Sara’s Client Reviews

“Provided lots of toy examples, discussed dog-psychology, and VERY BEST DEMO-DOGS. Really great class. The psychology of play and how to escalate and de-escalate your dog’s level of excitement was SO EXCELLENT. And demonstrations with the dogs was fun and interesting.” -Kristen K. reviewing the Toy Play Skill-Building Workshop with Sara Reusche

“Lots of great information. I think this is a great course to take when working behavior cases (which I do exclusively) so I think it would be very interesting to tie it into dog’s behavior issues more. I got so many great ideas how I could help my clients with challenging dogs through this course.” Vivian L. with Karma reviewing their Canine Neurobics class with Sara Reusche

“Sara, you are an engaging speaker even over ZOOM! Not an easy feat.” – Maureen K. with Ember and Wizard reviewing the Decoding Dogs Seminar with Sara Reusche

“Sara was engaging and had much experience and observations to share. She kept the attendees involved by asking and answering questions throughout while moving topics along in a timely fashion.” – Diane L. with Thor reviewing the Decoding Dogs Seminar with Sara Reusche

“Sara did a great job self-moderating and acknowledging everyone. Very engaging speaker. She was comfortable and knowledgeable with the content presented.” – Tammy J. with Mollie, Rue, and Fern reviewing the Decoding Dogs Seminar with Sara Reusche

“The information was delivered with ease, it was straightforward and impactful. The forethought around if anything went wrong with tech and what to do in case – I especially appreciated the warnings around difficult material (dog bites) and then follow up to support that. I have experienced presenters say “trigger warning” and then launch right into the material so there was no ability to have a chance to decide. Thanks Sara!

“I enjoyed the personal stories that went along with the information being provided. For me as a learner, the real life examples help cement the information in my brain as well as adding an element of fun.” – Lisa S. with Roscoe, Chi-Chi, and Gram reviewing the Decoding Dogs Seminar with Sara Reusche

“Sara was awesome! Looking forward to reviewing the recording – you had great information!” – LaDonna K. with Maxwell and Lexi reviewing the Decoding Dogs Seminar with Sara Reusche

“Very educational. I learned a lot about reading the body language of dogs. Also appreciated you answering all of our detailed questions. Very informative. There was a lot of information provided with clear images and explanations. I liked how you asked the participants their thoughts on the images. It was fun to learn if you had the right answer or were on the right track in answering the questions. Well done, Sara!” – Penny W. reviewing the Decoding Dogs seminar with Sara Reusche

“I loved being able to be home for the training session! Made it much more doable for me and I felt better able to learn the way I do best which is to watch and absorb and then apply later. In person classes (at other training centers) I felt like i missed parts of the lesson because I was too focused on trying to do it right then. I really liked that I could just listen, take notes, ask questions, and then put it all together later once I had processed it.

I loved all the different examples for different species and felt like Sara did a really great job of keeping it simple for an absolute complete beginner like me while also touching base on areas we could expand into (or things for the more advanced folks in class to work on). And for the first time I feel like I really understood why/how clicker (or mark) training works and felt like I could do it! I appreciated the advice and specific google terms for looking further into the specific type of things I’d like to train my cat to do when we get to that point.” – Crysta M. and their cat reviewing their On Your Mark! Training Any Species With Marker Signals with Sara Reusche

“Great price, loved the different themes and experiences each week. Loved the coaching to try out different things. Signed up for another puppy class (because what a great deal!) Would take many more if i wasn’t moving away. Lovely folder of information given at the beginning! I also really appreciated the weekly emails of things to focus on that week. Really great classes, help up to the high quality I have come to expect from Paws Abilities!” – Patrisha K. with her three dogs, Squeak, Juno, and Gir, reviewing Puppy Class with Margit & Sara

“The volume of useful information was quite remarkable, delivered in clear and comprehensible language with clear examples (both photo and video). This course should be a standard part of staff training for any trade or service industry company whose employees go into the homes of the general public.” – Andrew S. reviewing the Decoding Your Dog seminar with Sara Reusche

“Great price, loved the different themes and experiences each week. Loved the coaching to try out different things. Signed up for another puppy class (because what a great deal!) Would take many more if i wasn’t moving away. Lovely folder of information given at the beginning! I also really appreciated the weekly emails of things to focus on that week. Really great classes, help up to the high quality I have come to expect from Paws Abilities!” – Patrisha K. with her three dogs, Squeak, Juno, and Gir, reviewing Puppy Class with Sara Reusche and Margit Lovoll

“Sara is fabulous. The “container” for Lina was awesome. Having sample toys was awesome, Sara’s pacing and tone were perfect. So much good. We are recommending you to everyone we know.” – Kathryn A. and her Icelandic Sheepdog, Lina, reviewing their Beginning Obedience class with Sara Reusche

“Excellent speakers with a lot of good information and experiences to share! Very engaging! Thank you so much for providing this seminar! I truly did enjoy the day and look forward to attending additional classes with my dog(s) in the future.” – Kelly K. reviewing the So You Want to Be a Dog Trainer workshop with Lindsay Kinney and Sara Reusche

