Meet our team of professional dog trainers
Shelby Waxer
Shelby Waxer is a certified behavioral and training specialist who specializes in working with rescue dogs, trauma cases, and high-drive working breeds. With over four years at Atlanta Dog Trainer, she leads group classes, private sessions, and board-and-train programs while focusing on rehabilitating dogs with extreme fear, anxiety, or neglect histories. Shelby's approach combines structured training with intentional decompression techniques, creating learning windows where real progress happens. Her ability to build trust with challenging cases and tailor training to each individual dog has made her a trusted advocate for misunderstood and overlooked dogs.
Rachel Dudash
Rachel Dudash is a Professional Dog Trainer who specializes in obedience training and advanced behavior modification. With intensive training from CATCH Dog Training Academy and years of hands-on experience, Rachel excels in developing personalized solutions for challenging dog behaviors. Her expertise spans from puppy development to advanced obedience, with particular success in reactive dog rehabilitation and therapy dog training. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator as well. Rachel's unique background in communication helps her create strong partnerships with both dogs and their owners, ensuring lasting results.
DJ Joseph
DJ Joseph is a certified canine behavioral and obedience specialist known for his fun, energetic, and knowledgeable approach to dog training. With a specialization in reactivity training and years of mentorship under Susie Aga, DJ is passionate about transforming every dog into the perfect companion for their family.
Emma Burke, General Manager
Emma brings over 12 years of professional experience and a deep passion for strengthening the bond between dogs and their families. With a degree in Psychology and an advanced training education, she combines science-based methods with compassion and practical expertise. Emma specializes in puppy development, scent work, and fear-based behavioral challenges (which are her true passion), helping dogs build confidence and lifelong skills while guiding owners with clarity and support. She is dedicated to creating positive, individualized experiences for every dog and client she serves.
Madeline Summers – Canine Training & Behavior Specialist
Madeline Summers has been passionate about dogs her entire life and has dedicated her career to helping them thrive. She is a graduate of the Atlanta Dog Trainer Academy, completing both Level 1 and Level 2, where she refined her skills in canine behavior and communication.
With extensive experience working with large and giant breeds, Madeline emphasizes building trust and clear communication between dogs and their owners. Her goal is always to create compassionate, effective, and lasting training solutions that set dogs up for success in every environment.
Madeline enjoys working with dogs of all ages, sizes, and temperaments, and she takes pride in helping owners strengthen the bond they share with their four-legged companions.
Rick Carpenter
Alongside his wife, Rick has fostered 90 dogs over a span of 7 years with gratifying results. He believes their passion for dogs allows them to remove the dogs from the instability of their previous lives and socialize them enough to go into their forever home.
Susie Aga
With 25 years of experience as the founder of Atlanta Dog Trainer, Susie is now partially retired but continues to take on special cases involving phobia, trauma-based behavior, and dog aggression management. She also serves as the lead instructor for Atlanta Dog Trainer’s Academy for Professional Dog Trainers.
Diane Culpepper
Diane Culpepper is a U.S. Air Force Veteran who served just under 20 years. She taught survival techniques and learned how to track animals, animal behavior and how animals think. It was having this training that led her to fulfill a career that she dreamed of as a child.
Trish Carpenter
Trish Carpenter has spent the past 10 years as a tireless animal advocate through several rescue organizations, primarily Labrador Friends of the South. She has worked with dozens of dogs in order to help them transition from a shelter environment into a stable family life.