Meet Leah

Leah VanDeBogart
Owner & Trainer
Phone:
(907) 521-1606
Email:
Specializes in:
Obedience for puppies and dogs of all levels
Recall and E-collar work
Creating neutrality around dogs and people
Reactivity
A Bit About Me
I’ve always had a deep love for dogs and training. My journey started when I was a young girl and rescued my first dog, Nicki, an older bully mix. Sadly, I only had her for a short while before cancer took her from me. During the time we had together, my 10-year-old self taught her several tricks and how to walk nicely without pulling on the leash.
Looking back, that was the beginning of everything.
After Nicki passed, my parents allowed me to get another dog, Velvis, a one-year-old Australian Cattle Dog. I was about 12 years old at the time, and that’s when I truly began diving into the world of training. Velvis was incredibly intelligent and eager to learn. She quickly picked up tricks and behaviors, and I was able to build reliable off-leash recall and heeling with her. Beyond the skills she learned, the most important thing we worked on was her confidence. Velvis had come from an abusive situation, and helping her grow into a confident, happy dog taught me lessons that still shape how I train today. I will forever be grateful to her for everything she taught me.
Over the years, my love for dogs has continued to grow, along with the number of dogs I share my life with. I currently(2026) have seven dogs, after sadly losing my little white Chihuahua, Chloe, in November of 2021and my lab mix at 15 years old in July 2026.
Today my pack includes Jayde the Alaskan Husky, Zender the German Shepherd, Copper the red Chihuahua, Zyko the German Shepherd, Perro the Alaskan Husky/Bully mix, Zeno a long-coat German Shepherd, and my youngest Zest the Swedish Vallhund.
In 2015, I began competing in dog sports, including agility with Copper and Zender. With Zender, I have also competed in several different venues including IGP and WDA bite sports, AKC Obedience, Rally, lure coursing, NADAC, and dock diving. Through these competitions we have earned multiple High in Trial awards across different venues. I truly enjoy encouraging others to get involved in sports with their dogs, it’s an incredible way to build a deeper relationship and have fun together.
While I love the sport and competition side of training, I also fully understand the everyday pet dog side of things. Many owners simply want a dog they can enjoy life with; a reliable off-leash hiking companion, a dog that walks politely on leash, and a dog that is easy and enjoyable to live with. Those are things I prioritize with my own dogs as well.
Because I live and work with a wide variety of breeds, sizes, and personalities, I understand that no single training method works for every dog. Each dog is an individual, and successful training means adapting to what works best for them.
My favorite part of being a trainer is helping people and their dogs build a lasting bond through clear communication, trust, and teamwork.
When owners learn how to truly communicate with their dogs, training becomes enjoyable for both sides and that’s where real success happens.
Based in Mat-Su Valley and classes in Anchorage
Alaska, USA
findyourzendogtraining@gmail.com
(907) 521-1606
Find Your Zen Dog Training
© 2022 by Find Your Zen Dog Training. Content and photos not to be used without permission.

























