Even though Sarah doesn't board dogs as part of her services, she generously offered to keep Belle
and work with her for up to three hours total per day. They provided a couple of youtube videos of
Belle's progress along the way which was great to see! When Sarah brought Belle home after the two
weeks she was a trained dog! She had learned all the basic commands for good social behavior (sit,
heel, down, on your mat, etc.). Belle is much more calm and more pleasant to live with in our
house. The shadow-chasing has decreased dramatically and is handled by sending her to her mat
and having her stay. She has learned "patience" exercises and other useful commands.
I am (we) are very pleased with what Sarah has done with Belle. It's amazing to see how far Belle was able to go with her training when we were almost about to give up. She is completely manageable and pleasant to be around. I credit Sarah for this! Sarah has been professional at every instance from phone conversations, training, follow-up information, and research and handing our instructions to us. I highly, highly recommend Paws n Motion!
Claire Kayser - St. Paul, MN
I am (we) are very pleased with what Sarah has done with Belle. It's amazing to see how far Belle was able to go with her training when we were almost about to give up. She is completely manageable and pleasant to be around. I credit Sarah for this! Sarah has been professional at every instance from phone conversations, training, follow-up information, and research and handing our instructions to us. I highly, highly recommend Paws n Motion!
Claire Kayser - St. Paul, MN
We were at a crossroads with our English Bull Terrier,
Belle, when we contacted Paws n Motion for training help.
Sarah responded to my email within a few hours and we
talked about Belle's issues and what she (Sarah) might be
able to do to help. Sarah came to assess Belle's OCD
behavior of shadow-chasing and worked with Belle to instill
a higher level of obedience with her in hopes of curtailing
this compulsive behavior. Sarah came to our house for
five straight days and began training Belle with the chain
correction collar. Belle really responded well. We had tried
the 9-week clicker/treat training somewhere else with
Belle, but it was way too complicated and ended up being
ineffective. I really connected with Sarah's philosophy of
giving a command and correcting with a tug of the collar if
the dog does not obey. It simply makes more sense!
When I rescued Tally (1-year old Lab), I was unsure what
to expect in behaviors. He had no former training, so even
getting him into the kennel when we arrived home was
stressful. I felt as though I was the one doing tricks to get
my dog to behave, and without much success.
Sarah worked with Tally one-on-one and got quick results. Tally was soon listening to and following commands to kennel, sit, heel, down and stay in place! Better yet, he was happy to please me and what a difference it has made in our day, every day !
I appreciated knowing the "how-to's" of reinforcing what Tally learned. When I had surgery and was unable to walk Tally, they took him for runs (yes runs- not walks) for exercise and FUN. Tally loved it!
Thank you Paws n Motion for a great training experience!
Deb Trent - Ham Lake, MN
Sarah worked with Tally one-on-one and got quick results. Tally was soon listening to and following commands to kennel, sit, heel, down and stay in place! Better yet, he was happy to please me and what a difference it has made in our day, every day !
I appreciated knowing the "how-to's" of reinforcing what Tally learned. When I had surgery and was unable to walk Tally, they took him for runs (yes runs- not walks) for exercise and FUN. Tally loved it!
Thank you Paws n Motion for a great training experience!
Deb Trent - Ham Lake, MN
Belle
Tally
I reached out to Paws n Motion after several years of
getting pulled around on my walks by Rocky, a four year
old American Staffordshire Terrier. Not only was this
making my walks unpleasant, but it also made it
impossible to have someone else walk him. I heard about
Paws n Motion on KDWB and thought to myself, I should
give them a try. I went to their website and sent an email
asking additional questions and to my surprise I had a
response in a couple of hours. I was able to make my in
home visit appointment in the next three days.
Sarah came to observe Rocky's behavior inside and outside on the walks. Later we discussed Rocky's personality and different ways to perform training.
Sarah came to observe Rocky's behavior inside and outside on the walks. Later we discussed Rocky's personality and different ways to perform training.
Riley
We had never hired a dog trainer before and didn't know what
to expect. We were getting pretty desperate because we
adopted a rescue dog who had been abused and suffered huge
anxiety. Duke is a totally changed dog and we owe it to Sarah.
Her approach was practical, informative and very well targeted
to Duke's problems. I wish we had done this earlier.
Liz - Shorewood, MN
Liz - Shorewood, MN
Testimonials
Rocky
Our dog loves to run with Sarah. It's great for us that he
can get this kind of exercise, even when the streets are
slippery with ice.
