Head trainer · Auburn, Georgia
Samantha Lesslie
Canine Behavioral Consultant, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and a handler who titles and wins with her own working Dutch Shepherds.
Her story
Clarity, Fairness, Consistency
Samantha has spent years with high-drive working dogs, and she trains family dogs with the same clear, fair approach: respect the individual dog, set clear expectations, and teach the owner so the results hold at home.
She was lead trainer and co-founder of Georgia Doggy Dojo in Auburn. Today she trains under her own name, Thistleborne K9 Training, with the same programs, the same phone number and the same Auburn base, alongside Thistleborne K9, her Dutch Shepherd breeding and handling program.
Her first Dutch Shepherd, Shelby, still works as a PTSD and medical alert service dog, and her own dogs compete in practical protection, obedience, barn hunt and dock diving.
Credentials
- Canine Behavioral Consultant Certificate (e-Training for Dogs)
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- Associate Dog Trainer
- Avidog Transformational Puppy Rearing
- American Kennel Club Canine College coursework
Proof on the field
Competition Record
- Vapor2024 Appie Kamps Challenger Cup Champion, PPD2
- Vapor2024 Top Score PPD2 and Pour le Mérite award for PPD2
- Vapor2025 Practical Protection Police Dog Demo Champion
- Vapor2025 advanced obedience & agility, 1st place (212 points, Seal of Excellence)
- VaporNADD Dock Master title; AKC CGCA/CGCU
- Keeper2025 PPD Basic Obedience Champion
- KeeperBarn Hunt RATI, RATN, RATO, RATS: 6× 1st place, 4× Best in Class
- KeeperIn training for UPWDA Explosives Detection K9 (2026)
- Meet Vapor, Keeper & Fender
“Our 8-month-old puppy went from zoomies and chewing up shoes to being the most well-behaved little buddy. The training was fun, professional, and totally life-changing!”
Train with Samantha
Four quick steps tell Samantha about your dog, your goals and your timeline. Your answers go straight to Samantha’s phone so she can recommend the right program.
