Hi, I'm Emily Bowden, owner and head trainer of Sit for Pets.

​​

My passion for animals began long before Sit for Pets was created. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but as I grew older, I discovered that my true passion wasn't in medicine—it was in understanding dogs and helping others better understand them.

​​

I became fascinated by canine behavior, communication, and the incredible bond between dogs and their families. I believe that many behavioral challenges stem from misunderstandings, and my goal is to bridge that gap by teaching owners how to communicate effectively with their dogs and build relationships based on trust, boundaries, and mutual respect.

​​

My journey into dog training was shaped by both personal experiences and a deep appreciation for the powerful bond between humans and animals. At 19 years old, I lost my younger brother and father in a mass shooting. During one of the most difficult times in my life, a therapy dog named Sunny provided comfort, support, and hope. His unconditional love showed me the profound impact dogs can have on our emotional well-being and inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others experience that same connection.

 

In 2020, I completed my certification and coursework through Animal Behavior College and began my professional career in animal welfare. I started working at an animal control facility where I completed my internship, gaining invaluable hands-on experience with dogs of all ages, breeds, backgrounds, and behavioral challenges.

​​

During my year at the animal control, I evaluated incoming dogs, developed individualized behavior plans, and worked closely with staff and volunteers to improve the quality of life and adoptability of the dogs in our care. I also trained team members on how to safely and effectively work with adoptable dogs, helping create better outcomes for both the dogs and their future families.

​​

As Sit for Pets continued to grow, I made the decision to leave the animal control and focus full-time on building my business. In 2021, I officially opened Sit for Pets, and since then, I have had the privilege of helping dogs and their families create stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

​

I am a certified dog trainer, an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, an AKC Temperament Test Evaluator, an Evaluator for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and a certified groomer specializing in positive reinforcement grooming. I remain committed to continuing my education and expanding my knowledge to provide the highest level of support to the families I serve.

​​

At Sit for Pets, we offer private training sessions, board and train programs, daycare and boarding services, therapy dog preparation and evaluations, and positive reinforcement grooming.

​​

My training philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement, clear communication, and mutual respect. I believe successful training goes beyond teaching cues—it's about building trust, establishing healthy boundaries, and strengthening the relationship between dogs and their families.

​​

Therapy dogs hold a special place in my heart, and I am passionate about integrating animal-assisted support into everyday life. Whether I'm helping a family navigate behavioral challenges, preparing a dog for therapy work, or making grooming a positive experience, my goal is always the same: to help dogs and their people thrive together.

​​

When I'm not working with clients, I'm spending time with my family. My husband and I are raising our three daughters—our energetic nine-year-old and our one-year-old twin girls—alongside a variety of animals. Our home is full of activity, learning, and love, which gives me a unique understanding of the challenges families face when balancing children, busy schedules, and their dogs' needs.

​​

You'll often find my trusted assistant, Remi, my Red Merle Australian Shepherd, helping me work with client dogs.

​​

Thank you for considering Sit for Pets. I look forward to helping you build a positive, rewarding relationship with your fur family.