Linda - Roseville, MN
Linda - Roseville, MN
Duke
Dara
I went with private lessons that were all done at my
Twin Cities Metro Area
I just can't believe what four training sessions have done for
my 1 year old German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix; Dara. After
working with Sarah I have a better understanding of my dog,
and she is much more obedient. Before the end of our first
session, Dara was walking on a loose leash.
I really like the way Sarah took the time to understand my dog's personality, temperament, and habits before determining the best approach for my situation. I'd definitely recommend Sarah to anyone.
Tim - Maplewood, MN
I really like the way Sarah took the time to understand my dog's personality, temperament, and habits before determining the best approach for my situation. I'd definitely recommend Sarah to anyone.
Tim - Maplewood, MN
612.886.1920
Wedge
Search Site
After more than 3 years of struggling on walks with Wedge,
Sarah taught us in just one lesson how to walk Wedge
comfortably and confidently. I would definitely recommend
Sarah and Paws n Motion.
Karin B. - Minneapolis, MN
Karin B. - Minneapolis, MN
Brandy came into our lives very unexpectedly and
previously had run of her house with not much structure.
Enter Paws n Motion - Sarah and Tom to the rescue!
Our first appointment with Tom was to talk about running/walking with Brandy. We really needed something to help expend some of Brandy's energy. We were very impressed with Tom as he took the time to get to know Brandy and us and made sure we were comfortable with their services. A lock box was installed and they (Tom/Sarah and Brandy) were off and running. It works beautifully and Brandy loves to run on Wednesdays! We decided to go further and talk to Sarah about some
Our first appointment with Tom was to talk about running/walking with Brandy. We really needed something to help expend some of Brandy's energy. We were very impressed with Tom as he took the time to get to know Brandy and us and made sure we were comfortable with their services. A lock box was installed and they (Tom/Sarah and Brandy) were off and running. It works beautifully and Brandy loves to run on Wednesdays! We decided to go further and talk to Sarah about some
Brandy
Brandy, to determine what the best approach would be for a training program. It was really
refreshing to see that Sarah was not taking the one training program fits all approach and would
customize what was necessary for our situation. We decided on the in-home training approach with
Sarah coming to our house for 10 days. The critical things to work on were barking, kennel
acceptance, greeting people without going absolutely nuts, commands such as sit, stay, down, wait,
come and a few others. We were also trying to address some anxiety issues for Brandy.
After only a couple of sessions with Brandy, we were totally amazed at what Sarah had accomplished. After day three, it was time to work with the parents, which was probably more of a challenge for Sarah. Sarah has the patience of a Saint! As the days of training progressed, it was awesome to see how Brandy was responding to the commands and interacting in such a way with people that we didn't think would be possible in such a short time. When Brandy was having trouble focusing on the training and was so distracted on our walks by various things, Sarah would remind us that it would take time to reinforce the correct behaviors and to just keep working the issue. Practice, practice, practice!
Our training sessions have been completed and the transformation of Brandy is inspiring. We know that reinforcing the new behaviors is a life-long commitment which now doesn't seem like such a struggle. Brandy is more content and we are all in a much happier place! Sarah definitely has a special gift/talent when it comes to working with animals. We highly recommend Paws n Motion to anybody who is looking for guidance for their pet issues and/or running and walking services. We can't thank Tom and Sarah enough for helping us with Brandy!
Lonnie & Debbie - Shoreview, MN
After only a couple of sessions with Brandy, we were totally amazed at what Sarah had accomplished. After day three, it was time to work with the parents, which was probably more of a challenge for Sarah. Sarah has the patience of a Saint! As the days of training progressed, it was awesome to see how Brandy was responding to the commands and interacting in such a way with people that we didn't think would be possible in such a short time. When Brandy was having trouble focusing on the training and was so distracted on our walks by various things, Sarah would remind us that it would take time to reinforce the correct behaviors and to just keep working the issue. Practice, practice, practice!
Our training sessions have been completed and the transformation of Brandy is inspiring. We know that reinforcing the new behaviors is a life-long commitment which now doesn't seem like such a struggle. Brandy is more content and we are all in a much happier place! Sarah definitely has a special gift/talent when it comes to working with animals. We highly recommend Paws n Motion to anybody who is looking for guidance for their pet issues and/or running and walking services. We can't thank Tom and Sarah enough for helping us with Brandy!
