Our Elite Trainers
It is important you know who is working with your dog.
Sophie, Training Manager, Professional Trainer
Sophie is our Training Manager at Paws Pet Resort and has been a dedicated member of the Paws team since 2021. Growing up with pets, her passion for animals has been lifelong, but her love for dog training truly began when she attended puppy classes at Paws with her family’s dogs when the facility first opened. That early exposure sparked a commitment to training that has continued to grow throughout her career.
Since joining Paws, Sophie has enjoyed being involved in every aspect of the training programs we offer. From working hands-on with puppy students and adult dogs to coaching clients directly, she is passionate about helping owners build strong foundations and create a better future with their pets.
In addition to her training experience, Sophie holds a degree in Veterinary Technology and has hands-on experience in the veterinary field. She places a strong emphasis on continued education and is deeply committed to ongoing learning, growth, and refining her skills to provide the highest standard of training and care.
Sophie has 2 personal dogs, Journey, an Australian Shepherd, and Roam, a Golden Retriever. She enjoys competing in a variety of dog sports and activities, using these challenges to strengthen their bond and continue growing together. Sophie is also a volunteer puppy raiser for a service dog organization and will often have a future service dog accompanying her.
Olivia, Training Assistant Manager, Professional Trainer and Canine Behaviorist
Olivia is our Assistant Training Manager! She has always had a special connection with animals. She grew up riding, training, and competing with horses, which taught her patience, communication, and trust—skills that now shape her work as a dog trainer.
In July 2023, Olivia graduated from Kennelwood Academy for Professional Dog Trainers, where she learned everything from puppy imprinting and agility to scent detection, tracking, advanced obedience, retrieval, and protection work. While there, she also discovered how much she loved working directly with owners—helping them feel confident and capable as they learned alongside their dogs.
Olivia completed her training with her Belgian Malinois, Cisco, who’s now her loyal adventure buddy. Whether they’re hiking, swimming, or working on new skills, Olivia and Cisco are always finding new ways to grow together.
“My number one goal is to be completely transparent and help my clients achieve any goals and expectations they have with their dog,” Olivia says. “Watching that bond strengthen and seeing the success on both ends of the leash is what truly inspires me every day.”
Kaci, Dog Trainer
Kaci grew up in Garretson, South Dakota. Growing up with dogs her entire life, her love for animals developed at a young age and continued to grow into a lifelong passion. That passion truly solidified when she began working at a veterinary clinic, where she spent three years gaining valuable hands-on experience caring for animals.
After her time in veterinary medicine, Kaci decided to pursue dog training as a full-time career. She dedicated herself to researching the field, taking classes, and gaining practical experience to build a strong foundation as a trainer.
At home, Kaci stays busy training and working with her two dogs, Ghost, a German Shepherd, and Reid, an Australian Shepherd, who continue to inspire her passion for training and working dogs.
Talladega, Dog Trainer
Tally grew up in Centerville, South Dakota, where her passion for animals began. Raised around horses and dogs, she developed a deep understanding of both animal behavior and the importance of building strong connections between animals and people. While growing up, Tally taught children how to ride horses on trail rides, gaining valuable experience in guiding both animals and the riders.
Having dogs her entire life, Tally’s interest in training truly took off with her first personal dog, Zeke. Working with Zeke sparked a deeper passion for training, leading her to pursue hands-on experience in the field. She joined Paws Pet Resort in the fall of 2025, starting with boarding, where she loved caring for pets and building relationships with clients.
After working with Zeke in training classes, Tally discovered a true passion for dog training. She especially enjoys the challenge of working with young puppies, shaping fresh minds, and supporting owners as they learn alongside their dogs. Tally looks forward to continuing her education at a professional training school soon and is excited to keep growing her skills to better serve both dogs and their families.
REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS
"...And that’s how Downtown Henry came into our lives. Before coming to Paws Pet Resort, we took a basic obedience class from a chain pet store. That was a good introduction to very basic commands, but I wanted to continue learning and building a bond with Henry.
There are two key aspects of the training at Paws that I think are most beneficial. 1) They don’t train the dog, they train the humans and give them all the tools they need to achieve the desired results with their dog. 2) The instruction is based on positive reinforcement, which builds confidence for both canine and human.
Henry has been enrolled in Sami Jo’s classes, but Taryn has assisted in several of them and even filled in as instructor. Their teaching styles are complementary and I think it’s beneficial to be exposed to both instructors as you will get different suggestions of things to try.
