Meet Sofia Ford | Dog Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sofia Ford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sofia, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The most important decision I made was to drop out of a 4-year university and attend a trade school dedicated to my craft. Kennelwood Academy for Professional Dog Trainers, not only gave me my foundation of knowledge but gave me access to a group of people that have consistently been in my corner since day one. Those connections have single-handedly given me the confidence, and courage to continue to grow and expand in my career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a professional dog trainer, I spend my days helping owners reconnect with their dogs, restoring confidence to dogs who have become fearful of the world, and bonding with one of the most loving, trusting animals I have ever interacted with. This job, if you can even call it that, is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things I have ever done in my life. Getting to see the looks on owners’ faces when their formerly reactive or fearful dog can walk through life again confident and happy, is one thing that will never get old.

To start in this field, I attended Kennelwood Academy for Professional Dog Trainers (KWA). There, I learned almost every field of dog training, from pet obedience to protection training and so much more. The decision to go to KWA was not an easy one, to say the least. When I found out about the school, I knew I wanted to attend, the question was, when? I was a brand new freshman in college, in a new state I had moved to not even a few months prior, and had no idea what I was doing, for a career or otherwise. The decision to pick up and move, to go to a trade school for 6 months and start over again? It sounded awful. Especially after speaking with my parents and having them also being against the idea, it also didn’t make things any easier. Yet, something inside me was nagging at me to just… do it. So, after completing my first year of college, I signed up for the July class of 2023 at KWA.

My time at KWA was the most valuable thing I could have ever done for my career. They transformed a young girl with a passion for training, into a full-time dog trainer with an even bigger passion to help individuals with their dogs, and to learn even more than she already knew. I developed friendships with people there that I truly believe will last me a lifetime. The blood, sweat, and a lot of tears built a bond between us that has helped us support each other in our current careers today. They always have and always will be, my rock. Dog training as a whole is a very emotionally taxing job, which can make the hard parts of the job very hard to get through. My friends have been there to build back up my confidence and support me through those hard times, and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to do the same for them.

I love this job, and this community, and what I can do for my community and their dogs, is something I wouldn’t change for the world. I truly believe I was put here to do this, I couldn’t imagine doing a different career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Denver, I would first take her on a hike up Bear Creek trail with my dogs! One of my favorite activities during the summer is taking my dogs on a nice hike, especially one with a river. If you’ve never been to Colorado, it is an absolute must-have to see what we’re most famously known for… the mountains! It was one of the very first trails I went on and one I continuously go on every chance I have. Secondly, I would have to take my friend to downtown Fort Collins. The first time I went, I was floored by the art, people, and music that surrounded the area. Although it isn’t anything like Los Angeles (where I grew up), there’s something special about the art and creativity that FoCo holds. Even just walking around I have an amazing time there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my story to my best friends and former classmates – Olivia, Kailee, Sarah, Chelsy, and Renee. Without you all, none of this would be possible.

Instagram: @blightthedutchie

Image Credits
Lainie Dincola