july 2024 KPA CTP of the Month
How has completing the DTP program and becoming a KPA CTP changed your life and career?
Getting my KPA certification has had an enormous impact on my career. Before I became a professional dog trainer, I had a completely different career as a college professor. My work with animals had always been a side interest. KPA certification allowed me to turn my passion for working with animals into my profession instead of just my hobby. I was able to leverage my teaching experience toward an entirely new goal.
More broadly, KPA taught me a new approach to life. In my work with dogs and people, the focus is on teaching desired behaviors rather than resorting to punitive measures. I now define myself by what I support rather than what I oppose. In today's culture, which often emphasizes negativity, I strive to redirect my focus toward contributing to positive change in any way I can.
Tell us about the first animal you ever trained.
The first animal I trained was one of my childhood dogs, a cocker spaniel named Abigail. She was one of the smartest dogs I've encountered to this day. Back then, I trained her in basic tricks with no formal understanding of what I was doing—it was just pure joy. Her responsiveness and our successes together fueled my love for working with dogs.
Was there a particular dog/animal in your life that was your most important teacher?
I would have to say Lizzie, my hound. She became my partner during my KPA certification journey. I adopted her from a local rescue shortly before I started the program. Our first in-person workshop together was chaotic and unsettling—she barked incessantly. I felt helpless, not knowing how to help her. Thanks to the patient guidance of my instructor, Laurie Luck, and the support of my fellow students, I returned home with a plan. By the next workshop, Lizzie had transformed into a different dog, and I had gained a clearer understanding of how to communicate with her. In a short time, we had become a cohesive team. Lizzie's enthusiasm for learning taught me just how capable dogs are of both learning and changing.
Lizzie's enthusiasm for learning taught me just how capable dogs are of both learning and changing.
What is your favorite activity or sport that you do with your own dog(s)?
I love hiking with my dog. We explore various parks near us almost daily. We've also taken several vacations to Maine, where we hiked daily, most recently in Acadia National Park and along the Bold Coast. Due to a challenging start in life due to hoarding, my dog is timid in new environments. However, in the woods, she thrives and reveals her happiest self. Hiking strengthens our bond, alleviates stress, and provides a great workout.
What do you do to continue your training education?
Continuing to learn from others is crucial for success as a dog trainer. Informally, I connect with colleagues regularly to discuss challenging cases and share different training approaches. Fortunately, I'm surrounded by a fantastic group of trainers in my area. I also engage in more formal educational activities, ranging from webinars and online conferences to in-person events. ClickerExpo is particularly inspiring for me—I always leave with new ideas and a renewed sense of belonging to a larger community that I cherish.
Who has been your inspiration in the animal training community?
It's challenging to choose just one person, as there are many brilliant trainers who inspire me. One notable figure is Chirag Patel. His training approach is incredibly innovative; he allows each dog's responses to shape his methods. Chirag prioritizes gaining the dog's trust in every situation and avoids becoming fixed on a single approach to a problem. His training is straightforward, yet elegant (but never mistaken as simple). I also appreciate Chirag’s ability to coach people as they work with their dogs, empowering them to celebrate every small success, which leads to greater achievements. His sense of humor about and within his work is something I value deeply.
Contact Sarah at www.laughingdogacademy.com or [email protected].