Hi there! I'm Samantha Albert, CTBC, FDM — Founder of Pawsitopia

My path to working with animals wasn’t just a career choice—it’s always felt like a calling. From my earliest memories, dogs have been a constant source of joy, connection, and inspiration, and over the past 20+ years, that connection has shaped my life and my work in countless ways.

I’ve had the privilege of working professionally with animals in a variety of roles. From assistant summer camp director at Marin Humane Society to volunteering at Guide Dogs for the Blind, to hands-on work in animal rescue with Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation and Hopalong Animal Rescue, I’ve helped hundreds of animals find their way to loving homes.

I’m a Certified Trainer and Behavior Consultant through the Dog Training Internship Academy, a graduate of the Marin Humane Society Canine Behavior Academy, and a certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) through the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology course. I’ve also completed the Dog*Biz Dog Walking Academy and am certified in Pet First Aid and CPR. I hold a B.A. in Journalism from California State University, Chico, and I’m fully licensed and insured to support your dog with the highest level of professionalism and care.

My Philosophy

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: the best relationships with our pets are built on mutual respect, trust, and kindness.

Whether I’m training or walking, I use science-backed, force-free methods that prioritize the emotional well-being of both dogs and their people. My goal is to help you and your dog live a happy, low-stress life together—one that’s grounded in clear communication, empathy, and understanding.

Pawsitopia is about more than just pet care. It’s about creating real connection, building confidence, and supporting dogs (and their humans) with compassion every step of the way.

What it means to be a Family Dog Mediator

To truly understand our dogs and help them change their behavior, we must understand why the behavior is happening in the first place before we can even start to figure out how to address their needs with management and training.

The modern world is a challenge for many dogs, who find themselves in circumstances and environments foreign to what they originally were bred for. We put them in home environments and expect them to adapt to our lives, but this expectation often leads to confusion from your dog as to how they fit in, which leads to behavior problems such as barking and lunging, fear and anxiety and even aggression.

Family Dog Mediation addresses the dog’s behavior based on their L.E.G.S. or Learning history, environment, genetics and self to figure out who your dog is, what their needs are and how best we can meet those needs.