We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samantha Kaufman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samantha below.

Alright, Samantha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, let’s take a stroll on memory lane, back to when you were an apprentice or intern. What’s a memorable story from that time that you can share with us?

When I first began working with dogs, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn’t have much experience, but I had a deep passion for dogs and knew I wanted to make a career out of helping them. I was eager to learn and ready to dive into whatever came my way. My first real opportunity came when I joined TopDog Boarding & Training, and it was a huge eye-opener for me about what it really means to work with dogs full-time.

I started at the bottom, working as a kennel tech. My days were filled with cleaning kennels, ensuring the dogs had enrichment and exercise, helping out around the training facility, and, of course, more cleaning. It didn’t take long for me to realize that truly helping dogs wasn’t just about loving them—it was about understanding them. I needed to learn how to communicate with them, how to meet their needs, and how to teach them in ways that made them happy, confident, and reliable.

I was fortunate to work alongside some incredibly skilled trainers who took me under their wing. They pushed me, taught me, and held me to high standards. I had to prove every day that I was serious about learning, all while staying on top of my responsibilities as the lead kennel tech. I was only 20 years old at the time, with a lot of personal growth ahead of me, but those years at TopDog laid the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished since.

When I moved to North Carolina, I had what I can only describe as a wake-up call. The facilities I worked at there were nothing like TopDog. In some cases, I was the only employee, or I was essentially working from home. On top of that, each kennel approached dog training differently—sometimes in ways that challenged everything I had learned. It became clear to me that while there isn’t one “right” way to train a dog, there are methods that are ineffective or unfair, and I was determined to stay true to my balanced approach while still learning from new perspectives.

Some of the methods I encountered during that time helped me grow as a trainer and remain part of my toolbox today. Others reinforced the importance of knowing what doesn’t align with my philosophy. Looking back, those years were my true apprenticeship. I learned not only about training dogs but also about running kennels and managing operations. It eventually led me to the realization that if I could successfully run someone else’s business, I could take everything I’d learned and create something of my own.

One thing I know for sure is that I don’t know everything. There’s still so much for me to learn, and I believe that staying open to new ideas and guidance from trainers and people who share my values is the key to continued growth. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I know this journey is never over—it’s always evolving, and that’s what excites me the most.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Samantha Kaufman, one of the owners and the head trainer at Riverside Canine. My passion for dogs began in childhood, inspired by an aggressive dog that sparked my interest in canine behavior. Since then, I’ve built my career helping dogs and their owners live happier, more harmonious lives.

At Riverside Canine, we offer boarding, training, private lessons, and behavior modification. Our goal is to help every dog reach their full potential, whether that’s through addressing challenging behaviors or providing a safe and enriching space for boarding. Dogs in our care enjoy spacious individual 5×7 indoor & outdoor runs, scheduled potty & playtimes, and regular updates for their owners.

One of my proudest achievements is the trust and results we’ve seen with both rescue dogs and client dogs. Over the years, I’ve worked with rescue dogs, helping them overcome behavioral challenges and become adoptable. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my work, knowing that I’ve played a role in giving those dogs a second chance at life.

What I want potential clients and followers to know about me and Riverside Canine is that this isn’t just a job for us—it’s our passion and life’s work. Our team and I are here to help dogs thrive, whether that means addressing challenging behaviors, refining obedience skills, or providing a home-away-from-home when owners are away.

At Riverside Canine, every dog is treated like family, and every training plan is crafted with care and expertise. We’re here not only to train dogs but also to support their owners, giving them the tools and confidence they need to enjoy life with their dogs.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I moved to North Carolina, I found myself in a cycle of job-hopping every two to three months. Each kennel I worked at had a completely different way of training dogs, and it felt like I was constantly starting over. The inconsistency left me feeling burnt out and defeated, questioning if I could keep pursuing my passion. I had come from working at a highly structured and successful facility, and now I was navigating an entirely different world. Some of the methods I saw were ones I didn’t agree with, and the lack of alignment with my values made it even harder to stay motivated. I felt like I was losing sight of why I started this journey in the first place. But through that struggle, I learned to trust myself and the skills I had built over the years. I began to adapt, taking pieces from what I saw that aligned with my beliefs and leaving behind what didn’t. It wasn’t easy, but it was a turning point for me. Looking back, that period of uncertainty forced me to dig deep, re-evaluate my goals, and ultimately decide to pave my own way. That experience shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable trainer, and it’s a big part of why I’m so proud of where I am today with RiverSide K-9.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I moved on from TopDog Boarding & Training because I felt it was time to spread my wings and take what I had learned to the next level. After three incredible years, I had grown so much—both personally and professionally. TopDog had taught me the foundations of dog training, exposed me to different techniques, and introduced me to a network of talented trainers who became mentors. But as much as I loved my time there, I started feeling a pull to explore more—different environments, new challenges, and a broader spectrum of dog training philosophies. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and grow in ways that I couldn’t while still in one place. It wasn’t about leaving TopDog out of dissatisfaction; it was about moving forward, seeking more hands-on experiences, and gaining deeper insights into the dog training world. I knew that moving on would allow me to refine my skills further, discover my own approach, and eventually build something that reflected my own vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Riversidecaninemi.com
• Instagram: @Riverside.Canine
• Facebook: Riverside Canine
• Other: Email : [email protected]

Image Credits

Personal Photo : Shawn Calnan