While there was little doubt Henry would grasp the concepts in class, I was a bit of a mess in the early days – super nervous, freaking out over the little things and intimidated by classmates who seemed to have no trouble perfecting every skill. I got over myself because I could plainly see that Sami’s instructions work. Henry’s sits came quicker, his down stays lasted longer, he walked next to me more and more and didn’t pull on the leash as much.
Success in training classes takes work and practice outside the classroom. It’s not work like you do at your day job, though. It’s fun! And it pays off in ways that you can never imagine when you start.
From basic obedience to dock diving lessons and learning to be a Canine Good Citizen, Henry has demonstrated his two best traits – pleasing his humans and learning. With each lesson, our bond has become stronger. He is a gentleman walking around downtown on a busy Friday night. He goes to dog-friendly stores and is getting better and better about not shoplifting treats!
This testimonial is likely longer than desired, but there is probably nothing that attests to how great Paws is than sharing how Henry starts to whimper at 69th and Cliff in sheer excitement because he knows where we are headed. He bounds out of the car and has to muster every bit of restraint he gained studying to be a Canine Good Citizen so he doesn’t leap into Jeanine or Sami Jo’s arms when he enters the building!" - Susan with Henry and Jojo
"When I got my new puppy in March, I knew I wanted him to have the best life I could give him but have the skills to be an amazing and well mannered dog. I had recently moved back to Sioux Falls after several years and wasn’t sure where to make it all happen.
I decided on Paws Pets and haven’t looked back. Arnie went through Puppy 101, 201, Basic 201, Puppy University, Day Train, Dog University and several drop in classes and group obedience. Once he started his first class, he was so excited to learn, make new friends, and be loved on.
Dropping him off was so exciting for him and he always had the best time and became the most wonderful boy. Olivia worked with both of us non stop to learn his basic commands and e collar training and I could not be happier with all of it. I knew Olivia was so kind to Arnie and never pushed him too hard or let him slack on his learning. Arnie loved Paws from the staff at the front desk to all the trainers who worked with him. He is a very happy well mannered boy that will soon be visiting seniors at the homes and I have to thank everyone for making that possible.
I plan on doing more classes to keep up with his skills and learn new ones. I feel more confident in myself to help Arnie be the best boy he can be, thanks to the help from the trainers working with me.
I highly recommend Paws Pets to anyone that has a new puppy or a dog that needs any kind of training. They really do care and it shows." - Janet and Arnie
"As new dog owners, we quickly found out that not only is it important for our dog, Finn, to be trained, but it is also important for us as owners to be trained, and Paws Pet Resort is the best place to do so. We have enrolled in many classes such as Puppy 101 and Puppy 201 and have learned so much! With the help of the best trainers in Sioux Falls, we received the education on how to train Finn ourselves and grow our bond together to give him the best life possible. From group obedience classes to even fun classes like dock diving, trick classes and more, Paws Pet Resort truly has a place for every dog." - Shanya and Finn
My German wire-haired pointer Sky, has thrived because of training at Paws Pet Resort, and especially trainer Olivia. I brought Sky to Paws around 12 weeks old. We’ve participated in Puppy University, Doc Diving, Stay N Train, Collar Conditioning, Group Obedience classes, and private lessons.
I have a high drive hunting puppy! Olivia has hunting dog training experience, plus an extensive background with animals. She and the other trainers and front office staff have always treated Sky and myself like family. Sky heads to Paws with her tail wagging and excited as can be to meet the staff and trainers and other dogs at play time. Sky is a joy to take places now, super well-behaved around people and other dogs due to all the training and socialization at Paws.
Sky scored a perfect 112 points on her NAVHDA hunt test this fall in large part to her obedience training and recall training at Paws. They work hard on creating an unbelievable bond between you and your pet. Paws is worth every penny in return plus some. Also, the owner needs training as well and they incorporate that in their programs. You and your dog will get out what you put in.
The facility is epic and so clean. It doesn’t smell like a pet facility, the training and exercise areas are amazing and that environment is nice when training and eliminating distractions (until you want to add them). I get compliments on Sky everywhere we go. She loves people and dogs and honestly that socialization these puppy’s get at Paws is beyond awesome and necessary.
The foundation Paws helped create with Sky I’m super thankful for. They have the programs and steps in place too, so you don’t have to figure out what to do next! 5 + star rating for Paws Pet Resort, Sky’s trainer Olivia, and all of the awesome staff that make us feel like family and keep the ship moving day in and day out. Don’t hesitate, it’s one of the best investments you will ever make! - Chris and Sky