“I always appreciate Sara’s candid delivery and concrete examples. Good ppt, good real-world examples. Lots of information delivered in an easy-to-understand format” – Ellie S. reviewing her Reactive Rover seminar with Sara Reusche

“Expertise shared in an easy to understand format, and humor! Thanks so much!” – Paula F. and her Miniature Schnauzer, Ruby, reviewing their Reactive Rover seminar with Sara Reusche

“I absolutely LOVED this class and how it helped me learn more about my dogs. It was so much fun! I look forward to exploring all of the exercises that were provided on the handouts” – Shannon A. and her Border Collie, Pluto, reviewing their Canine Neurobics lessons with Sara Reusche

“Great class… we learned so much! I have taken a similar class about 7 years ago with another company. This current class was so much better. Very helpful and learned things that have helped us greatly! Great job by both trainers. I really liked that they worked well together and gave good tips. Very encouraging even when out dog might not have always got the hang of the activity right away” – Daryl S. and his Golden Retriever, Indy, reviewing their Beginning Obedience lessons with Sara R. and Linda 

“I(t) was nice that we had a small group so we could discuss things in a more casual atmosphere. I would like to attend more (seminars) maybe on a regular basis.” – Kristine M. reviewing a Seminar with Sara Reusche

Meatball

Meatball

“Sara, I am so excited to tell you!! I just got back from the vet with Meatball so they could look at the areas where the warts were removed (we have nothing to worry about!) and check out his ear. He approached the vet friendly, but he was still cage muzzled. Once we got in the room, I could see him getting anxious and tensing up, I pulled his mat out and I saw an instant “oh thank god’, he was on it before it was even fully on the floor! He laid on it, and allowed the vet to HOLD his paw, examine him, look in his ears, and pet him with NO issues!!! No growling, whining, nothing. Thank you so so so much for that. :D” – Dani B. and her American Pit Bull Terrier, Meatball, updating Sara on their behavior progress after a private lesson and Beginning Obedience class

“I trained with Sara R. with my dog Meatball. I shared with Megan and Lindsay about the magic mat training that at his last vet appointment, he was able to have a full exam with shots and didn’t even give the vet or techs so much as a side-eye. No growls or flailing!! The vet was even able to look at Meatball’s teeth (through the muzzle). Thank you so very much for all the guidance and helping me to help him. It’s made such a huge difference for us. Thank you!” – Danielle B. when asked if there was anything else we should know while reviewing the Reactive Rover seminar. (Piggybacking onto the previous entry)

“Made me feel like there was a light at the end of the tunnel!” – Brittany F. and her three dogs reviewing their private training session with Sara

“The most helpful, humane and research-based instruction I’ve ever found. I tell everyone I know about you. Simple, effective steps and lots of time to practice in class. As usual Sara taught information to the people in between practice sessions. So very useful.” -Claire S. and her Golden Retriever William reviewing their Leash Pullers Anonymous class with Sara

“Jackson and I enjoyed the reactive nose work class very much! We’ve been working on finding treats in both the house and in the backyard. I’ve been making it slightly more challenging as we continue. He does great and I’m pretty sure it’s one of his new favorite activities :).” – Skye B. and her Golden Retriever Jackson reviewing their Reactive Dog Nose Work class with Sara

“Provided a lot of reassurance and positive reinforcement for the humans which allowed me to gain significant confidence in myself which translates into confidence in my dog. Thanks very much.” Wendy M. and her American Staffordshire Terrier Sebastian reviewing their Beginning Reactive Dog Rehab class with Sara

Patti and Loki

Patti and Loki

“Loki loved the class! Sara, you are a combination of all of the best teaching practices in the professional dog journals. It is really great to have such a great instructor!” – Patti A. and her Siberian Husky Loki reviewing their Beginning Obedience class with Sara

“The small class size meant that there was a lot of personal attention to both dog and handler. Both Laura and Sara knew us and our dog by name. They always had concrete advise for solving situational issues raise by those in the class. I like the approach with positive reinforcement. I had attended the opposite kind of training with choke collar and severe correction with our previous family pet, and this philosophy fits in and achieves the results in a humane way. Laura and Sara allowed time for questions – even with that initial wait for people to formulate their query. Class built on stepping blocks so that the dog (and handler) felt success in introduction of each activity.” – Maureen M. and her Labrador Retriever Sirius reviewing their Beginning Reactive Dog Rehab class with Laura and Sara

“Good content, comfortably paced, an encouraging atmosphere. Very good class.” – Claire S. and her Golden Retriever William reviewing their Boredom Busters class with Sara

Ryder

Ryder

“Sara is a smart cookie! Fantastic at reading body language and helping you adjust to work smarter, not harder, with your dog. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and personal stories. It was especially fun to share dog stories on the last night. It is so important to make sure everyone knows that dogs are dogs, no matter who owns them.” -Carrie D. and her Australian Shepherd Ryder, reviewing their Beginning Focus & Control class with trainer Sara

