The Mentorship & Shadow Program

Human-Centered Learning for Dog Trainers

A program to blend grounded technique with intuitive connection. Build a dog training practice that supports the growth of you, your dog, and your clients. Join for 6-weeks virtually, followed by a 3-day in-person shadow program, led by Samantha Ewashko, Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Yoga Therapist, of Adventure Hounds North Carolina.

Apply for Spring 2026

Click here to hear what others are saying!

The Mentorship

6-Weeks Virtual

Mondays 5-8pm

Lunch Hour Q&A Fridays 12-1pm

Start Dates:

Spring 2026 - March 2, 2026

Fall 2026 - TBD

This will include both dog training techniques & owner training techniques. The details of these are below.

Dog Training

The dog training portion of this program will teach the Healing Hounds Method which trains based on the understanding of a dog’s nervous system, and how to heal dogs through that lens. However, this program is not about teaching one dog training method as “right”, but rather seeks to teach trainers already actively working with clients how to develop a more adaptable approach of meeting each dog where they are.

Skills taught:

Leash Pressure & Leash Handling Skills
Understanding of the Nervous System in Dogs
E-collar conditioning for Leash Work
E-collar conditioning for Recall
E-collar conditioning for Place & crate

Owner Training

The reality is that most dog training won’t “stick” unless the owners learn it too. Too many dog training programs completely neglect owner-training. The best dog trainer in the world is only a good trainer if they can teach their owners too. But how to do that? Therapeutic skills such as active listening, unconditional positive regard, questioning, reflection, and more are essential and learnable skills for dog-trainers to have!

Skills taught:

Therapeutic Communication skills
How to teach owners dog training skills, either virtually or in-person
How to translate complex training techniques and education into easy-to-understand language for owners
How to make dog training a lifestyle, for yourself and your owners
How to use Social Media as an education tool
How to take care of your own mental health as a trainer

Weeks 1-3

Focus on dog-training skills.

Week 1: Meeting the Dog Where They Are (The Nervous System)

Week 2: The Rhythm of Leash Work

Week 3: Mindful E-Collar Conditioning

Weeks 4-6

Focus on human-centered skills.

Week 4: Therapeutic Communication Skills

Week 5:Translate Dog Training to Human Training – the "how to" structure your business

Week 6: Your Why and Your Own Mental Health

In-Person
3-Day Shadow Program

Winston-Salem, NC

SPRING 2026:
Option A - April 10-12, 2026
Option B - April 24-26, 2026

FALL 2026: TBD

What will you gain:

Watch Sam lead a full Go Home Session with owners
Personalized Social Media Audit
Professional Photography shots
Hands-on experience with 4+ dogs
A new community of supportive colleagues

What’s included:

Homemade lunch each day (can make allergy accommodations)
Handmade coffees by Stephen :)

What's not included:

Accommodations
Breakfast and Dinner

Requirements to apply:

Must be actively working with clients
Must have a dog to work regularly
Must follow @AdventureHoundsNC on Instagram and be familiar with my daily stories and how I train

Please note: this is not a certification program, but rather an experiential and educational learning program.

*Minimum of 4 people must be enrolled for the program to begin.

*The Mentorship program will be capped at 8 individuals, each Shadow program will have no more than 4 individuals

Investment for full program is $2500.

*A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to secure your spot in the program.

The remainder balance is due by the start of the program.

Next Steps:

Apply for Spring 2026

Once you have applied, within 24-48 hrs Sam will reach out to schedule an interview. Upon your acceptance, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot in the program.

Hear what others have to say:

This program is inspired by my dog, Hanalei.

Hanalei is my dog of 7 years now. She is my best friend, my soulmate, and my lifeline. Hanalei is one of the smartest dogs I know! She is a fully tasked-trained Service Dog, and has helped me live a life I'm not sure I could lead without her. Adventure Hounds has grown to what it is in big part because of her.

Her nickname is "Princess Smartypants", and she's known as a bit of a know-it-all hehe. So when joining this program, you too are going to become a "Smartypants" by learning all the dog and owner training things!