SamSa Dog Training & Behaviour

SamSa Dog Training & Behaviour Fully accredited member of Institute of Modern Dog Trainers. Covering East Galway and Galway city. Working professionally with dogs for 11+ years.

Former head dog trainer at MADRA. Available for training & behaviour consults. Vet recommended.

* UPDATE - Now covering East Galway along with Galway city....*You may have noticed my social media pages have been a bi...
12/01/2026

* UPDATE - Now covering East Galway along with Galway city....*

You may have noticed my social media pages have been a bit quiet lately. Well, that's because we have moved house and moved to a new area!

Moving house is a big deal and not just for people but for our dogs too.

I’ve been really mindful of helping Sam, Sadie and Alex settle in at their own pace. As a welfare-led, enrichment-based trainer, I try to see the world from their point of view...new smells, new sounds, new routines… it can be a lot.

We’re still settling in and that’s ok. Adjustment isn’t linear and there’s no rush. Supporting dogs through big life changes is about patience, empathy and meeting the dog in front of you, not pushing them to “get over it.” I am focusing on familiar routines, play, enrichment, fun training sessions and lots of sleep to help them adapt to this whole new life.

I have been busy organising bookings for the coming weeks but I still have some slots left! If you are struggling with a new puppy or with an adult dog and want help, feel free to send me a PM or email [email protected] or call/text 083-8344509 for information on my puppy packages and adult dog packages.

I’m bursting with pride because my MADRA adopted boy Sam has been featured on this year’s MADRA Christmas cards.Every we...
04/12/2025

I’m bursting with pride because my MADRA adopted boy Sam has been featured on this year’s MADRA Christmas cards.

Every week his fan club grows more and more, following the educational workshops we do with MADRA in primary schools. The kids adore him and he soaks up every second of their gentle pats and smiles.

Seeing him go from a dog who we called a "tricky" dog because he was completely shut down for months when we first met when I worked at MADRA, to one who proudly trots into classrooms full of confidence and happiness....it gets me every time.

And now, knowing his happy, hopeful face is helping raise funds for the charity that saved him… it honestly feels like everything has come full circle.

If you’d like to support MADRA and spread a bit of festive cheer, these Christmas cards are a lovely way to do it.

Photo by the amazing Tracy Kirby

MADRA - Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption


We are absolutely loving our school workshops for MADRA! 🐕🐾
26/11/2025

We are absolutely loving our school workshops for MADRA! 🐕🐾

I’m so proud of my MADRA rescue dog Sam. Lately, we’ve been visiting schools together with MADRA, to help children learn...
11/11/2025

I’m so proud of my MADRA rescue dog Sam. Lately, we’ve been visiting schools together with MADRA, to help children learn how to stay safe and comfortable around dogs with our Talking Dog Workshops, in conjunction with Galway City Council.

He is always so excited to get in the school doors and get to the classrooms!

It’s been incredible to watch how the children who start out hesitant often end up sitting beside him smiling or giving him gentle pats and treats by the end. Other children just light up with pure happiness to pet him and see all his clever tricks! The schools have been so welcoming. The children have been so kind and curious so we really enjoy our visits.

Sam has come such a long way himself and seeing him help children find their confidence around dogs feels really special.

MADRA - Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption

Connection Over ComplianceWhen it comes to working with dogs, whether my own or others, I always come back to one simple...
27/10/2025

Connection Over Compliance

When it comes to working with dogs, whether my own or others, I always come back to one simple truth: connection matters more than compliance.

Yes, training cues and manners are important. But real progress, real trust and real joy come from building a relationship first.

When a dog feels safe, understood, and connected to you, the learning happens naturally. They want to work with you, not just because they want rewards, but because they trust you.

For me, this approach changes everything:

It creates calm, confident dogs who know they’re heard.

It builds mutual respect instead of fear or pressure.

It deepens the bond that makes training not just effective, but meaningful.

I can vouch for this because I have lived it with every dog I have fostered and adopted. My boy Alex is just one example. I am really proud of the progress we have made together. Positive reinforcement training isn't just for the "easy" dogs. Alex came to me with a bite history and a very long list of triggers. He was always on high alert, suspicious and ready to snap and bite. Tonight he's snuggled up on my lap sleeping peacefully. I know he feels safe.

So when I say “connection over compliance,” it’s not about letting go of structure, it’s about making sure structure is built on empathy, trust, and understanding. Because at the end of the day, that’s what truly transforms relationships between humans and dogs.

What an absolutely incredible boy Noah is! We had such a lovely time meeting him and his classmates for the MADRA Talkin...
22/10/2025

What an absolutely incredible boy Noah is! We had such a lovely time meeting him and his classmates for the MADRA Talking Dog school workshops. We chatted about dogs needs, body language and more. The students then met Sam, my superstar boy, who showed them his tricks! We're really loving our school visits and it's so heartwarming to see how much love the children have for dogs.

