About Sarah
My training philosophy is that every dog and person is an individual and that there is no “one size fits all” approach. Dog training isn’t just about dogs – the human end of the leash is equally important. I will work with both you and your dog and listen to your needs.
Learn more about me
My goal is that you have a clear understanding of how to teach your dog what you want him to learn. I have been an instructor in different fields for my entire adult working life and bring to my dog training classes a wealth of experience working with people as well as training dogs. I draw on the skills I have acquired through all these experiences: strong communication skills, the ability to break down issues and behaviours into smaller, manageable components and to explain steps clearly and systematically.
I have trained my own dogs in competition obedience, rally, agility, scent detection and tracking and am certified through the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (www.nadoi.org). By training different dogs in multiple sports, I learn more about different approaches and acquire skills that I can transfer from one activity to benefit another. Staying up to date on training methods through taking courses and workshops with leading trainers, I continue to learn more and more techniques to achieve the behaviours you want in your dog.
Training is not just about obedience. It is also about relationship-building and having fun with your dog. My aim is for our beloved four-legged friends to have rich lives through both mental and physical exercise and for people to have a companion that brings them pride and joy both in the home and out in the world.
Class Descriptions
Small Classes
All our classes are all small, with a maximum of four dogs per class with a high degree of individual attention and help.
At home
All classes are followed up by weekly handouts with clear instructions to help you practice the week’s lesson at home.
Flexible
Our small classes. mean that we can adapt our lessons to meet your needs.
Indoors
Our facilities allow us to train indoors in a quiet environment, but also to go outdoors when the dogs are ready for a more distracting environment.
Pet Manners Classes
We all want a well-behaved pet, both in the home and out in public. Using reward-based methods, our pet manners classes focus on the skills and behaviours your dog needs to lead a happy life, and the skills you need to communicate with and build your relationship with your dog.
Basic Manners
6 weeks
Price: $220.00
For dogs 4 months and older
Suitable for dogs with no previous training or dogs new to your family.
The goal of this class is to give you the basics for:
- Relationship-building through effective communication and engagement
- Sit/Down/Stay
- Loose Leash Walking
- Recall
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Next Classes:
Starting October
Intermediate Manners
6 Weeks
Price: $220.00
For dogs 4 months and older
Suitable for dogs that have some training but still need help and practice with basic skills.
The goal of this class is to build on the foundation behaviours that are important to pet dog owners.
- More games to promote engagement and impulse control
- Working around distractions
- Focus on Recall and Loose Leash Walking
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Next Classes:
October
Scent Detection
Scent detection is sniffer dog training for pets. All dogs are born with the ability to follow an odour to its source, so any dog can play this game.
• No prior training is required, so it is suitable for dogs of any age, from puppies to seniors.
• It is low-impact brainwork, so it is good for dogs with physical limitations.
• We train the dogs one at a time in a low-distraction environment. This means that dogs that cannot work around other dogs can also play.
Level 1
Foundations and Containers:
7 weeks
Cost: $260.00
Suitable for all dogs: any age, including puppies
The goal of this class is to teach your dog to find a specific odour and tell you when he’s succeeded in finding the source and to promote your relationship with your dog by working as a team
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Next Classes:
Starting October
Level 2
Interiors and Exteriors
6 weeks
Cost: $220.00
For dogs with some experience with scent detection. If you have done scent detection training elsewhere, please contact us to discuss the appropriate class for your dog based on your experience.
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Next Classes:
Starting October
What our students have to say
Testimonials
Lisa & Wisely
Sarah is extremely professional, knowledgeable and caring. She was able to give me advice in many different areas to help my dog and make his life better. I learned a lot from her classes and recommend her highly.
Shelly & Stig
We started scent training with Sarah at the suggestion of our puppy obedience trainer when he was 8 months old. To say that our Golden Retriever puppy, Stig was “energetic” would be a massive understatement. We are not novice dog owners (we also have a senior Golden and have had several German Shepherds) but this pup was a handful. I couldn’t imagine that my over the top pup could possibly focus on finding the smell of anything except his dinner. But, was I wrong!
Sarah uses her professional teaching background and her experience as a trainer and handler to develop do-able yet challenging activities that ALL dogs (any age/breed) and handlers can enjoy. Regardless of whether you are exploring scent training for fun or if you have an interest in competing in this internationally recognized dog-sport, Sarah’s small group classes make the activity fun for everyone. The take home activities helped Stig and I build confidence and skill. It has also greatly helped him to focus and to progress in his obedience work. I highly recommend this program to all dog owners.
Louise & Jozi
My dog and I attended several training courses with Sarah and we both enjoyed every minute of it.
Alice & Buddy
Katly & Mikey
Training Resources
Check out some tips and support from Sarah
Training Location
North Oyster Community Center
13467 Cedar Rd, Ladysmith