Rising Stars: Meet Isabella Whiteman of Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Whiteman

Hi Isabella, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve had dogs my entire life! My first dog, Junebug, was a chow mix that my parents rescued from a shelter. The moment I was brought home from the hospital, she and I became best friends. Junebug is the reason I got interested in dog training. From a young age, I was fascinated by dog psychology. In middle school, my parents enrolled me in the Summer Day Camp program at our local shelter, where I gained hands-on experience working with dogs. We learned how to teach basic commands, and I distinctly remember a day when we went to the dog park across the street to observe the dogs. That was when I first realized dog training could be a potential career.

Throughout high school and college, I worked as a dog sitter, dog walker, and even at a dog daycare. While I enjoyed those jobs to an extent, I knew they weren’t my true calling. I eventually got a job working at a daycare with kids, but that didn’t last long because I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. That’s when I applied to work at Petco as a dog trainer, and I absolutely loved it! About a year later, I met another dog trainer named Charlie, who invited me to work as an independent contractor for him in Long Beach. Now, I’m happily balancing my work at Petco and with Charlie!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy journey. It all started with the expectation that I would go to college and earn a degree. I began my college experience in San Marcos, planning to get a degree in Liberal Studies. After just one year, I realized it wasn’t the right path for me. At first, it was tough to accept that college wasn’t in my future, especially with the societal pressure to go. However, thanks to the support of my grandparents and others I’ve met along the way, I came to understand that college isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay.

I also struggled—and still do—with the stereotype that women can’t handle larger dogs. I’ll admit that big dogs were intimidating at first, especially those that bite or growl. But once I realized how much stronger and capable I really am, my perspective completely changed. It can be frustrating when many men—often bigger than me—try to tell me what’s best for their dog or doubt my ability to handle their “big” dog. It’s especially annoying when they speak down to me or assume that just because I’m a woman, I don’t know what their dog truly needs.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a professional dog trainer, and I absolutely love what I do! Working with dogs and helping them improve brings me so much joy. I specialize in obedience and behavior, with a focus on making a real difference in the lives of dogs in our community. My priority is to help as many dogs and owners as possible, without worrying about payment or how much I’m earning. It’s really important to me that dog training is accessible to everyone at an affordable price. I also work with dogs that are aggressive, reactive, or simply need basic obedience training. Additionally, I offer Free Friday Group Classes through Body and Mind K9, the company Charlie started!

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned so much throughout my journey with dogs, but the most important lesson has been to trust the process. I started by working with my friends’ and family’s dogs, then went to college, which was a tough experience, but I gained valuable skills working with dogs there. After that, I came home, uncertain about what was next for me, then applied to Petco and landed a dog training position. Now, I’m the head dog trainer for BAMK9 while continuing my work at Petco, which I truly enjoy. It has been a very bumpy road but I am so grateful for the journey. I plan to trust the process all throughout the rest of my life.

Pricing:

• Intro Session- $170
• Free Friday Class- Free
• Wednesday group classes- $30
• Pack walk- Free

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bamk9.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodyandmindk9/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BodyandMindK9/

Image Credits
Credit: Elena Knox-Oliver