience helping dogs and their handlers build clear, confident relationships. She earned her certification through Starmark Academy in 2017 and has since worked hands-on with more than 5,000 dogs, ranging from family companions to high-drive working and sporting dogs.
She is a Certified Canine Athlete Specialist (CCAS) and brings a performance-based approach to training that prioritizes sound foundations, physical health, and mental clarity. Sami is an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and AKC Temperament Test (ATT) Evaluator, an AKC FIT Dog Instructor, and a professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).
Sami actively competes in AKC Obedience, Scentwork, Dock Diving, and Frisbee, and runs hunting dogs throughout the season, including guiding in the field. Her training philosophy is rooted in real-world application - building dogs that can think, perform, and settle in high-pressure environments.
At Empower Dog Training, Sami focuses on developing confident, capable dogs through clear communication, consistency, and respect for the individual dog. Her goal is not just obedience, but creating dogs that are reliable, resilient, and ready for the life they’re asked to live.
Meet The Dogs
My pack is made up of dogs with diverse backgrounds who excel in sport, service, and community work. They are not only accomplished competitors, but also reliable, well-rounded demo dogs that help showcase real-world training, behavior, and versatility.
Tex
Tex is an 8-year-old Black Labrador with titles in UKC Hunting Retriever Championship, AKC Obedience, Nosework, Dock Diving, Trick Dog, and Canine Good Citizen. He is also a working service dog and trusted demo dog, known for his consistency, clarity, and reliability across environments.
Blu
Blu is an 11-year-old retired Search and Rescue and Therapy Dog. Though retired from active work, she still enjoys helping with puppy development and assisting in the socialization and behavior modification of dogs in training.
Raymond
Raymond is a 6-year-old Dalmatian and well-known community favorite. He is heavily involved in therapy work and public events, including appearances with local fire departments. Raymond competes and holds titles in Dock Diving, Frisbee, Scentwork, and Barn Hunt, and regularly serves as a demo trick dog and photoshoot dog.
Lola
Lola is a 6-year-old Corgi who brings energy and personality to every event. She is an active agility dog and competes in Frisbee and Barn Hunt, while also participating in community demonstrations and outreach events.
Zyn
Zyn is a 2-year-old Black Labrador currently working toward his UKC Grand Hunting Retriever Championship and competing in AKC Hunt Tests for his Master Hunter title. He is a phenomenal upland and waterfowl dog, known for being steady, driven, and a pleasure to hunt behind or share a blind with.
Nyx
Nyx is an 8-month-old Black Labrador who is just beginning her journey. She will follow in her siblings’ footsteps, competing in a variety of dog sports while also being developed as a future hunting dog.
Community Involvement
Community is a core part of Empower Dog Training. I believe that dogs connect people, and that education, involvement, and service strengthen both the dog world and the communities we live in.
I am actively involved with multiple charitable organizations, supporting causes that benefit dogs, handlers, and the community as a whole. I am also a member of the Scheels Pro Staff, participating in photo shoots, in-store and community events, educational opportunities, and outreach initiatives that promote responsible dog ownership and active lifestyles.
Nutrition plays a critical role in a dog’s performance and longevity. Through my partnership with Eukanuba Dog Food, I help educate owners on proper nutrition and how fueling their dog correctly can support optimal health, recovery, and performance.
I am an active participant in my local kennel club, working to bring more people into the dog sport world through education, mentorship, and accessible opportunities. I also serve as a UPDog Judge and Frisbee League Judge, helping grow the sport and maintain fair, knowledgeable competition standards.
I was proud to help bring the first South Dakota regulated dock diving dock to a training facility, expanding access to structured dock diving and competitive water sports in the region.
In addition to my professional work, I actively compete in Scentwork, Obedience and Rally, Frisbee, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, and Hunting, ensuring I remain hands-on and current across multiple disciplines. I am a professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and have attended the IACP Conference for the past seven years, continuing my education and collaboration with trainers from around the world.
I also volunteer as an Alliance Therapy Dog Handler, visiting Sanford, Avera, and the local airport, providing comfort, connection, and support through certified therapy dog work.
Through competition, education, service, and outreach, my goal is to elevate the dog community while creating opportunities for dogs and handlers to grow together.
Why I Train With My Own Dogs
I believe the best trainers are actively training their own dogs.
Every competition, seminar, hunt, and training session I do with my own dogs makes me a better trainer. Working through goals, setbacks, and successes firsthand keeps my skills sharp and my perspective honest. I’m not teaching from theory alone, I’m teaching from experience that’s tested in real environments and real pressure.
Training my own dogs allows me to stay well-rounded and current across multiple disciplines. It also gives me a deeper understanding of what clients face day-to-day. I’ve owned and trained multiple breeds with different drives, temperaments, and learning styles, which allows me to relate, guide, and educate in a practical and realistic way.
By pursuing high-level goals with my own dogs, I gain the knowledge, problem-solving skills, and adaptability that I bring directly to you and your dog. Your dog’s training isn’t one-size-fits-all and neither is mine.
