Common Questions About Working with Sarah

1. What makes Sarah unique?

   A: You get a lot when you hire Sarah to help you. First and foremost she treats your dog/puppy as if it were her own, helping you to understand what the dog might say if he/she could speak to you. She pulls from a range of methods, using techniques that are appropriate for each dog and family. Beyond that, Sarah understands and appreciates both dogs and people. Patient and non-judgmental, her lessons encompass each individual situation weighing in all factors from the age, breed and personality of your dog, to the lifestyle and dynamics of your household.

2. What's better for me and my dog- group or private?

   A: A lot depends on how you learn and what you are hoping to achieve.

   • Group offers a welcoming social setting and opportunity to learn and practice your basic obedience skills around distractions. Sarah organizes each class, provides homework sheets and leaves 15 minutes for "Meet & Greet" during which you may ask questions and socialize with other class participants. This is a wonderful experience for dogs and people though it allows only limited time for individual situations.
   • If you learn better individually or you're hoping to remedy a behavioral problem in short order, private lessons may be more suitable. One-on-one Sarah will immediately target your specific goals or areas of frustration. At your first meeting you and Sarah will create a program to meet your ideals.
   • For many a combination of both group and private can offer the best of both worlds. Sarah will get you and your dog off on the right track with an individual lesson. Group classes give her 6 weeks to oversee your progress while you and your dog get to learn, practice and hone your skills in a social setting.

3. Is it better to meet with Sarah at her office or in my home?

   A: This is dependant on what your goals are and what (if any) problems you're trying to resolve. Dogs act most naturally in their own home. If you live within Sarah's range, you may schedule a home visit and any follow up lessons where you live. However, if you want a quiet cheerful space to dialog and practice your skills, Sarah's office provides a cheerful comfortable atmosphere for you and your dog to work together.
   (Often, mixing the settings provides the best of both worlds. A home visit gives Sarah an understanding of your situation, lifestyle and exactly how your dog acts day to day. Follow up lessons at her office minimizes outside distractions and provides easy access to both town and fields to practice direction around distractions, and freedom control.)

4. Is it better for the whole family to be at the lesson or just one person?

   A: In most cases, the more the merrier! Dogs relate to a team structure; the game plan is easier to understand if everyone is consistent.
   Kids Included - Sarah loves teaching kids and feels it's important that everyone is on the same page. Often the kids will listen and remember what Sarah tells them, even when the parents have been saying the same thing all along! Children under 5 years of age, however, are like puppies- they need lots of attention! They can get distracted, jealous or bored when Sarah visits. If you have young children, it may be helpful to provide them with toys, activity or baby sitter during lessons.
   Tapes Rolling - You can always tape record or video a session to share if a family member or friend cannot be there.

5. We just got an older dog with a few behavior problems. Should we meet with Sarah now or wait a while for our dog to feel more adjusted?

   A: It's best to meet with Sarah as soon as possible. Her teaching methods are calmly not stressful and she can insure your initial handling skills help to make your dog feel safe and directed. When resolving residual behavior problems, first impressions really count!

6. We just brought home a puppy. When is the best time to set up puppy consultation?

   A: Sarah meets with families at every level of the puppy raising experience! Some people hire her even before the puppy is brought home to insure everyone is on the same page and the environment is organized and calming. You should start with Sarah when you feel you need help- whether that's right away to insure you get off on the right "paw" or after the puppy is acclimated to your home and your questions are starting to mount.

7. Can more then one person come to group class? How about the kids?

   A: Absolutely! Group class encourages family participation allowing everyone to learn together. Children under the age of 5 require additional adult supervision.

8. Does Sarah ever just work with the dog?

   A: Yes, though infrequently. She prefers to work with people and their dog as a team. Dogs often bond with the individual who is teaching them, and while Sarah can list the lessons and words taught, she can not create a bond between you and your dog. That is up to you. When this is not possible or when schedules collide, she will arrange visits to work with the dog individually as long as the people follow her guidelines.

9. Does Sarah ever board and train?

   A: No, for two reasons. One, lessons keep her quite busy! More importantly, however, she feels it's just not as effective or rewarding. As you'll see if you work with Sarah, dogs respond very well to her direction. In her home your dog/puppy would learn quickly and enthusiastically, but might get confused when suddenly separated from Sarah's care. Most lifestyles do not allow the same time and consistency, which would result in confusion. For training to be most effective it should involve you!