ABOUT US

CO-FOUNDER, TRAINER, HANDLER, HIKER

CO-FOUNDER & HEAD OF TRAINING Sara’s work is rooted in more than 15 years of hands-on experience working with hundreds of dogs in NYC, the Hudson Valley, and across the country via virtual lessons. She is credentialed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA), which provides independent validation of professional knowledge and skills in an unregulated industry. She also underwent a three-year intensive apprenticeship with Who’s Walking Who Dog Obedience and Behavior Training in Manhattan. Sara maintains her accreditation with ongoing coursework in the latest dog behavior research, most recently with Micheal Shikashio’s The Aggression in Dogs course and the Karen Pryor Academy ClickerExpo. Sara holds multiple certificates of completion through the Grisha Stewart Academy, including “Predation Substitute Training: New Ways to Manage Predatory Chasing,” “Kids and Dogs: Compassion and Safe Boundaries for Best Friends,” “Treatment Techniques for Dogs Affected by Trauma,” among others. She is also a member of the Association For Professional Dog Training International and is insured and bonded.

Sara became fascinated with dog training and behavior modification in 2008, after rescuing Sadie, a pit bull/rottweiller mix. Sadie had severe fear aggression toward strangers. Learning how to meet Sadie’s needs and give her the tools she needed to safely exist in an urban environment were deeply rewarding for Sara, and inspired her to leave a career as a magazine editor and dedicate herself full time to helping other dogs and their humans. Sara and her family spent several years with dual residences between New York City and upstate New York, making her ideally suited to help those who travel between city and country.

CO-FOUNDER, HANDLER, GROOMER, HIKER Throughout her career in technology, marketing, and communications, Susan has always kept one foot in the animal world. Whether volunteering, supporting friends’ dog businesses, or jumping in as a handler, hiker, or groomer, she’s happiest when animals are involved.

Seeing tables full of quivering dogs in a large retail chain grooming room inspired Susan to begin her certification as a Fear-Free groomer. She currently handles dogs’ bathing, brushing, nail and ear-care, and will offer full grooming when her certification is complete.

Susan met Sara while training her own tricky pups in NYC, and the two became fast friends. These days, Susan finds joy in hiking with dogs, watching them learn, and cooking up wholesome meals just for them. Dogs insist she’s the best snuggler around… but, honestly, they say that about everyone at Dog Life.