What began as a simple pack walk—a van, a handful of dogs, and one woman’s intuition—has become a movement redefining canine training and wellness.
When founder Isabella Shepard set out on local trails with a group of dogs during the height of the pandemic, she wasn’t launching a business—she was answering a calling.
She observed an unsettling trend: anxious, under-socialized dogs struggling to navigate the world.
She studied their behavior and began training with a firm yet compassionate approach.
What followed was a transformation—not just for the dogs, but for their families, the community, and the industry itself.
“Today, The Good Shepards is more than a training company; it’s a philosophy, built on the belief that structured learning fosters freedom, obedience builds trust, and balanced dogs lead peaceful lives.”
Daily pack walks evolved into an immersive training and wellness experience designed to help dogs thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically.
A Higher Standard for Canine Care
Here, training is not just about teaching commands—it’s about developing a relationship grounded in leadership and understanding.
“We believe that every dog in our care should be learning, growing, and supported in a proactive environment.”
Every dog in their care is either enrolled in a training program or has graduated from one.
They’re not a traditional dog-walking or daycare service; they’re a values-driven community committed to raising the standard of canine well-being.
Services Designed for Growth and Stability
The Good Shepards offers the following for their canine clients (and their owners):
● Training Programs & Day Trains—Private training, immersive day trains, and behavior modification for challenges like reactivity, off-leash reliability, and confidence-building
● Pack Walking—Structured group walks reinforce impulse control, neutrality, and calm focus, mimicking natural canine hierarchy
● Daycare—Purposeful engagement, enrichment activities, and rest—not chaotic free play, but structured socialization
● Selective Boarding—Reserved for trained or actively training dogs, ensuring a consistent routine and continued obedience reinforcement
● Specialized Group Classes—Advanced sessions tailored to specific training needs
In addition to the services they provide, it’s the culture at The Good Shepards that sets them apart from other providers in the industry.
Their clients aren’t just looking for convenience; they value peaceful coexistence, trust, and lifelong harmony between humans and dogs.
The Good Shepards Foundation: Paws with Purpose
Three years ago, The Good Shepards Foundation emerged from a deep belief: dogs don’t just need connection—they offer it.
“The nonprofit arm of our business focuses on the power of the pack to provide therapy for youth, survivors of trauma, and under-supported communities. Our pack of therapy dogs are carefully selected and trained to remain neutral, calm, and connected in a variety of high-stress environments.”
At its core, the foundation operates with a mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and purpose—transforming overlooked dogs into therapy animals that bring comfort and stability to high-stress environments.
Whether helping neurodivergent students or providing companionship during difficult therapy sessions, these dogs are doing the work—offering safety, regulation, and healing where it’s needed most.
What’s next for TGS and TGSF?
The Good Shepards Company
As we look ahead, the future of The Good Shepards is rooted in growth—not just in size, but in depth, impact, and community.
“We’re continuing to develop an exclusive and intentional space for families who value a higher standard of care, training, and connection with their dogs. With two dedicated facilities and a growing team of passionate professionals, we’re expanding our services to support every stage of a dog’s development—from structured puppy training to specialized behavioral work, advanced day trains, and immersive pack experiences.”
“Our focus remains on quality over quantity. We’re not here to be the biggest—we’re here to be the most trusted. Each dog in our care is part of something bigger: a lifestyle rooted in calm leadership, thoughtful communication, and long-term wellbeing.”
The Good Shepards Foundation
The Good Shepards Foundation is preparing to launch a rescue and rehabilitation initiative, training abandoned dogs to serve as therapy animals in hospitals, schools, and crisis centers.
The goal isn’t just to save dogs—it’s to equip them with a purpose that transforms lives.
“We believe these dogs—once trained and given purpose—can bring hope to people around the world, offering comfort in schools, hospitals, and communities in need.”
To bring this vision to life, The Good Shepards Foundation is seeking funding and community support.
Every contribution pushes them closer to a future where dogs aren’t just rescued—they are empowered to heal the world around them.
“The future of The Good Shepards Foundation is about second chances—for dogs, and for the people they’re destined to help.” Visit the website for more information, https://thegoodshepards.info/
“Each dog in our care is part of something bigger: a lifestyle rooted in calm leadership, thoughtful communication, and long-term wellbeing.”
“Today, The Good Shepards is more than a training company; it’s a philosophy, built on the belief that structured learning fosters freedom, obedience builds trust, and balanced dogs lead peaceful lives.”