Certified Dog Trainers
Tuff Pup Training is passionate about humane training methods grounded in behavioral science. Our programs in Philadelphia offer a hands-on, supportive approach to training and behavior modification.
Your Dog Trainers:
Matt Schimsky, CPDT, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). He is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and a member of the Pet Professional Guild (The Association for Force Free Pet Professionals). Matt is also an official mentor for the students of CATCH Canine Trainers Academy.
Matt is passionate about humane training methods grounded in behavioral science. He offers a hands-on, supportive coaching approach to training and behavior modification programs. You can see what Tuff Pup Training alumni have said about Matt on our testimonials page.
Matt does in-home private training sessions with over 20 dogs each week.
Matt graduated from Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY) and now lives in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia with his wife Lauren, his sons Owen and Leo, his two dogs (Molly and Zuko), and three cats (Eleanore Wheezlebottoms, George Bailey, and Detective Tutuola). Matt’s newest pup is Gus. You can follow Gus’s learning process on Gus’s Instagram page.
“Matt is easy to talk to, makes himself readily available and has the patience of a saint!”
Sami Teich, CTC, is a certified professional dog trainer. Sami is a graduate with honors from The Academy for Dog Trainers, a world-class, graduate-level dog trainer program founded and run by Jean Donaldson (author of The Culture Clash). Sami holds a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC), as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Rutgers University. Sami has also completed the Masters Course in Aggression In Dogs by Michael Shikashio, CDBC.
Sami first cultivated skills as a trainer while volunteering at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, a premier research and educational facility dedicated to producing elite scent-detection dogs. While there, Sami learned first-hand the power of positive training methods, structured training plans, and dynamic canine enrichment. Sami assisted dogs at the facility in training for agility and scent detection, as well as search and rescue training.
Sami is also a member of the Pet Professional Guild and through Tuff Pup Training, Sami offers personalized coaching programs to help dog owners work through a wide variety of behavior problems and training goals. She brings an infectious enthusiasm and patient attention to every session.
Sami lives in South Philly with her dogs Kali and Coconut. When she isn’t training, she enjoys going on hikes with her dogs, running, and exploring new restaurants in the city.
“As an owner of a high energy breed that also requires a lot of mental stimulation, I found that my puppy was exponentially easier to manage in day to day life, in addition to all of the useful commands and fun tricks that he learned throughout the two programs we’ve completed with Sami. (We loved the progress we saw with Finn so much during the Puppy Program, we decided to continue on to Advanced Obedience).”
Leo Dowd, CPDT-KA, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Leo is also a Catch Canine Trainer's Academy graduate where he earned a Certificate in Dog Training and Behavior. Through his previous work as a dog walker since 2015, Leo has worked with a wide range of canine breeds, temperaments, and behavioral issues. Leo cultivated his interest in dog behavior through volunteering with Saved Me Rescue and while working as a dog handler for dog daycares in the Philadelphia area. He refined his canine handling skills and training methods through mentorship with Tuff Pup Training. Leo is excited to coach and support Philly dog families as they train and raise their family dogs. Leo is passionate about helping reactive dogs to cope, puppies to thrive, and fearful dogs to navigate the overwhelming city environment.
Like many people, Leo's first impression of dog training meant harsh corrections and dominance theory. Through his work with rescues and daycares, Leo began to see firsthand how humane and positive reinforcement-based methods put dogs in a cooperative, learning state of mind. It created less stressful relationships for everyone and it sparked his desire to learn as much as possible about dog training, management, and enrichment.
He lives in South Philly with his two dogs Romeo and Nutmeg. When he's not training; he enjoys trying all of the different coffee shops, discovering different restaurants, and exploring all the nature Philly has to offer with his dogs and friends.
Memberships & Credentials:
Tuff Pup Training has been a professional and certified training programs in Philadelphia for over 10 years. We are dedicated to helping dog owners create an exceptional relationship with their dogs. To do so, we utilizes a unique combination of positive reinforcement games, clicker training, extensive knowledge of canine body language and canine developmental needs. All Tuff Pup Training programs are created to leave you feeling confident and empowered. To ensure the highest quality relationship between you and your dog, Tuff Pup Training does not use any choke chains, pinch collars, or shock collars. Tuff Pup Training uses only force-free methods and avoids physical discomfort (physical corrections), pain or scare tactics which can all leave your dog stressed and unwilling to learn. Contact Tuff Pup Training at (631) 379-6850 to discuss our training methods and services in more detail.
Philly Happening List winner 2019 & 2020
Social Media:
You can see pictures of Tuff Pup Training's current clients and past alumni by following us on Instagram.
