After studying with VSA, this trainer has been able to help even more dogs and their people.
After years as a software engineer, Maryam Kamali found her true calling while volunteering at animal shelters. Witnessing young dogs being surrendered or, more shockingly, facing euthanasia due to manageable behavioral issues, sparked a passion that would reshape her career path.
“There were so many dogs surrendered at a young age,” Maryam recalls. “A lot of the applications that came in with the dogs listed common issues like jumping, barking, and nipping – the usual behavior of an adolescent dog. Some would even request euthanasia, which was shocking to me.”
This realization, coupled with her experience fostering rescue dogs and adopting a high-energy Border Collie mix, led Maryam to pursue professional dog training in 2010. After a decade of successful practice, she wanted to evolve with the advancing field of dog behavior science. That’s when she discovered the Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA).
A Craving for More Understanding
“I had been following Victoria for a few years and would learn things from her show and implement them in my training sessions,” Maryam explains. “During the pandemic, I decided it was the perfect time to take the online course. I loved it so much that I decided to also do the in-person training.”
The VSA Dog Trainer Course experience proved transformative for Maryam’s approach to training. “It was so enlightening. I feel like I came away becoming a much, much better trainer. It just took me and my business to a whole new level,” she shares. One notable improvement was her ability to break down complex training concepts into manageable steps. “VSA helped me update my knowledge, gain a deeper understanding of dogs, and learn from world-class trainers who are faculty members.”
Using leash walking as an example, Maryam describes how her methods evolved: “I break it down into much smaller steps so nobody gets overwhelmed – not the puppy, not the dog, and not the humans involved. I put less emphasis on technical details and more on building the relationship and putting the dog and the human at ease so they can connect.”
More Confidence, More Success
Today, Maryam runs a thriving practice, offering both in-person and virtual training sessions. She maintains a carefully structured schedule that allows time for business development, continuous learning, and volunteer work with rescue organizations. Her clients particularly value her in-person sessions, with many reporting that her presence helps them feel more relaxed and confident in handling their dogs.
“People tell me that I come across as more confident and more polished,” she notes. “We achieve our goals in training sessions a lot faster. I do less fancy stuff and less complicated things, making it easier for people and dogs to absorb the information and learn faster.”
What sets VSA apart, according to Maryam, is their unique teaching approach. “I absolutely enjoyed VSA because of the way they teach humans as well. The process was like how we teach behaviors to dogs – through games and easy exercises. It was so powerful. I still remember the games we played, and those training moments have stayed in my mind.”
Promoting Compassion
Maryam sees her work as part of a broader mission to promote understanding and compassion for all animals. “Once people learn about dogs’ emotions, cognition, and behaviors – how they see and perceive the world – they realize animals aren’t that different from each other. It’s a great gateway to bring more compassion and understanding towards the greater animal kingdom.”
For those considering a career in dog training, Maryam enthusiastically recommends VSA. “The world still needs so many more positive reinforcement dog trainers who hone their skills, stay connected to their community, and stay on top of their game,” she emphasizes. “VSA is absolutely the best place to start.”
Learn more about preparing for a rewarding career as a dog trainer with VSA’s premier Dog Trainer Course.