Lonnie & Debbie - Shoreview, MN
© 2010 Paws n Motion, LLC. All rights reserved.
training for Brandy. Sarah spent quite a bit of time at our
house observing not only Brandy, but our interaction with
Miniature Pinscher mix
Lab
Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix
Miniature Poodle
American Staffordshire Terrier
(Pit Bull)
(Pit Bull)
apartment. The weekly lessons are all hands on which really helped. I learned that Rocky wasn't the
only one getting trained, so was I! Sarah helped us communicate with one another in the same
language. I learned the proper way to communicate unwanted behavior like rushing out the door and
pulling on walks.
Now that I have the tools Sarah taught me and know the proper way to address these issues, my entire situation has changed. Rocky now knows how to heel on walks and actually walk with me. He will sit on command regardless of the situation at hand. Since this is my first time working with a professional trainer, I really didn't know what to expect. Sarah is very professional and really knows her stuff. So if you're on the fence about getting training or correcting behavior, I would recommend reaching out to Paws n Motion. I'm glad I reached out for help and got the tools I truly needed. I just wish I had done it sooner!
Nicole - Minneapolis, MN
Now that I have the tools Sarah taught me and know the proper way to address these issues, my entire situation has changed. Rocky now knows how to heel on walks and actually walk with me. He will sit on command regardless of the situation at hand. Since this is my first time working with a professional trainer, I really didn't know what to expect. Sarah is very professional and really knows her stuff. So if you're on the fence about getting training or correcting behavior, I would recommend reaching out to Paws n Motion. I'm glad I reached out for help and got the tools I truly needed. I just wish I had done it sooner!
Nicole - Minneapolis, MN
We felt that Belle would benefit from further training, so
we signed up for the two-week boot camp to have Belle
fully trained. Let me digress to say that Bull Terriers are
naturally
very stubborn and hard to train and Belle was indeed! So off to boot camp Belle went.
English Bull Terrier
Lab mix
Standard Poodle
Rock
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? With Sarah's
help, our 8 yr. old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Rock, learned
new tricks and a new way of life.
After being bitten at a puppy park several years ago, Rock became aggressive towards other dogs. He also suffers from severe separation anxiety. Through out the years, Rock destroyed multiple kennels, appliances, windows, doors, window blinds, door handles, car interiors and floors trying to "escape" when left alone. If he did get loose outside, we feared what would happen if he encountered another dog in the neighborhood.
When we contacted Paws N Motion, we were at the end of our rope. We had tried everything we could to try to modify
After being bitten at a puppy park several years ago, Rock became aggressive towards other dogs. He also suffers from severe separation anxiety. Through out the years, Rock destroyed multiple kennels, appliances, windows, doors, window blinds, door handles, car interiors and floors trying to "escape" when left alone. If he did get loose outside, we feared what would happen if he encountered another dog in the neighborhood.
When we contacted Paws N Motion, we were at the end of our rope. We had tried everything we could to try to modify
Rock's behavior including multiple vet visits, medication, muzzles, multiple contacts with dog
trainers and breeders and a formal obedience class for aggressive dogs at a well known obedience
training club. The formal classes worked great...while we were at class. However, the class
environment did not simulate Rock's own environment. Moreover, the class focused on food rewards
and it was not feasible to carry dog treats in every pocket all day long.
At yet another vet visit to discuss Rock's worsening behavior, we came across a flyer from Paws N Motion. Sarah responded to our desperate plea for help within 24 hours and scheduled an in-home evaluation within a week. During the in-home evaluation, Sarah listened to our concerns, observed Rock's behavior and offered some free suggestions to immediately start working on correcting bad behavior. Sarah's suggestions immediately instilled confidence in us that we had found someone that could help.
After meeting with our family, we decided that the private lessons would best address our needs. We also decided that Rock may respond best to an electronic training collar. Sarah came to our home each week and worked with us. She educated us on the training techniques and erased any misconceptions or fears about an electronic training collar. She explained and demonstrated the training techniques and then allowed us to take over so we were the ones doing the actual training. Each week, we built on the last weeks training session. The techniques/commands were practical, easy to understand and easy to work on each week between training sessions. Over the 4 weeks, Rock learned some new commands that helped us minimize and control unwanted behavior. The electronic collar also helped reinforce all the commands Rock already knew.
