Whether you’re welcoming a brand-new puppy or helping a dog through anxiety, reactivity, or hyperarousal, I believe training should feel engaging, inclusive, and genuinely enjoyable, not tense, overly corrective, or centered entirely around food.I’ve been training dogs for more than forty years, long enough to watch training trends swing from heavy-handed correction and command control to approaches built almost entirely around treats and excitement. While those methods may look very different, both can unintentionally keep dogs in heightened states of arousal, either worrying about making mistakes or becoming overstimulated and focused on food rewardsAt the heart of my work is something much simpler: helping people and dogs learn how to move through life together. When dogs feel safe, connected, and included, they’re able to learn, quickly associating word cues like a child learning a new language. They can think, recover, and participate more naturally. Words take shape as anchors, helping dogs anticipate what comes next and feel more organized in their world. Before long, they’re listening not because they have to, but because they want to.
About
My philosophy
My approach goes beyond teaching dogs to simply respond to direction. I work with you and your dog as a team, helping you understand the “why” behind behavior so you can recognize what’s driving a reaction and respond calmly in the moment. When you understand your dog’s emotional state, their sensitivities, patterns, and stress responses, you stop relying on rigid rules, scripts, or expensive training gadgets. You begin building the confidence to navigate everyday life together. Real progress happens when learning feels safe, steady, and sustainable for everyone involved. Dogs don’t thrive through intimidation, emotional flooding, or constant overexcitement. They thrive on connection, predictability, play, rest, and thoughtful guidance that supports the nervous system rather than overwhelming it. As the author of Puppies For Dummies, Dog Anxiety for Dummies, and several other books on behavior and development, I’ve spent decades helping families better understand the emotional lives of dogs and how deeply our own energy, routines, and responses shape the relationship we share with them.
Learning Options
Learning options
From brand-new puppies to senior dogs, and from first-time dog parents to lifelong dog lovers, my classes are designed to help dogs and people feel more connected, confident, and at ease together.
Testimonials
Some of our happy dogs
“Sarah took our shy little pup and helped her grow into a confident, go-lucky companion. She’s loving, honest, and completely in tune with dogs.”
– Emily J.
“Sarah doesn’t just train dogs—she understands them. Petey learned so much, and so did we. She’s a true teacher.”
– Mandy C.
“We were overwhelmed with a new puppy and an aging dog—Sarah brought calm, clarity, and transformation in just one week.”
Diane M.
“Our dog came home from Sarah’s program social, responsive, and full of joy. The training notes made follow-up so easy.”
– Barbara B.
“With Sarah’s help, our dog stopped lunging and started greeting new people with ease. She gave us our peace back.”
- Vanessa C.
“Every session left us more connected to our dog—and to each other. Sarah’s guidance was exactly what we needed.”
Helen B.
FAQs
When should I start training my dog?
As soon as your dog comes home! Whether you’ve got a new puppy, a rescue, or an older dog, it’s never too early—or too late—to start learning. I’ll help you create calm, consistent routines and show you how to help your dog feel confident and secure.
Can you help with behavior issues like reactivity, anxiety, or aggression?
Absolutely! I specialize in helping dogs feel safe and understood, so they can self-regulate and respond more calmly to the world around them. My approach blends empathy with real-life strategies you can use right away, drawing from decades of experience and my book Dog Anxiety for Dummies.
Do you use e-collars or prong collars?
Never. My training is based on trust, clarity, and communication—not fear or force. I’ll show you how to get reliable behavior without using pain or intimidation.
How much does training cost?
Session rates depend on the type of service and how far you are from my office in Katonah, NY.
Visit this page to learn more about costs. You’ll also see your estimated rate after entering your location on the new client form. You’re also welcome to travel to my location for a discounted rate, or book a virtual session, which is available anytime, anywhere.
How do I know which service is right for me?
Start by filling out the new client form. Based on your location, goals, and your dog’s needs, we'll follow up with personalized recommendations—whether that’s in-person training, virtual support, or a group class.
The best way to get started is by filling out a new client form. Someone from my office will follow up promptly to walk you through your options and help you schedule a session that feels like the right fit for both you and your dog.
I’m based in Katonah, New York, and offer in-home visits throughout the surrounding areas, with travel fees varying by location. I also work virtually with clients worldwide and teach group classes in Pleasantville, New York, and Greenwich, Connecticut.
