Shelby Waxer

Shelby Waxer is a certified behavioral and training specialist whose passion for canine psychology began in childhood. Raised in a home always shared with at least six dogs, Shelby developed a deep understanding of dog behavior from an early age. One particularly challenging experience with a dog in her youth left a lasting impact and sparked a lifelong mission to better understand the complexities of canine behavior - particularly when addressing complex behavioral challenges.

Professional Development

At just 15 years old, Shelby began both her professional career and her formal study of dog psychology, setting the foundation for what would become a lifelong pursuit of excellence in canine behavior. She earned her certification through the prestigious Atlanta Dog Trainer Academy for Professionals, where she was selected for a competitive internship under renowned trainer and academy founder Susie Aga. Since then, Shelby has continued to expand her knowledge and impact across a wide range of training and behavioral disciplines.

Current Role & Expertise

Today, Shelby plays a vital role on the Atlanta Dog Trainer behavior and assessment team, where she leads group classes, private in-home sessions, board-and-train programs, and specialized training in areas such as scent detection and aquatic enrichment. She is especially skilled in working with high-drive working breeds, helping dogs channel their instincts through structured outlets while balancing them with intentional decompression - creating learning windows where real progress can happen.

Specializations

Shelby's passion lies in rehabilitating rescue dogs, mutts, and trauma cases, particularly those suffering from extreme fear, anxiety, or a history of neglect. Her ability to meet dogs where they are, build trust slowly, and tailor training to each individual has made her a strong advocate for misunderstood or overlooked dogs. She approaches even challenging cases with patience and understanding, believing that flexible, case-by-case solutions yield the best results.

Personal Experience

At home, Shelby shares life with two rescue dogs - Blaze, a hound mix, and Bobby Boucher, a Jack Russell mix. Both came from tough beginnings and faced significant behavioral hurdles, but through consistent rehabilitation, they've grown into confident, balanced companions who now occasionally assist her as co-trainers for puppies learning social skills.

With over four years of experience at Atlanta Dog Trainer, Shelby is known for her leadership, deep empathy, and ability to build lasting relationships between dogs and their families. Driven by a lifelong commitment to canine welfare, Shelby's mission remains clear: to help every dog become the best version of itself - and every owner a more confident, compassionate leader.