Julie Schmitt, GDMI (Guide Dog Mobility Instructor), has been a professional dog trainer for over fifteen years. She began her career by volunteering at a humane society in Northern California. After attending a variety of dog training seminars and working closely with an animal behaviorist, she quickly gained the skills necessary to teach companion dog training and puppy kindergarten classes. In the companion dog training class, Julie taught basic obedience commands. Classes were a maximum of thirteen dogs, 4½ months and older. In puppy kindergarten classes, Julie taught beginning basic obedience and puppy socialization. She also lectured on such issues as grooming techniques for teeth, nails, and coat; and behavior modification for biting, jumping, chewing, digging, and housebreaking. Classes were a maximum of sixteen puppies, 4½ months and younger.
 

After working at the Humane Society, Julie joined Animal Behavior and Training Associates, and became the District Training Manager. She managed a territory consisting of approximately fifteen East Bay cities in Northern California. She taught beginning obedience classes and conducted private, in-home dog training sessions. She dealt with basic and advanced obedience, as well as dog behavioral problems. She also marketed the company’s services to veterinarians and pet supply stores and conducted Problem Solving Clinics at veterinary hospitals to assist their clients with dog and cat behavior modification. Lastly, she supervised, hired and trained all associate dog trainers in the East Bay. 
 
In 1996, Julie began training guide dogs at Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., in San Rafael, California. She completed a three year apprenticeship where she gained extensive knowledge and practical experience regarding dog training theory, husbandry, and instructing the visually-impaired. She had to pass an oral, written, and practical exam to become  a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor through the State of California.  To maintain her license, Julie is required to obtain continuing education to expand her knowledge base. She has attended numerous dog training seminars from leading experts, such as Dr. Ian Dunbar, Sue Sternberg, and Karen Pryor. 
 
In 2002, Julie and her family moved to San Diego where she established Out N’ About Dog Training. She conducts private, in-home dog training sessions and deals with basic and advanced obedience, off-leash work, as well as dog behavioral problems. Julie employs only humane training techniques, and utilizes positive reinforcement training and food or toy rewards. She continues her relationship with Guide Dogs for the Blind by providing contract work with their graduates and new applicants in Southern California. She is also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  

Julie lives in La Mesa with her husband, who is a veterinarian, and their two daughters. They have two terrific dogs, a fish and a gecko. Julie has a passion for her work and a love for animals that is evident in her training style.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 619-417-2368 or fill out the contact form.