We understand that, with an 8 yr. old dog, many behaviors will not completely disappear. However, with Sarah's help, we are now better able to minimize unwanted behavior. We are committed to ongoing reinforcement of the new behaviors and see the transformation in Rock every day. We are grateful that we are finally able to enjoy our dog again and trust that Rock can be left alone now without completely destroying the kennel and/or our home.
We can't thank Sarah enough and would highly recommend Paws N Motion to anyone whose dog suffers from aggression and/or separation anxiety. We are thrilled with the results after 4 training sessions and look forward to seeing further improvements well into the future.
Greg & Carrie Jacobson - Ramsey, MN
At yet another vet visit to discuss Rock's worsening behavior, we came across a flyer from Paws N Motion. Sarah responded to our desperate plea for help within 24 hours and scheduled an in-home evaluation within a week. During the in-home evaluation, Sarah listened to our concerns, observed Rock's behavior and offered some free suggestions to immediately start working on correcting bad behavior. Sarah's suggestions immediately instilled confidence in us that we had found someone that could help.
After meeting with our family, we decided that the private lessons would best address our needs. We also decided that Rock may respond best to an electronic training collar. Sarah came to our home each week and worked with us. She educated us on the training techniques and erased any misconceptions or fears about an electronic training collar. She explained and demonstrated the training techniques and then allowed us to take over so we were the ones doing the actual training. Each week, we built on the last weeks training session. The techniques/commands were practical, easy to understand and easy to work on each week between training sessions. Over the 4 weeks, Rock learned some new commands that helped us minimize and control unwanted behavior. The electronic collar also helped reinforce all the commands Rock already knew.
We understand that, with an 8 yr. old dog, many behaviors will not completely disappear. However, with Sarah's help, we are now better able to minimize unwanted behavior. We are committed to ongoing reinforcement of the new behaviors and see the transformation in Rock every day. We are grateful that we are finally able to enjoy our dog again and trust that Rock can be left alone now without completely destroying the kennel and/or our home.
We can't thank Sarah enough and would highly recommend Paws N Motion to anyone whose dog suffers from aggression and/or separation anxiety. We are thrilled with the results after 4 training sessions and look forward to seeing further improvements well into the future.
Greg & Carrie Jacobson - Ramsey, MN
Franklin
Shih-poo
Westie
Martin
This past spring, my wife and I were motivated to contact
Paws n Motion because of our Shih-poo's aggressive
behavior with other dogs (especially large dogs). Franklin is
a great "people dog," but we've struggled with him when
around other dogs (family, friends, and neighbors). He
would bite other dogs, show fence-aggression, and
generally be anti-social. He would actually take the
chain-linked fence that separates our yard and our
neighbors' with his teeth and shake it...humorous at first,
but clearly not something that should continue.
Sarah visited us in our home for a consult. She took all the
time needed to assess Frank's issues. We showed her the
fence aggression, took him out on a walk, and discussed
his history. Afterward, Sarah discussed our dog's
temperament, personality, and problems we wanted
remedied. She gave us a number of options for training. What sold us was her non-pressure
approach; we were impressed. She was also very open to discuss training techniques and her
method.
We decided to do the three-day training course for Frank. In short, Sarah trained Franklin to heel, loose-leash walk, do the automatic sit when stopping, as well as hand signals to sit and lay down. Additionally, she spent time walking Franklin with her own dogs, giving him much needed socialization in a controlled training session. At the end of the three days, Sarah spent about an hour-and-a-half teaching us the commands after the training was complete.
Returning home, we saw a marked improvement with Franklin's fence aggression. We also saw that he was much more relaxed around family members' dogs while off the leash.
Because of her effort, we wanted to get additional assistance to reinforce Frank's training. This fall we chose to do the four-pack private lessons (we had a busy summer and were worried Frank would lose his training). After the first session, we realized that Franklin remembered everything!
Sarah recognized this and suggested that our other dog, Martin (a Westie) could use some training time. She graciously offered to switch our focus to Marty. While my wife worked with Frank, I worked with Martin.
With the four-pack training, Sarah showed us her skills to teach people as well as dogs. She made it incredibly easy to quickly correct our over-reactive Westie's behavior. In the end, he excelled at heeling, loose-leash walking, and even did his best at automatic sitting. He is a bit spacey and difficult to get to focus, but he is much better after our sessions.
