Always Learning: My Journey to Become Certified by Mia Skogster

By Olga Baram, Sarasota, Florida Dog Trainer

I never stop learning and searching for the best ways to train dogs — and to teach people how to understand them. Every year, I invest in continued education and seek out trainers who resonate with my philosophy: that dog training should be grounded in emotional communication, clarity, and connection.

That’s why I’m honored to share that I’ve been selected for the Certified by Mia Skogster program, an elite, 12-week training experience led by one of the world’s most respected dog trainers.

Why Mia Skogster?

Mia Skogster is a two-time IGP World Champion, earning a perfect 100 out of 100 points in obedience, and an international seminar leader known for her groundbreaking approach to emotional communication in dog training. Her teachings go far beyond obedience; they help handlers truly connect with their dogs on a deeper emotional level.

The Certified by Mia Skogster program combines 12 weeks of intensive online study with personalized coaching, one-on-one mentorship, lots of homework assignments, group discussions with other professionals from USA and Canada, and a 5-day live training camp. Only a handful of trainers are accepted, ensuring close guidance and high-level development for every participant.

What This Certification Means

This is not just about becoming a better dog trainer — it’s about becoming a better communicator to my students, both human and canine. I’m learning how to help owners see through their dog’s eyes, understand their emotions, and communicate in ways that make sense in everyday life.

The program dives deep into:

Emotional communication and motivation

Reading canine body language

Giving meaningful feedback

Sequencing behaviors for lasting results

Building trust and clarity between dog and human

Heading to Canada with She-Ra and Jordyn

In December, I’ll travel to British Columbia, Canada, for the live portion of the certification — yes, it will be cold! I’ll be joined by my puppy She-Ra and my IGP apprentice Junior IGP handler and our Dogsports4u trainer Jordyn Stiver as we take this next step together.

It’s a huge investment in knowledge, skill, and growth — and I couldn’t be more excited to bring what I learn back home to our clients in Florida.

Why It Matters for Our Clients

At Dog Sports4U Academy, our mission has always been to bring best world-class dog training to local families. This certification ensures that our methods stay at the cutting edge of modern, humane, and emotionally intelligent training.

When you work with Olga Baram, Florida Dog Trainer, you’re not just getting years of experience — you’re getting insights shaped by international champions and the most advanced training philosophies in the world.

The Journey Continues

This certification is just one part of a lifelong journey to become the best trainer I can be — for both dogs and their humans. I can’t wait to share everything I’m learning with our clients and community here in Florida.

If you’d like to experience the difference emotional communication makes in your dog’s training, and to see the difference and results in your very first session, reach out today to schedule your evaluation.

👉 Book Your Free Consultation