Certified Dog Trainers - Rancho Santa Margarita Team
All Trainers are certified or working towards certification (CCPDT) - the only independent nationally recognized program providing the most up-to-date positive reinforcement training.
Certified Training Management Certified Tustin Trainers
Amanda Hudgins, CPDT-KA
RSM Trainer
I started dog training at UC Davis, where I earned a BS in Animal Science with an emphasis in Behavior. I was raised in Orange County and have always had animals in my life! I grew up riding horses and raising service dogs. I am a self-proclaimed "dog nerd" with knowledge about canine nutrition, breeds, health, and behavior.
I began at Wags and Wiggles as a client in 2015. I wanted consistent training opportunities and socialization for my young puppy. I soon joined the Wags team and consider it a privilege to be involved in such an amazing program! I am a certified CGC evaluator and I teach a variety of classes for Wags.
Outside of work, I enjoy taking agility classes, hiking, playing bass or singing for my church, and hanging out with my husband and three kids. I currently have a Border Terrier named Jovie and a Wirehaired Vizsla named Rheese.
EMAIL AMANDA
Kelly Pettigrew, CPDT-KA
RSM Trainer
My journey with Wags & Wiggles started in 2009. I went through the obedience series twice with my Boxers Butters and Zak. I loved the success and bonding I experienced with my two furry kids! After I realized I loved working with dogs, I applied for a job here and eventually became a full-time trainer.
I am thrilled to be part of such a great team that shares a passion for dogs and animals! In my spare time, I love hanging out with my family and friends, traveling, being active, following my favorite sports teams, and playing video games.
EMAIL KELLY
Christina Murray
RSM Trainer
I have always loved animal, even as a kid, and I knew I would have a career involving them. I spent a lot of time in high school and college working with horses, which led me to pursue and earn my BS degree in Animal Science.
After graduating college, I was fortunate enough to spend a few years working for a local humane society, mainly working with dogs and cats but small animals as well. During that time of learning and experience, it sparked my interest and passion for animal behavior and training, which led me to Wags and Wiggles! In April 2017, I joined the Wags team.
I am extremely grateful to a part of an amazing team of trainers here at Wags. It is exciting to help people build their relationship and bond with their dogs through training, something that I am truly passionate about! The human and animal bond is unique and I am lucky that I get to do what I love!
When I’m not at Wags, I love being active, anything from working out to hiking to horseback riding. I love it all! I also love spending time with family, friends and my pets! I have an amazing 11 year old Border Collie, Laila, and 14 year old cat, Precious.
EMAIL CHRISTINA
Natalie Gonzalez
RSM Trainer
I was born and raised in Southern California. My two biggest passions in life are animals and volleyball. I have played volleyball my entire life, and earned the opportunity to play volleyball at the University of Oregon. I graduated early from Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.
Growing up my family had a lot of animals from dogs to cats to iguanas. After I graduated from college in 2015, I got my dog Strider, who is an Australian Shepherd mix.
My journey with Wags and Wiggles began when I decided to start the apprenticeship program in January of 2018. I did my apprenticeship at the Tustin location and then had the opportunity to join the RSM training team!
It is such an awesome thing to go to your job everyday and absolutely love what you do. I am so blessed to be a part of the Wags team! Outside of training, I also coach volleyball at a local club. In my free time I enjoy going to Disneyland, watching Netflix, and playing beach volleyball.
EMAIL NATALIE
Jenn Wong
RSM Trainer
I am a long-time owner and lover of dogs! I am a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner Dog Trainer (KPACTP), Certified Dog Trainer and Cat Trainer through the nationally recognized Animal Behavior College (ABCDT), and an Associate Nose Work Instructor (ANWI).
Along with teaching Nose Work and Obedience, I also enjoy practicing and teaching Canine Freestyle and Sport Dog classes!