Life & Work with Amanda Good of Lawrenceville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Good.

Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My path into dog training wasn’t a straight line—it really grew out of a deep love for both animals and people.

I started my career in healthcare as a neonatal ICU nurse, then transitioned to an oncology nurse, where I spent the last couple years supporting people through some of the most vulnerable and meaningful moments of their lives. Those experiences shaped how I see care, communication, and trust. Over time, I realized those same principles apply just as powerfully in the relationship between dogs and their owners.

What began as a personal interest in training and behavior slowly turned into something more. I became fascinated with how dogs learn, how behavior develops, and how much clarity and confidence owners can gain when they’re given the right tools and guidance. Eventually, I made the decision to step fully into that passion and build what is now Good K9 Institute.

Today, my work focuses not just on training dogs, but on supporting the entire human–canine relationship. I love helping owners feel empowered, helping dogs feel understood, and creating real, lasting change in the home. It’s been incredibly rewarding to build something that blends structure, compassion, and connection and to be part of so many people’s journeys with their dogs.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but in hindsight, that’s been one of the greatest gifts.

A big turning point for me was getting my first dog. She was what some might call “spicy”. She struggled with people and other dogs, and nothing about that experience was easy. I went into it thinking I was just bringing a dog into my life, but what I didn’t realize was how much it would require me to look deeply at myself.

Through her, I started to see my own patterns, my energy, my communication, and how all of that directly impacted her behavior. That process was incredibly humbling and, at times, really challenging. It also brought up unexpected obstacles like realizing that much of my family was uncomfortable or even afraid of dogs, which forced me to make difficult choices and really realign my life with what I felt called to do.

There were definitely moments where it would have been easier to step back, but something in me just knew this was the right path. And in choosing to show up for her—to advocate for her, to learn, to grow—I ended up making better choices across the board in my own life.

What felt like a struggle at the time ended up being the foundation for everything I do now. She was the challenge, but also the catalyst that shaped my purpose.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the core of my work, I help people and their dogs find more harmony, clarity, and peace together. I meet people exactly where they are—because life is complex, and most of us are navigating stress, overwhelm, and unexpected challenges long before we even factor in our dogs.

What I’ve found is that there’s actually a lot of beauty in that stress—if you have the right tools to work through it. My approach focuses on helping people understand their dogs from the inside out, seeing the world through their dog’s eyes, and building a relationship rooted in communication, trust, and respect. When that shifts, everything else starts to fall into place.

I specialize in relationship-based training and behavior, with a strong emphasis on how dogs naturally experience and process the world—especially through scent. I’m an accredited Mantrailing Global Instructor, and I host regular mantrailing workshops that are open to all dogs and handlers. It’s something I’m especially passionate about because it’s not a competitive sport—it’s an accessible, enriching activity that allows dogs of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to succeed while building confidence and connection with their person.

I’m also committed to continuing education and growth in this field. I study under Kim Brophy through her L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology program and Nelson Hodges at the Canine Human Relationship Institute, both of which deeply influence how I approach behavior, communication, and the human–canine bond.

What I’m most proud of is the impact this work has beyond the dog. When people start to understand their dogs better, they often start to understand themselves better too. That shift creates calmer homes, stronger relationships, and a sense of peace that extends far beyond training sessions.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on obedience or surface-level behavior change, I focus on the relationship as a whole. I help people slow down, observe, and truly connect with their dogs in a way that feels sustainable, empowering, and meaningful for both ends of the leash.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very curious, energetic, and always asking questions. I never really stopped wanting to understand how things worked. I was also a big reader and would go through a book a day from elementary school through high school, which I think really shaped how I see the world and my love for learning.

I’ve always been drawn to animals. I wasn’t allowed to have a dog growing up, so I found ways around it—I started little pet-sitting ventures and tried my hand at being an entrepreneur early on. At one point or another, I had just about everything else: cats, birds, fish, frogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. And of course, I was completely in love with horses and dogs.

Personality-wise, I’ve always been pretty gregarious and outgoing—I’ve never met a stranger. I played sports, stayed busy, and was the kind of person who wanted to try a little bit of everything. Looking back, I think that mix of curiosity, energy, and wide-ranging interests gave me a really well-rounded perspective that still influences how I connect with both people and dogs today.

Pricing:

• Mantrailing Introduction Course (4 hours) @ $200.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.goodk9institute.com/
• Instagram: Goodk9Institute
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodk9institute/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/goodk9institute/

Image Credits
Peggy Drake
https://www.pegculiar.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Pegculiar-Photography/61580503657124/
https://www.instagram.com/pegculiar.photo/ – @Pegculiar.photo