Hi, I’m Sam — hold on one sec, I’ve just got to grab a squeaky toy to get Fred and Mack to look at the camera…

A few years ago, I traded in my lab coat and long 405 commutes for life on the Olympic Peninsula. I moved to Sequim to be with my now-fiancé, leaving behind a career as a cancer research associate in Kirkland, where I spent my days knee-deep in data, chemistry, and molecular biology. It was a big shift, but one that led me somewhere even more meaningful.

My journey into dog training started with local rescue work, where I met all kinds of incredible dogs — each one different, each with their own way of moving through the world. It didn’t take long to realize that behavior is just an outward expression of how a dog feels, and that our job isn’t to control it, but to understand it.

Now, through Mellow Hound, I help dogs and their humans connect in deeper, more peaceful ways. I bring the same curiosity and attention to detail from my science background into every training plan, tailoring it to the dog in front of me. I also like to keep things light and realistic — because training isn’t always tidy. It’s often a little messy, occasionally hilarious, and full of small wins that add up to something big. My goal is always to support both ends of the leash — with compassion, clarity, and loads of fun.

Thanks for being here. I’d love to meet you and your dog.