Here’s my senior boy Sam, doing what he loves most...getting *very* muddy and having a proper sniff around.He might not ...
13/10/2025

Here’s my senior boy Sam, doing what he loves most...getting *very* muddy and having a proper sniff around.

He might not move as fast as he used to but he still enjoys being a dog....exploring, rolling, splashing through puddles and taking his time to take it all in.

It’s easy to forget that dogs need to do dog things. Sniffing, digging, running, getting dirty, it’s all part of who they are. We'll miss it when they're gone. Letting them enjoy those natural behaviours makes them more content.

So if your dog ends up covered in mud after a walk… don’t stress too much. It usually means they’ve had a great time just being a dog and that’s exactly what they should be doing.

Primary Schools of , this is for you! Myself and my superstar dog Sam will be delivering the MADRA Talking Dog Workshop...
07/10/2025

Primary Schools of , this is for you! Myself and my superstar dog Sam will be delivering the MADRA Talking Dog Workshops in partnership with Galway City Council and Galway County Council.

Email [email protected] if you would like us to visit your school for a free fun and educational workshop!

Sam will be delighted to show the children all his fun tricks and help them learn how to interact with dogs safely! MADRA - Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption

Rocky the Bernese Mountain Dog graduated from his Puppy Training Package today! Starting training early is one of the mo...
20/09/2025

Rocky the Bernese Mountain Dog graduated from his Puppy Training Package today!

Starting training early is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your dog’s future. Working one-to-one in the comfort of Rocky’s own home allowed us to focus on his specific needs, reduce distractions and help him feel secure as he learned.

It’s not just about teaching cues, it’s about building confidence, preventing unwanted behaviours and creating a strong, trusting bond between Rocky and his family.

Huge shoutout to his amazing humans who’ve been consistent, patient and so committed to giving him the best start.

One of my favourite things about training is encouraging children in the family to get involved. They are often the best trainers. Rocky's smaller humans learned how to communicate with him, taught him different tricks and learned how to understand his needs. Training really helped develop their bond even deeper. Rocky is one lucky boy (and I’m one lucky trainer to work with them!)

I’m incredibly proud of Rocky and his humans for all the work they’ve put in and they can see the results...this is exactly what early puppy training, especially personalised sessions, is all about.

Here’s to many years of adventures together for this incredible boy and his wonderful family.

Introducing the SamSa DogsMany of you know me as a dog trainer, but first and foremost, I’m a dog guardian to three wond...
08/09/2025

Introducing the SamSa Dogs

Many of you know me as a dog trainer, but first and foremost, I’m a dog guardian to three wonderful rescue dogs from MADRA - Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption named Sam, Sadie, and Alex.

Each one came into my life with their own story and their own challenges. They were all dogs who wouldn't have coped in a "regular" home.

● ️Sam, my happy, gentle old soul. He’s taught me so much about helping dogs overcome trauma. He came from a hoarding situation and spent 8 months in kennels before he could trust anyone. I never gave up the hope it would happen and we've been a bonded team ever since. He is a social butterfly now who absolutely adores other dogs, showing off all his tricks and doing scent work.

● Sadie, my whirlwind of collie energy! She is a sensitive, affectionate girl who couldn't even be touched as a reactive, traumatised puppy when I took her home from MADRA over five years ago. She has a lot of big feelings about the world that I help her with. She loves trick training, mantrailing and being petted.

● Alex, my sensitive foster boy with a bitey past, who is growing in confidence by the day. His fun personality makes every step forward so rewarding. He adores chest rubs, his squeaky ball and playing tug.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing their training journeys with you all..the ups, the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the little everyday wins that mean so much. I want you to see that even as a trainer, my dogs aren’t “perfect”....and they don’t need to be.

Training is about building trust, helping our dogs to feel safe and celebrating progress one step at a time.

My hope is that by following Sam, Sadie, and Alex’s progress, you’ll not only pick up practical tips for your own training but also feel reassured that struggles are normal and that change is always possible.

Here’s to training that builds trust, joy, and lasting connection.

Tomorrow I will be joining the amazing Redline Canine at Show.We’ll be there between 1pm and 3pm. So, pop by if you wan...
30/08/2025

Tomorrow I will be joining the amazing Redline Canine at Show.

We’ll be there between 1pm and 3pm. So, pop by if you want to ask us any questions about dog training and behaviour.

We want to hear all about your dogs!

We'll each be doing 15 mins slots with anyone who wants some dog training tips and advice.

This is free with dog show entry, first come first served!

There's lots of different categories for the dog show and it should be a fun day out for all!🐾

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Galway City & County
Galway

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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