At the heart of The Good Shepards is a mother-daughter duo who turned passion into purpose.
From hands-on dog training to a nonprofit foundation based in Orange County, Stacie and Isabella Shepard’s work celebrates women’s ability to nurture, lead, and build a strong sense of community.
Now known as Yorba Linda’s “go to” dog training team, The Good Shepards help clients create a balanced, fulfilled life with their dogs.
Let’s take a closer look at the story behind both the business and the foundation.
The Good Shepards: Dog Training Services
“Our balanced, real-world training focuses on more than just obedience—it’s about building a relationship you and your dog can feel proud of.”
The dog training business began in 2020 with a simple but powerful idea.
“We didn’t come from corporate backgrounds or formal business training. What we did know was how to be a family, how to build trust with people, and how to create nurturing spaces where both dogs and humans could grow together.”
From the beginning, the goal was to build something more personal than a traditional business.
“Cofounder Stacie Shepard brings a professional background as a Registered Nurse. Her experience in healthcare shaped the way they approach both people and animals—with patience, observation, empathy, and calm leadership. The skills developed in nursing—careful observation, reading behavior and body language, responding under pressure, and creating safe environments—naturally translated into the way our team works with dogs and supports owners.”
As their work gained attention, trust grew through a relationship-driven method centered on connection and support.
“The idea of the pack shaped everything we did. Dogs thrive when they have structure, leadership, and social balance. But the pack extended beyond the dogs. It included owners, families, and the larger community that trusted us with their companions.”
This philosophy also guided their training environments.
“As our programs grew, something unique began to take shape. We focused on building bonded packs of trained dogs that could work, socialize, and coexist together in structured environments. By integrating trained dogs into stable packs, we demonstrate how well-structured groups of trained dogs can help each other build confidence, neutrality, and social balance.”
One of their most memorable success stories is Pippa, a rescue dog who became a symbol of resilience and transformation.
“Her story reinforced what we always believed: with patience, structure, and leadership, dogs can grow into confident, balanced companions.”
Pippa’s journey reflects how even dogs with difficult pasts can flourish with the right guidance.
This same approach guides everything they do, from training programs to therapy initiatives and their growing network of supporters.
“Clients became long-term members of our training family. Dogs learned to coexist, socialize, and build confidence within structured pack environments. Over time, services expanded to include training programs, pack walks, daycare, boarding, agility, and enrichment opportunities.”
Women-owned businesses have also played an important role in their journey.
“Watching other women build strong, purpose-driven businesses gave us the courage to continue growing even when the path felt uncertain.”
Those relationships became a steadfast source of encouragement.
“Their leadership and support helped shape our vision and reminded us that collaboration and community can build something truly meaningful.”
The Good Shepards Foundation: Extending the Mission
“A spark of hope can change everything.”
As their work expanded, the team saw an opportunity for dogs to make an even broader impact—leading to the creation of The Good Shepards Foundation as an extension of their training business.
“The foundation focuses on therapy dogs, community wellness, and bringing the healing presence of animals to people who need it most.”
While the training business strengthens bonds between dogs and owners, the nonprofit expands that mission by connecting trained dogs with schools, organizations, and individuals seeking emotional support.
The idea builds on the same principle behind the training programs: well-balanced dogs can help people regulate emotions, reduce stress, and feel less alone.
The growth of both the company and the foundation has been supported by a wide network of women-owned businesses, mentors, and organizations, including Aloha Veterinary Hospital, YogaSol, Nikki’s Kitchen, and Pet Supplies Plus.
Mentorship and nonprofit guidance came from Yorba Linda Women’s Club, Yorba Linda Country Riders, and Eastwood Ranch Foundation, while corporate sponsor Sand + Fog Candles has contributed to their outreach efforts.
“Today, The Good Shepards continues to grow, but our foundation remains the same: family, community, and the belief that dogs can change lives.”
As The Good Shepards continue to evolve, their work remains guided by their intentional motto:
“We Listen. We Learn. We Lead.”
Learn more about The Good Shepards at https://www.thegoodshepards.info/ and visit https://tgs.foundation/ to get involved with The Good Shepards Foundation.