For the final session, we focused on Franklin and Martin's propensity to lunge at the door and to jump up on guests. Sarah taught us techniques to avert this behavior. Believe us, pizza delivery night is a BIG DEAL for them. Just to let you know, our regular pizza guy actually told us that the dogs were much better behaved after Sarah's lesson (he didn't know they were in training).
Not only did Sarah train our dogs, she taught us valuable skills. Her intuitive nature gives her the ability to help everyone involved (and none of it feels "canned.") She is a really fun person to work with, has a great sense of humor, and in the end, helps you and your dog. We couldn't ask for more! We are more than happy to recommend Paws n Motion to anyone; it's a great experience!
Mark & Kari Houge - Bloomington, MN
We decided to do the three-day training course for Frank. In short, Sarah trained Franklin to heel, loose-leash walk, do the automatic sit when stopping, as well as hand signals to sit and lay down. Additionally, she spent time walking Franklin with her own dogs, giving him much needed socialization in a controlled training session. At the end of the three days, Sarah spent about an hour-and-a-half teaching us the commands after the training was complete.
Returning home, we saw a marked improvement with Franklin's fence aggression. We also saw that he was much more relaxed around family members' dogs while off the leash.
Because of her effort, we wanted to get additional assistance to reinforce Frank's training. This fall we chose to do the four-pack private lessons (we had a busy summer and were worried Frank would lose his training). After the first session, we realized that Franklin remembered everything!
Sarah recognized this and suggested that our other dog, Martin (a Westie) could use some training time. She graciously offered to switch our focus to Marty. While my wife worked with Frank, I worked with Martin.
With the four-pack training, Sarah showed us her skills to teach people as well as dogs. She made it incredibly easy to quickly correct our over-reactive Westie's behavior. In the end, he excelled at heeling, loose-leash walking, and even did his best at automatic sitting. He is a bit spacey and difficult to get to focus, but he is much better after our sessions.
For the final session, we focused on Franklin and Martin's propensity to lunge at the door and to jump up on guests. Sarah taught us techniques to avert this behavior. Believe us, pizza delivery night is a BIG DEAL for them. Just to let you know, our regular pizza guy actually told us that the dogs were much better behaved after Sarah's lesson (he didn't know they were in training).
Not only did Sarah train our dogs, she taught us valuable skills. Her intuitive nature gives her the ability to help everyone involved (and none of it feels "canned.") She is a really fun person to work with, has a great sense of humor, and in the end, helps you and your dog. We couldn't ask for more! We are more than happy to recommend Paws n Motion to anyone; it's a great experience!
Mark & Kari Houge - Bloomington, MN
Our nine-month old Pug, named Doug, had issues with
listening, excessive barking, pulling on the leash during
walks, trying to chase cars, and chewing on stuff in the
house. We had tried different kinds of training with some
success, however, it was inconsistent. Doug had a hard
time listening to and following commands anytime there
were distractions (guests visiting, other dogs, being
outside of the house, passing cars). Sarah and Paws n
Motion were a perfect fit because the training sessions
were customized so we could focus on our specific issues.
She focused on getting us comfortable using commands and
correcting behavior.
With the professional training and our e-collar (electronic training collar), Doug has learned to listen much better to our commands and us. He is more comfortable and calm when people are visiting, and is now able to walk on a loose
With the professional training and our e-collar (electronic training collar), Doug has learned to listen much better to our commands and us. He is more comfortable and calm when people are visiting, and is now able to walk on a loose
We chose to utilize the electronic collar method of training. We felt the stimulation for ourselves
before settling on this decision. Sarah taught us how to effectively teach Willow what the
stimulation was reminding her to do with verbal commands and sometimes helping her to do the
required command. Willow quickly caught on to what the stimulation was referring to.
Willow has gone beyond basic obedience and is noticeably calmer in all situations. She is frequently complimented in public for being such a good dog. With Sarah's help, we have made great improvement on the separation anxiety and Willow is no longer escaping from her crate. She is a great dog around the house and on walks, snowshoes and other adventures. She is off leash much of the time in the yard with us playing and bounding in the snow this winter.
Kim & Erik Laing - Eagan, MN
Willow has gone beyond basic obedience and is noticeably calmer in all situations. She is frequently complimented in public for being such a good dog. With Sarah's help, we have made great improvement on the separation anxiety and Willow is no longer escaping from her crate. She is a great dog around the house and on walks, snowshoes and other adventures. She is off leash much of the time in the yard with us playing and bounding in the snow this winter.
