Owner
Stephanie Bennett, CPDT-KSA, is considered one of Houston’s top dog trainers and behavioral experts, as well as one of the city’s most innovative dog education and enrichment entrepreneurs, helping to create balance between mind, body, and spirit.
Stephanie is recognized as Houston’s original puppy expert and is the founder of the city’s first all-encompassing, puppy-focused training programs. Her unique and effective puppy programs were developed under the guidance of her mentor, Dr. Ian Dunbar, who revolutionized dog training when he designed the world’s very first off-leash puppy class. Stephanie has made it her mission to educate new puppy owners and local veterinarians on the importance of early puppy training and socialization.
Stephanie is passionate about her education and has had the pleasure and distinction of working and studying with some of the world’s best dog trainers, including the great Dr. Ian Dunbar, who continues to be her valuable mentor today. Stephanie remains appreciative for opportunities to pay it forward and frequently mentors new trainers. Not only has she has taught her positive puppy training methods and fun & games group class curriculums to dozens of trainers, but she has also guided them towards their certification through the Council of Certified Pet Trainers.
Throughout her career, Stephanie served as the Director of Training at LA Dogworks in Los Angeles, started her own in-home private training company, Get Along Little Doggie, and co-founded Peace Love and Dogs in Houston.
In 2017, she had a vision of a new Canine and Training Enrichment Center. She decided to build and develop something fresh and innovative —what she considers to be the next stage in the evolution of dog education and enrichment—Believe in Dog Training.
As a result of her comprehensive education and hands-on experience, Stephanie has expertise not only in dog & puppy training, but also a wide variety of solutions to dog behavior problems, especially fear and leash reactivity. Because each dog is unique, Stephanie works with her clients to create a custom training program addressing the individual dog’s needs while meeting the goals of their human companions.
With over 15 years of experience, Stephanie has helped thousands of dog owners create beautiful relationships with their pets. Her goal is to help her clients become the center of their dog’s universe!
Stephanie regularly contributes her expertise to media outlets and television segments, including Houston Life, where she became the resident “Puppy Whisperer” after training KPRC’s station dog, Tex. She frequently writes for Houston Pet Talk Magazine and has had terrific opportunities to work with and train dogs for The Alley Theater, The Astros, The Houston Ballet, and Texas Children’s Hospital.
“Stephanie carefully observes and gives positive reinforcemenet to both pooch and pet parent. She’s patient and, most important, realistic. Her guidance is designed for what is best for the animal, understanding that all dogs are different. From group classes to one-on-one training, Bennett is as good as it gets, no matter what the breed or temperment.”
- Houston Press, Named Stephanie Best Dog Trainer