Salty Dogs Obedience and Adventure

11/18/2025

Did you know that Salty Dogs is home to the largest team of independently certified dog trainers servicing the Blue Hill, Ellsworth, or the greater Downeast area?

Whitney Thurston (CDBC), Jasmine Pratt (CPDT-KA, CBATI-KA), Shelby Sullivan (CPDT-KA), and Nicole Crowley (CPDT-KA) make up our trainer team, with assistant trainer Anna and student intern Cadence.

What does this mean? That we are committed to high ethical standards and have spent hundreds of hours learning from others (both human and canine teachers). We come to our community with experience, knowledge, and compassion.

I (Whitney) am so proud of this team and what we’ve been able to accomplish in improving the lives of the humans and dogs here ❤️

Also, Pip (MCA student) says hi 😘

11/18/2025

Tessa at off leash camp is a true woodland fairy 💕

Adding this new program has been a ton of work, but it is more than worth it to see dogs flourish off leash, in nature, with their pals

11/15/2025

❤️❤️ we love Keith and Holly!

🙏 In a month centered on gratitude and giving, it feels especially fitting to honor a pair who embody both wholeheartedly. Since joining us in April, Keith Michaels and his beloved therapy dog, Holly, have already donated nearly 100 hours of service across Northern Light facilities and throughout our community. 🎉

Their impact stretches far beyond their weekly visits to EMMC and Cancer Care. Keith and Holly have been instrumental in helping launch new therapy dog programs at both Blue Hill Hospital and Maine Coast Hospital—bringing comfort and connection to patients and staff in these regions. They also support youth literacy through our Paws for Tales 🐾 reading program at the Ellsworth Public Library, and they are always among the first to raise their hand for special events like Art with Therapy Dogs and employee wellness activities. 🙌

Keith’s willingness to take on special office projects, paired with Holly’s gentle presence, has made them invaluable members of our volunteer family. We are deeply grateful for their service. Thank you, Keith and Holly! 💚

11/15/2025

Could not be more thankful for our friends at Pleasantly Pampered Grooming 😍

They go above and beyond to make sure old gals like Tess are comfortable and safe during their grooms. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have someone to trust with my best girl. It is well worth the trip to Bangor ❤️❤️

11/13/2025

NEW friends at Maine Canine Academy: Buoy, George, and Jet! So proud of the progress they’ve already made and thrilled with George and Buoys first off leash training with us today! They had a great time out with friends Tilly, Siena, Betty, and Ursa 🌊🌲❤️

**George and Buoy are wearing GPS collars, not ecollars. Y’all know how we feel about an off leash force free husky 💕💕

11/10/2025

Life, and adventure, is better with friends. Featuring Maine Canine Academy students Betty, Gracie, Mabel, Tilly, and Sedge ❤️

11/06/2025

Off leash training with Tilly, Chandler, Siena, Ursa, Betty and Jet, but only when they look foolish

11/04/2025

Salty Dogs I know it’s been quiet around here! Somehow, October was our busiest month….ever? 😅🎉Between many new dogs, new classes, several illnesses, elderly dogs at home, a porcupine, Halloween with our kids, and just *life* our team is pooped. I’m thinking it’s time for me to think for real about bringing on an office manager. Someone to help keep us on track while helping us grow and keep the response time under a week (sorry!) I’m too stubborn to give up working with my clients but running things and being a trainer is a little too much right now. If you want to talk more about working with Salty Dogs, send a message here or email [email protected] Video of Maisie, Lily, and Phineas as part of our small dog group at off leash training camp!

10/26/2025

10/23/2025

BIGGEST CONGRATULATIONS to trainer Cole on passing her Certified Professional Dog Trainer exam!

Being a (good) dog trainer is a combination of lots of experience, commitment to learning, and solid ethics. I am lucky to work with a team of them, including Cole. Passing this test is not a requirement to being a dog trainer, but is one way to show commitment to learning, growing, and professionalism. We’re so proud of you Cole!

Beautiful photo of Cole and her dog Dido by our great friend Xenophon Photography!