Kim & Erik Laing - Eagan, MN
Willow
Yellow Lab Mix
Doug
Pug
When we adopted Willow - we got a wonderful dog with
some unknown history including separation anxiety issues.
The first day we left her home during work, she escaped
from her wire crate - twice.
We had signed up for a group puppy class, when after the initial class; Kim brought the issue of separation anxiety to the attention of the instructor as to gain more skills to help the situation. Instead of giving positive suggestions, she referred us to dog behaviorists and told Kim 'don't get too attached'. That was the last class attended.
Sarah taught us how to work with Willow to deal with the issues that had become apparent quickly after adopting her. Of course we needed to deal with the separation anxiety, but we also needed some help with obedience beyond sit.
We had signed up for a group puppy class, when after the initial class; Kim brought the issue of separation anxiety to the attention of the instructor as to gain more skills to help the situation. Instead of giving positive suggestions, she referred us to dog behaviorists and told Kim 'don't get too attached'. That was the last class attended.
Sarah taught us how to work with Willow to deal with the issues that had become apparent quickly after adopting her. Of course we needed to deal with the separation anxiety, but we also needed some help with obedience beyond sit.
leash. We also now have the tools to continue to reinforce Doug's good behavior and address the
bad behavior instantaneously. We can enjoy our life with Doug even more and he knows much more
about what is expected of him. Thank you Paws n Motion!
Jeff & Liz - Coon Rapids, MN
Jeff & Liz - Coon Rapids, MN
The winter of 2010 was a harrowing one for my family, and
I don't use the word harrowing very often. On New Years
Eve our five year old Newfie / Rottie went missing. Penn is
a dog that if he ever got out the back gate would come to
the front door and wait, or scratch to come in. He was the
friendliest most easy-going dog I have ever known. The
kids could lie on him, fall on him, tug on him and he would
look at them, perhaps lick them; he was that type of dog.
His disappearance brought up all types of questions,
worries and tears for the kids. For me? Well, frankly, much
of the same, except I had the extra burden of trying
unsuccessfully to answer their questions.
For twenty-seven days we wondered: frozen somewhere under a bush (it was a very cold month), taken from the yard? Then calls started coming. Sightings about six miles from our home. Hope rekindled, but at a cost. I slept even less, worried more, spent time at places he was sighted, left work mid-day to follow leads. See? Harrowing.
For twenty-seven days we wondered: frozen somewhere under a bush (it was a very cold month), taken from the yard? Then calls started coming. Sightings about six miles from our home. Hope rekindled, but at a cost. I slept even less, worried more, spent time at places he was sighted, left work mid-day to follow leads. See? Harrowing.
Penn
Rottie/Newfie
Riley
Shar Pei/Lab
Then on February 18th Penn came home to us.
My biggest worry after Penn came back after his forty-nine day adventure was that he'd chase a squirrel into the street and get hit by a car. I couldn't imagine going through all we had only to deal with that. He's generally a very good dog, but hanging out in the front yard with the family was sometimes problematic. Tethered he'd bark at any passerby; un-tethered he'd lounge comfortably but if he saw a squirrel he was off.
No longer.
Training with Sarah from Paws n Motion solved both those problems and some others as well. Penn used to pull on walks. The Gentle Leader didn't work, treat training didn't work-nothing really did. My arm was sore after a short walk with him. That's even more of a problem if Jenny, my wife, takes him for a walk while I'm at work. Balancing twins, a baby in a stroller, and a dog is no easy task. Once, Penn even knocked the stroller over lunging at a squirrel. After a few training sessions with Sarah, walking Penn has become a pure pleasure. We can even go past the yard where the dog waits barking at the fence without incident. Before, I would brace myself, cinching up the leash half a block away, getting ready for that yard. He walks so obediently now even our twin eight year-olds can walk him!
Seven days before the first reported sighting we got our family a new puppy. We hadn't given up on Penn, we just needed some four-legged happiness to take up some of the room in our minds and hearts. Riley started using en e-collar and training with Sarah at four months old. I don't know if he's just a quick learner or what, but now, just two months later, if told, Riley stays on his rug, sits, lays, comes, waits, and more.
You'd think things would be just nuts with two dogs romping around, but that's not the case at all. With e-collar training the dogs are very responsive to our commands. In some ways, because they are so obedient, it even feels like less to manage, not more. They wait to go in or out the door, which has made that more manageable and safer (no more worrying Penn will bowl the baby over on his way down the steps). Both dogs are calmer overall at home, even when company comes over. This is really important as we have two eight-year olds and a two-year old, and have people over often who have little children, too. The dogs obey better, are easy to handle off leash, and it's a pleasure to take them places where other dogs and people will be.
