Serving the Santa Barbara Region
Serving the Santa Barbara region
On leashed outings, your dog may be overly excited or seriously scary. You may be frustrated or embarrassed.
Regardless of your current experience, we can help. We can put the joy and ease back into walks for those on both ends of the leash.
| Lunging, barking, growling at other dogs |  |
A dog who walks calmly by your side | |
| Judgmental stares | |
Smiles from fellow sidewalk and trail users | |
| Frustration and embarrassment | |
Confidence in your dog’s leash manners | |
| Sore back and shoulders | |
Connection and companionship with your best friend | |
Lunging, barking, growling at other dogs TO A dog who walks calmly by your side
Judgmental stares TO A dog who passes other dogs without comment
Frustration and embarrassment TO Smiles from fellow sidewalk and trail users
Sore back and shoulders TO Enjoyable, connected companionship
I train your dog for you, then teach you
I’ll design and implement your customized training plan, come to your home for training sessions, and head-out from there for field trips and practice out in the world. Then I’ll transfer your dog’s new professionally trained skills to you.
I coach you while you train your dog
I’ll create a customized training plan for your dog and your goals, then support you step-by-step either in-person or via easy online videoconference. We go at your pace and add difficulty as you acquire your new set of training skills.
Includes:
18 total hours of trainer support
Includes:
10 total hours of trainer support
After training the basics, I’ll take your dog out into the world for on-location training, using positive techniques to show him a new way of responding to seeing other dogs. We’ll transfer progress to you in a fun, hands-on session at the end of each week. Then we’ll use our two follow-up sessions to make sure everything is feeling good before we call it a wrap. My goal is to have you feeling relaxed and confident on your end of the leash, and your dog relaxed and calm on the other.
Trainer Support Includes:
This program moves at your pace. First, we’ll get to the bottom of what’s derailing your leash walks, then we’ll teach both you and your dog how to navigate the world with ease. We’ll build your strong foundation of skills, which you’ll practice to mastery, then we’ll apply them in strategically chosen environments, one successful step after the other. You’ll gain knowledge and confidence that will bring freedom to your walks and enhanced relationship with your dog. I can’t wait to share this with you and your best friend.
Each week we’ll map out simple steps to move you forward. We’ll meet in-person or online where I’ll coach you —teaching you the mechanical skills and conceptual knowledge you need to master the art of peaceful walks. Video review sessions provide fabulous learning opportunities and a way for me to experience your real-life walks. I’ll check in with you via a shared online task list throughout the week to guide your practice sessions. My goal is to have you relaxed and confident on your end of the leash, and your dog relaxed and calm on the other.
12-Session Package — $2,400
Complete this program in 6-24 weeks.
12 total hours of trainer support
8-Session Package — $1,600
Complete this program in 4-16 weeks.
8 total hours of trainer support
6-Session Package — $1,200
Complete this program in 3-12 weeks.
6 total hours of trainer support
3-Session Package — $650
This package is for experienced handlers who need less long-term support, a little redirection and some fine tuning, or for those wanting to see how this training process works and what it’s all about.
Complete this program in 3-6 weeks.
3 total hours of trainer support
Happy Leash Walking Package
In this online training program that moves at your pace, I’ll teach you how to master the art of reward-based leash walking. You’ll learn and integrate all that you need to know for happier outings.
At the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
For dogs without leash reactivity. If your dog growls, barks, lunges or otherwise can’t “hold it together” on leash, consider a package that specifically addresses leash reactivity issues.
Complete this program in 2 – 4 weeks.
5.5 total trainer support hours
YOU GET:
$795
Experience a sample 1-hour session and decide whether online training’s for you. Added bonus — learn some classic and foundational skills you can put to use now.
Learn more about online training!
Online Trial Session: 1-Hour. $145
I seek every possibility to create positive learning opportunities for both dogs and their people.
I’m thrilled by the moment dog’s get it, when you can see that light bulb switch on, when they understand good things are coming their way and they offer you their best behavior. It’s equally as exciting to me, to see a human’s lightbulb of understanding flicker on, to witness the moment dog owners and guardians see their dog and his/her capacity in a new light. Training becomes fun and fascinating for everyone involved, and learning accelerates under those conditions.
Regardless of breed or age, I approach every dog with curiosity and respect. Fascinated by the universal principles of animal learning, I aim to apply them individually. Because I’m passionate about getting the best results for both you and your dog, I look for the best in your best friend. I promise to do my best to combine the specific and unique ingredients that will help propel you toward your training goals, relieve the stress of the moment, and increase enjoyment in life together.
I am finally confident taking Rosie on walks knowing that I have the skills to make sure we are both having a good time!
Patricia Meusse
A worthy investment. We had some behavioral issues with our dog that we thought might escalate to aggressive behavior. Sara helped us streamline our training, become better trainers, and gave us the tools to ensure our dog was in a happy, structured environment. It is pricey, but it was worth it.
Ryan Arellano
Cool tips and hot tricks—and other generally useful info—for living your best life with your best friend.
Rest assured, I refuse to barrage you with emails or sell your address. It’s not my style…and I’m way too busy training dogs and their people! 🙂
