Hi — My Name is
Sarah Hodgson
I'm a dog trainer, behavior consultant, podcaster, and author of many books, including Puppies for Dummies and Dog Anxiety for Dummies. I believe that dogs, cats, and even people need to feel safe and happy before they can enjoy learning. Our pets never intend to give us a hard time, but sometimes, they struggle to understand our expectations. Using force-free methods, I help you understand the motivation behind the training, developing strategies and lessons that will leave everyone feeling understood, confident, and smart!
My Philosophy
The point of training isn’t to control your dog or cat— it’s to communicate with them. Like children, they like knowing where to go and what to do when life gets unpredictable. Without direction, dogs act out (barking, jumping, racing about, etc.), and cats feel stressed or defensive (marking, clawing, hiding, etc.). My goal is to help you instill impulse control and good manners by assigning words to actions (place, come, sit, stay, etc.). I love helping people understand and appreciate their dogs, cats, and other pets.
Training involves shaping routines and teaching our pets English as a second language. In return, our pets teach us life’s most valuable lessons: fun, forgiveness, and the freedom of living in the moment.
Traditional training stresses the difference between pets and people through dominance. It’s time to reimagine the way we live with our pets. Training should be fun, fear-free, and inclusive!
My Services
Need help with your new dog or puppy? I train cats and other pets, too. Whether working together privately, in a group class, sending a young puppy to me for imprinting, or meeting remotely, we’ll develop a plan tailored to your lifestyle, frustrations, and everyday needs. As I’ve always said, I teach pets and train people.
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Feeling overwhelmed with your dog or puppy? With nearly 40 years of experience, I can help with anything from basic training to tackling bigger frustrations like aggression, leash reactivity, hyperarousal, house training, chewing, nipping, and more. My positive approach encourages understanding on both ends of the leash. The bottom line? Behavior isn't good or bad; it's just your dog's way of expressing themselves. Remember, the goal of training is not about controlling your dog but communicating with them!
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My Board & Train Puppy Camp is designed to give your puppy the best start possible in life. I take in only one puppy at a time, between the ages of 8 and 14 weeks old, to establish positive routines and behaviors before any negative habits can form. During your pup's stay, the focus is on daily socialization, word association (15-25 important words such as their name, "come," and "place.") and creating routines that will last a lifetime. These are just a few of the routines that will be my top focus:
Housetraining
Nap Schedules
Nighttime Routines
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My next five-week round of classes begins on July 12 at the Round Hill Community Church in Greenwich, CT. (located off the Merritt Parkway or Route 684). CLICK HERE to fill out an application and reserve your spot.; the cost per dog or puppy is $375; the class limit is 8 participants. I love working with the whole family! Kids who participate get a prize at the end of each class.
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Wondering if virtual dog training is practical? Absolutely! In fact, experience has shown that it can be an even better option than in-person visits. With virtual lessons, we can exchange videos and give guidance on how to teach your dog. Unlike in-person training, which can focus more on the trainer's relationship with your pup, virtual lessons empower you to train your dog more effectively. Plus, scheduling is flexible and accessible from any location, so I can work with your whole family.
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Love your dog but not the training process? I totally understand! That's why I offer a Training Intensive where I do all the work for you. It's a fast and practical solution to teach your dog everything they need to fit into your lifestyle without any unnecessary extras. Plus, since I'm doing the training, your dog will learn in just a week or two what might take you months or even a lifetime to teach them.
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Are you ready to welcome a new dog or puppy into your life but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process? Let me help you! My pre-puppy counseling service is here to guide you through every step of the way, from finding the perfect puppy to puppy-proofing your home. I also provide temperament testing, where I can administer a series of tests on potential puppies to help you choose the perfect companion for your lifestyle. Let me be your advocate and guide on this exciting journey of finding your dog or puppy!
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If you need help with a new kitten, or if your cat needs assistance with social skills, manners, or confidence, I'm here for you! I address common issues such as soiling, aggression, fear, and adjusting to a new home. Using rewards and consistent routines, we'll create a loving and calm relationship with your cat based on modern cat behavior science.
I can also help guide you if you're interested in adopting a smaller critter or need help with their behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Great question! Dogs are more like children, so they feel most safe and happy when they have a parent figure to guide them. Cats thrive with predictability and feel most content with calm, consistent engagement. Bunnies and tortoises potty while they eat or shortly thereafter, so potty training habits are easy to organize.
Dogs who learn good manners, like where to potty and what to chew, and master basic directions, like Come, Sit, and Stay, are more secure and less reactive in their relationships with people. Untrained dogs can develop separation anxiety, destructive habits, and erratic behavior. Cats do best with routine feeding schedules, calm non-reactive interactions, and play focusing on toys, not physical interaction. Cats and other pets do best with calm interactions that prioritize security and positive reinforcement.
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Learning begins the moment you bring your pet home. Pets and people are creatures of habit! A dog, cat, or other pet will repeat any behavior that satisfies a need: whether to get your attention or reach something desirable like food, chews, or toys.
If you've got a reactive dog, cat, or other pet, and you're worried you've reinforced unwanted habits, don't despair! Pets are easy to redirect and condition to new habits. I’ll show you how!
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I am adamantly against any e-collar use or coercion tactics. Training aims to reduce stress and enhance your relationship with your dog. It should never feel punitive. Studies show it's more effective to show dogs what to do than correct them for poor choices.
Dogs who are raised with safety and structure live happy and healthy lives. E-collars and negative reinforcement training instill obedience through fear and bullying. It's a tense way to live.
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Dogs are never too old for training. In fact, mature dogs often take to training better than puppies!
Think of being in a country where everyone is friendly, but nobody speaks your language. You'd feel lost and confused. That's often how older dogs feel.
When we work together, our focus is teaching your dog the meaning of a few good words so you can better direct them in everyday routines and unpredictable situations.
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If your pet is impulsive and reactive, especially in new situations, e.g., when company arrives, or they see another animal, our first goal will be to teach them how to redirect their impulses and self-soothe. It’s important for dogs and cats to learn that sometimes we’re present and not accessible. It sound’s hard to learn, but change happens quickly with the right attitude.
Testimonials