Our whole family wants to thank Sarah for giving us the gift of dogs that are exactly the companions we want them to be.Thank you Sarah.
Flint & Jenny - St. Paul, MN
My biggest worry after Penn came back after his forty-nine day adventure was that he'd chase a squirrel into the street and get hit by a car. I couldn't imagine going through all we had only to deal with that. He's generally a very good dog, but hanging out in the front yard with the family was sometimes problematic. Tethered he'd bark at any passerby; un-tethered he'd lounge comfortably but if he saw a squirrel he was off.
No longer.
Training with Sarah from Paws n Motion solved both those problems and some others as well. Penn used to pull on walks. The Gentle Leader didn't work, treat training didn't work-nothing really did. My arm was sore after a short walk with him. That's even more of a problem if Jenny, my wife, takes him for a walk while I'm at work. Balancing twins, a baby in a stroller, and a dog is no easy task. Once, Penn even knocked the stroller over lunging at a squirrel. After a few training sessions with Sarah, walking Penn has become a pure pleasure. We can even go past the yard where the dog waits barking at the fence without incident. Before, I would brace myself, cinching up the leash half a block away, getting ready for that yard. He walks so obediently now even our twin eight year-olds can walk him!
Seven days before the first reported sighting we got our family a new puppy. We hadn't given up on Penn, we just needed some four-legged happiness to take up some of the room in our minds and hearts. Riley started using en e-collar and training with Sarah at four months old. I don't know if he's just a quick learner or what, but now, just two months later, if told, Riley stays on his rug, sits, lays, comes, waits, and more.
You'd think things would be just nuts with two dogs romping around, but that's not the case at all. With e-collar training the dogs are very responsive to our commands. In some ways, because they are so obedient, it even feels like less to manage, not more. They wait to go in or out the door, which has made that more manageable and safer (no more worrying Penn will bowl the baby over on his way down the steps). Both dogs are calmer overall at home, even when company comes over. This is really important as we have two eight-year olds and a two-year old, and have people over often who have little children, too. The dogs obey better, are easy to handle off leash, and it's a pleasure to take them places where other dogs and people will be.
Our whole family wants to thank Sarah for giving us the gift of dogs that are exactly the companions we want them to be.Thank you Sarah.
Flint & Jenny - St. Paul, MN
Blade
Siberian Husky
When we adopted our 5-year-old Siberian Husky named
Blade from a local rescue organization, we knew well in
advance that we were getting a dog with some incomplete
history and a few obvious behavioral issues. His main
issues have been separation anxiety, excessively vocalizing
in public and when anxious (husky yodeling!), extreme
leash pulling, and reactivity to other dogs. Blade had
already been crate trained, so from day one it was easy to
begin working with the separation anxiety. That issue has
subsided quite a bit over time with the everyday routines
and desensitization we have been doing. For the leash
pulling and manners in public, we had consulted with a
couple of other trainers and received guidance on clicker
training, training with treats, using head collars, etc. We
trained with these tools for around six to eight months with
almost no improvement; rather we saw increased anxiety,
increased vocalizing, reliance on treats, and horrible
damage to the fur on Blade's face from the head collar
rubbing. (Yes, even with the correct fit and usage).
After months of struggling and various horribly embarrassing public incidents, I was referred to
Sarah of Paws n Motion by one of the rescue volunteers we worked with during Blade's adoption. I
consulted with Sarah over the phone, and she came to our home for the free consultation. We came
up with a training plan and had four more sessions after the consultation.
The difference Sarah and Paws n Motion made was almost immediate. I must mention that Siberian Huskies are not the breed for everyone and do not necessarily respond to training in the same way a lab or terrier might. As an arctic working dog, bred for sled pulling, the high energy level and instinct to PULLLLL is undeniable and can be difficult to manage. However, even after the first training session with Sarah, Blade was able to walk on a loose leash! After the second session, Blade knew the "heel" command and could comfortably heel for over a block! These are behaviors we never imagined to be possible, and they have continued to improve along with many other new commands.
Because we have achieved loose-leash walking, much of the tension and reactive outbursts toward other dogs has improved. Sarah's dog, Andy, came over to help us out a couple of times, too. It was such a huge benefit to work with Blade in the presence of another dog we could trust.