“I love Sara’s style of teaching. I had heard so many great things about her and she lived up to all of them! Even though it was a group class, I felt like all the dogs got some one on one coaching that was particular to just them, which is pretty impressive! love the handouts, it’s so nice to have something to refer back to. Sara was always very prepared, we never had any wasted time and were always working on something. I liked the way the exercises slowly built each week.” – Nicole E. and her Labrador Retriever Lambeau, reviewing their Beginning Obedience class with Sara

“Class size is perfect! So many classes have too many dogs. Training methods are exactly what I was looking for and respect for the dignity of the dog is reflected in class and in training. The things the dogs learned are practical and safety-oriented but fun at the same time. Knowledgeable, caring, fun instructors. What I loved the MOST was that the personality and needs of each individual dog was respected. No dog was ever forced to do anything. The trainer recognized that all dogs are different – some are fearful, some are anxious, some are friendly, some are timid, some are social butterflies. Each dog is trained using methods/rewards that resonate with that particular dog. The dogs seemed to enjoy the training. No fear!!! I loved it.

“The trainer was always prepared, willing to answer questions, offer tips, suggest ways to work around problem areas and was never condescending to any of the handlers. Paws Abilities is my favorite trainer to date – and I have lived all over the country and had lots of dogs so I’ve seen quite a few different trainers and training styles. I looked forward to every class, every week and my dog loved it too.” -Sheryl G. and her Chihuahua Maybelle reviewing their Beginning Obedience class with Sara

“Sara reassured me that we are on the right track. Demonstrated clear concern for our situation. Helped me feel good about the future with our reactive dog. Your support is greatly appreciated.” -Wendy M. and her American Staffordshire Terrier Sebastian reviewing their private behavior consultation with trainer Sara

“Sara was fantastic and I wish we would have contacted her sooner. She gave us all sorts of tools to help with our dog. His aggression has gone down considerably and is now manageable. I would highly recommend her to someone else.” -Paul F. and his American Staffordshire Terrier Andy, reviewing their Private Training Lessons with Sara

Jazzy

“Loved the costumes and the practice time for holiday meals. Jazzy is getting better at sitting when company comes and not full on frontal attack (in a friendly way). As always, great class, learned lots.” – Tammi J. and her Labradoodle Jazzy, reviewing their Holiday Manners class with trainer Sara

“Love the positive teachers and enforcement for the dogs. Also the excitedness of Jazzy when she sees her school bag come out. The handouts help reinforce and prepared individual ideas for each dog that would work for them.” -Tammi J. and her Labradoodle Jazzy, reviewing their Rocket Recall class with trainer Sara

“Sara and Michelle were very helpful with any questions I had about training or any additional questions I had about training. Very helpful in showing us how to do each training exercise and also gave us enough time to work on the exercise so if we need help they were able to help us.” -Sarah J. with her Cavapoo Maizie reviewing their Beginning Obedience class with Sara and Michelle

“We left with some really great ideas and foundations to grow from. Both Sara and Gayle are very knowledgeable and helpful. I appreciate the time they took to answer our questions (I often felt like we were the ones taking up all the time with our questions!). We’ve still got so much to work through but we have learned a lot about ourselves and our pup by working with him in class.

“Your knowledge is so valuable! Thank you for sharing it with us. I often doubt that we’re doing things right or that the dog is ‘getting it’ but you were always able to point out the little things that showed us that he understood. Learning about his body language is going to be so important for us and you both did a great job of helping us to see what his body was communicating.The small class size was fantastic too.” – Erin M. and her Pit Bull cross Cooper, reviewing their Beginning Obedience class with Sara and Gayle

“The class was a lot of fun. Very positive. Really looked forward to each class. Very welcoming and positive environment and trainers. Positive, happy experiences for dogs and pet parents. Good size class. Very relaxed and low stress. The scavenger hunt was super fun and a great learning experience. The games were great (musical mats, tic-tac-toe, and musical chairs). Really loved the graduation present at the end of the last class!” – Joella G. and her Labrador Retriever Lily and mixed breed Emma, reviewing their Canine Good Citizen Prep course with Sara and Megan

“What a blast! I loved the pace of Reactive Rally. Sara and Carrie filled the class time well and kept the dogs movin’ and shakin’. Starting each class with a Rally course helped us track our progress and gave us a practical setting to practice what we learned each week. I thought it was really cool that for graduation we ran a real WCRL course from a competition. And as the owner of a reactive dog I love finding classes and activities that allow Rosie to feel safe and comfortable. I definitely think thais ws one of her all time favorite classes. We hope to take it again in the future.” -Lindsay K. and her Australian Shepherd Rosie, reviewing their Reactive Dog Rally Obedience class with Carrie D. & Sara

“Sara is so dang smart and runs lovely seminars. She keeps us on track! Super informative.” – Carrie D. reviewing the Cracking the Canine Code seminar by Sara

“Excellent information. Wonderful practical ideas. Appreciate that many ideas didn’t cost money. They were just plain clever!” – Judy H. reviewing a Rover Enrichment Seminar with Sara