My name is Sofia Kavanaugh and I am a passionate professional dedicated to the transformative art and science of dog training. I graduated from UCLA with a degree in neuroscience and a minor in Spanish. Outside of dog training, I am a competitive horse-back rider with numerous regional and national championships, & enjoy traveling and exploring the wilderness with my own dog Mar.

How it all began ..

My journey into the world of dog training took root during my 3rd year at UCLA when I adopted a rescue puppy. Dissatisfied with the limited training my family dogs received in my formative years, I undertook extensive research and self-education through online courses. This commitment evolved as I trained my dog Mar to serve as my task-trained service dog, deepening my appreciation for the transformative power of effective dog training.

The challenges and successes of this multi-year journey to training my rescue pup to be my service dog deepened my passion for dog training so immensely that it led me to a pivotal decision to transition my career toward becoming a professional dog trainer.

Education & Experience

Under the mentorship of Shane Murray, a distinguished dog trainer in Riverside County, I honed my skills and understanding of canine behavior. Seeking further expertise, I undertook an intensive week-long shadow program in Idaho with Stephanie Vichinsky from Method K9. Currently, I am doing an intensive 6 month long apprenticeship program with Brett Bailey (Who’s A Good Boy Industries), one of the industries top experts in behavioral modification.

Armed with formal education, complemented by numerous online courses, in person workshops and conferences, and practical experiences, I channel my knowledge into contributing to the welfare of dogs. Volunteering my time at Priceless Pets Rescue allowed me to apply my knowledge and positively impact the lives of dogs in need. Now I do the same with Kennel Eviction Rescue.

This journey has lead me to the establishment of Kavanaugh K9, where the culmination of knowledge, passion, and dedication converges to provide exceptional dog training services. From mentoring under renowned professionals to hands-on experiences and continuous learning, Kavanaugh K9 represents the culmination of my commitment to the well-being of dogs and their owners.