What we like most about Paws n Motion is that the work is done in your home, in your own neighborhood, in situations that are entirely relevant to you and your dog's everyday life.
Blade is no longer "that dog" who is a loud, annoying, nuisance to the neighborhood. He is certainly not perfect, yet, but we now have the tools, confidence, and structure to continue working towards that perfection in a fun and positive way. We feel confident now with the new tools and methods we are using, and Blade is much more confident, attentive, and responsive as well!
Thank you Sarah, Andy, and Paws n Motion!
Amber & Jason - Shoreview, MN
The difference Sarah and Paws n Motion made was almost immediate. I must mention that Siberian Huskies are not the breed for everyone and do not necessarily respond to training in the same way a lab or terrier might. As an arctic working dog, bred for sled pulling, the high energy level and instinct to PULLLLL is undeniable and can be difficult to manage. However, even after the first training session with Sarah, Blade was able to walk on a loose leash! After the second session, Blade knew the "heel" command and could comfortably heel for over a block! These are behaviors we never imagined to be possible, and they have continued to improve along with many other new commands.
Because we have achieved loose-leash walking, much of the tension and reactive outbursts toward other dogs has improved. Sarah's dog, Andy, came over to help us out a couple of times, too. It was such a huge benefit to work with Blade in the presence of another dog we could trust.
What we like most about Paws n Motion is that the work is done in your home, in your own neighborhood, in situations that are entirely relevant to you and your dog's everyday life.
Blade is no longer "that dog" who is a loud, annoying, nuisance to the neighborhood. He is certainly not perfect, yet, but we now have the tools, confidence, and structure to continue working towards that perfection in a fun and positive way. We feel confident now with the new tools and methods we are using, and Blade is much more confident, attentive, and responsive as well!
Thank you Sarah, Andy, and Paws n Motion!
Amber & Jason - Shoreview, MN
Lucy
West Highland White Terrier
Our loveable, energetic and independent two-year old
Westie, Lucy, had a number of obedience issues: jumping
on people, barking, and not listening to commands. We
realized the seriousness of the situation when Lucy escaped
from the backyard and would not return when called.
Instead, she took off running in the opposite direction and
we were unable to find her. We were very fortunate that
Lucy was rescued by a caring person who saw her running in
the middle of a busy street. This was the point when we
knew things had to change.
In the past we tried group obedience classes with little success - we needed something different. After tons of research, we decided to work with Sarah from Paws n Motion. With Sarah's help we were able to determine that the electronic collar (e-collar) would be the best fit for Lucy's training needs. We haven't been disappointed - the 12 private lessons have been fantastic! My family gives all the credit to Sarah and her individualized training approach.
In the past we tried group obedience classes with little success - we needed something different. After tons of research, we decided to work with Sarah from Paws n Motion. With Sarah's help we were able to determine that the electronic collar (e-collar) would be the best fit for Lucy's training needs. We haven't been disappointed - the 12 private lessons have been fantastic! My family gives all the credit to Sarah and her individualized training approach.
Sarah brings a great skill set to the training:
+ Extremely organized and professional
+ Excellent training knowledge - provides great insight, training materials/resources and follow up support
+ Great people skills - works well with people of all ages and makes us feel at ease and more confident in our training role
+ Positively promotes the need for owners to make a commitment to the training - great learning experience on the need for consistency and follow through
In addition to our family's endorsement, our dog loves Sarah, the electronic collar, and the training. With Sarah's help we have worked through the obedience issues and we have learned how to be better pet owners. Lucy is a much calmer and more well-mannered dog. The combination of training and the reinforcement with the electronic collar have worked wonders. Many thanks to Sarah and Paws n Motion!
Maria - St. Paul, MN
+ Extremely organized and professional
+ Excellent training knowledge - provides great insight, training materials/resources and follow up support
+ Great people skills - works well with people of all ages and makes us feel at ease and more confident in our training role
+ Positively promotes the need for owners to make a commitment to the training - great learning experience on the need for consistency and follow through
In addition to our family's endorsement, our dog loves Sarah, the electronic collar, and the training. With Sarah's help we have worked through the obedience issues and we have learned how to be better pet owners. Lucy is a much calmer and more well-mannered dog. The combination of training and the reinforcement with the electronic collar have worked wonders. Many thanks to Sarah and Paws n Motion!
Maria - St. Paul, MN