Meet the trainer
Credentials:
I'm glad you're here! I’m Sarah, and I’ve been a certified dog trainer since 2020. I have worked with dogs in different capacities, including animal shelters, for many years as well. My current certifications are KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) and FFCP (Fear Free Certified Professional). Karen Pryor Academy gave me an incredible toolkit for how train cleanly, teach dogs using positive reinforcement, and specifically use clicker training to teach behaviors through shaping and capturing. Fear Free taught me about paying close attention to body language, reducing stress as much as possible, and teaching cooperative care to help with vet visits, grooming, and more. I have also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, and I am currently pursuing the Family Dog Mediator certification and participating in a Canine Freestyle course with my own dog. I'm originally from Portland, Oregon and I now live in Atlanta, Georgia with my three large, mixed breed rescue dogs.
Where I've been:
I have worked with countless dogs and families, from private training and group classes to day training and board-and-train programs. My broad scope of experience ranges from teaching basic manners for puppies to helping dogs who exhibit aggression towards humans and other dogs. One of my favorite focus areas is addressing fear-based behaviors, which often includes leash reactivity.
I've been a self-employed trainer as well as a staff trainer at a few different companies. Unfortunately, I’ve seen a pattern of most of these companies, despite having good intentions, losing integrity as they grow and eventually prioritizing profit over treatment of the dogs in their care. In my experience, even though they claimed to be committed to positive reinforcement, time revealed an unwillingness to place emotional well-being of the dogs as their top concern. This is especially insidious in programs where dogs are away from their humans for weeks at a time. I have actually been instructed to “care less” and “be meaner” to the dogs in a board-and-train program from a supervisor. Suffice to say, that approach is not for me. If I notice a dog in my care is stressed, I'm going to do everything in my power to bring that stress level down. I firmly believe that the skilled application of positive reinforcement, which requires paying attention to body language and emotional state, and setting the dog up for success to avoid stress, is the most effective way to change canine behavior.
My approach to training is not only a moral one, but it is based on heaps of scientific evidence from which the top force-free trainers in the industry approach training. Dogs, like humans, learn better in environments focused on fun, play, and physical and emotional safety. Stress and fear, on the other hand, hinder learning. As a staff trainer previously, I have also experienced such a full schedule of clients that it was impossible for me to give the attention to each that I wanted to give. This all made me ready to do things differently. Therefore, my business is founded on unshakeable ethics, loyalty to the most up-to-date, scientific training methods, and limiting the number of clients I take at a time so that I can prioritize quality over quantity of the services I provide.
Where I am now:
Dog Joy Society is about creating behavior change in a way that prioritizes the overall well-being of your dog. Not understanding why our dog is behaving in a certain way, or wanting them to act differently but not finding success, can be frustrating and demoralizing. One of my leading principles is to treat the root cause of the issue, not just the surface symptom. I chose a positive reinforcement-based education for a reason and I am serious about what I do, but I like to have fun along the way too. I want to bring more joy to dogs and people in the training process and in their lives together.
What it's like to work with me:
I approach training from a holistic perspective, meaning I may prescribe enrichment and exercise adjustments along with the training plan, since all these pieces work together to maximize success. I teach dogs the skills they need by breaking the entire skill down into simple steps, and I often use games to aid in learning. Often there is an environmental change that is needed along with training to ensure success; such as blocking a dog's access to a certain area while different skills are being taught. I offer varying levels of support based on how involved you want to be in the process – I can do the bulk of the training myself and pass on a more advanced behavior at the end, or I can walk you through step-by-step and teach you how to train along the way. Either way, you, your dog, and I will be on the same team working towards the same goal. Every client that works with me will be taught the fundamentals of clean training, canine body language, and a helpful reframing of why dogs do what they do.
I'm a good fit for you if:
- you want your dog's behavior to improve and you care about how that behavior change is achieved,
- you want to deepen your relationship with your dog
- you want a transparent and communicative trainer
-you want to have fun with your dog along the way
- you want to move away from or avoid aversive methods of handling and training,
- you want to put your dog’s well-being first,
- you’re open to making some adjustments to set them up for success, and
- you’re willing to commit to maintaining the behavior once we’re finished.
I believe my role is to help bridge the gap between dogs and humans. I incorporate a lot of education about body language and the reasons behind any given behavior so that you have that understanding. I lead with empathy for these lovely four-legged companions we find ourselves with. Since they have the least autonomy in the dynamic, being completely dependent on us for their care, I take pride in being an advocate and voice for them. I want to help the human client to approach their dog from a very self-aware and empowered place as well. I am flexible and patient, and I encourage feedback along the way for what's working for you and what isn't. It's very common for training plans to change along the way and I enjoy coming up with creative solutions that work for everyone involved.
If you're interested in taking the next step, please fill out the contact form below or email dogjoysociety@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!