Sarah, a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT), is also a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP). With over 18 years of experience, her career began as a volunteer dog trainer working with shelter dogs at the San Diego Humane Society & SCPA in 2001.

She teaches group dog training classes in Vista, CA, and at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, Encinitas. There, she founded the 'Pawsitive Practices' trainer-in-training team of volunteers whom she mentors. Together, through best training practices, they help make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs. Sarah also serves as the training evaluator for the shelter's Pet Assisted Therapy program.

Specializing in dogs with aggression, fear, or reactivity issues, she also excels in puppy training, running the online Pawsitive Puppy Training Academy. Through safe, humane, and positive training methods, Sarah helps new puppy and dog owners feel confident in their pet's behavior.

Aside from her work, Sarah is a wife, mom to three young boys, and proud pet owner to her rescue dog Nick, rescue pet pig Toby, and rescue horse Mahoney. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her four cats, goats, and chickens.

Coolabah Dog Training certifications include CCDT and are available in various locations: Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos, Carlsbad, and Encinitas. Services are offered in English.

Name: Lindsey A. Lieberman

History:
Lindsey Lieberman, CBCC, CPDT is a certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant who has been working with dogs professionally for over 15 years. Lindsey is a to-the-bone animal person who has worked with critters in some capacity most of her life. From the pet sitting business she started when she was in grade school (donating 25% of the $1 per day fee to the local cat rescue), through to today, she has built her life around animals.
Over the course of her career, Lindsey has worked directly with hundreds upon hundreds of different dogs, from 3 pound Chihuahuas to 200-pound Mastiffs. She has worked with dogs from an enormous variety of backgrounds including:

• Puppy mill offspring
• Rescued Korean meat dogs
• Hurricane survivors (Katrina, Sandy, Irene, Michael)
• Fighting ring busts (The Missouri 500)
• Mexico street dogs
• Off-the-track Greyhounds
• Hoarding & neglect cases

She has years of experience not only working with dogs with behavioral baggage, but living with them too. Over a decade of parenting her own (perfectly) imperfect pups has given her a unique perspective, and she is able to truly understand and empathize with clients who share their lives with fearful, reactive, and anxious dogs. Lindsey knows the struggles of special needs pet parents first hand, and has the tools to support and guide them on the path to peace in their homes.
In addition to dogs, Lindsey has worked professionally with cats, goats, equines, cattle, ducks, chickens, geese, pigs, and a few other species. She is especially proud of befriending a cantankerous Brahman-mix steer named Neal.
All through her childhood and teen years Lindsey surrounded herself with animals: dogs, cats, horses, pygmy goats, and a few rodents. She had a few critter-free years in college, then remedied the situation by adopting her first fur kid as adult, the ineffably fabulous kitty, Sammy.
After graduating from California College of the Arts with a BFA in Photography in 2004 and intending to continue her education with a graduate degree in Art History, Lindsey took an unusual turn in her professional path: she began working at the East Bay SPCA in Oakland, California. It was there that she adopted her first dog, Kisa, the incredible 100-pound Malamute mix who filled Lindsey's life with laughter, adventure, and an endless supply of fluffy dog hair for 12 years. At the East Bay SPCA Lindsey realized that her path forward in life wasn't at graduate school: she wouldn't be happy with her nose behind a book when she could be playing with dogs in the sunshine.
After a few years in the Bay Area, she took her knowledge and talents further up the state to Chico, California. There Lindsey worked as the Canine Coordinator at Butte Humane Society where she completely revamped their behavior assessment, training, and volunteer programs. In 2011 she headed south to continue her shelter career with San Diego Humane Society as the Behavior & Training Coordinator at the Oceanside Campus where she worked for 9 years.
In 2018 Lindsey launched Birch Bark Dog Training to further help dogs and their people in her community.
Lindsey has lectured on domestic canine behavior to the staff at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, as well as presented on dog bite prevention to City of Oceanside employees.
She serves as a Mentor Trainer for both CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and Animal Behavior College.

Training Philosophy:
Birch Bark offers dog training and behavior modification rooted in science & practiced with mindfulness.
Mindful dog training is a cooperative, constructive relationship with our dogs that's grounded and founded in awareness & acceptance without judgment.
Dogs are often given the short end of the stick: we expect compliance without acknowledging that they have motivations, emotions, or inclinations of their own. When dogs do not behave in a way we desire, we often judge and label them "stubborn" or "stupid", without regard to their perception of things. When we open our minds and our eyes to the very real fact that dogs are sentient beings whose experience of a situation deserves consideration, our perspective shifts.
When we accept the validity of our dogs' experience, our relationship with them is elevated.
By integrating an awareness of a dog's perspective of events, their body language, and emotional state, we can shine a light on why the dog is behaving in a particular way: we learn to see with the dog's eyes. When we can turn that lens back onto ourselves and--without judgement--see how the dog interprets our responses to them: gestures, tone of voice, and actions, it becomes clear how our own behavior functions to either facilitate or inhibit the dog's behavior, whether we like it or not.
With this increased awareness and broadened scope of perspective without the added weight of labels or judgment, we have increased mindfulness. By practicing mindfulness we are able to create more opportunities for constructive learning as well as better help our dogs through the stresses of life.
Doesn't that sound nice?

Services:
Birch Bark offers a variety of services, including:

• Group Classes: Group classes offer expert coaching and advice over weekly sessions. Dog learn to engage and perform in busy environments while humans learn from each other!
• Behavior Modification: Birch Bark specializes in working with dogs with more severe issues. We are happy to work with dogs displaying fearful, anxious, reactive, and aggressive behaviors.
• Dog Reactivity Program: Living with a dog who has reactivity to other dogs is frustrating, embarrassing, stressful, and exhausting. We know this first hand. We know what it's like to schedule walks to avoid other dogs, to hide behind cars until your neighbor and their easy-going pup stroll on by, to hold your breath around blind corners, to come home near tears because it's just so hard.
  We know what it's like, and we know how to help.
• Initial Consult: All in-person services will begin with a 90-minute consultation. In this session we will lay the groundwork for success with your dog: we will take an objective look at your dog's current behavior, the challenges you face, and map out a plan to help you reach your training goals. In addition to planning the "long game" of a training program, we will provide you with some immediate steps you can take to see positive movement in behavior.
• Private Training Sessions: After the initial consultation, we will get started working through your training plan and towards the goals that we have set together. Training sessions are tailored to suit and support the lives, needs, and learning styles of both humans and dogs. While teaching your dog the new behaviors and life skills he or she needs, you will learn how to better understand your dog's perspective and emotional state, set your dog up for success, and encourage better manners and behavior in daily life.
• ReactiviTeam Sessions: ReactiviTeams are semi-private lessons for no more than 4 dog-handler teams that feature: individual coaching on working with your reactive dog, other dogs to safely practice around, and a supportive community of other pet parents who share your frustrations and goals!
• Online Consulting & Coaching: Whether you're far away from North SD County, stuck at home, or just want a quick coaching session, we are happy to provide live, online training and behavior services over the internet! Same expert advice you'd receive in person, without the need to wear a mask or put on deodorant. ; )

Prices:
* Initial Consult: 90 minutes - $200
* Private Training Sessions:
    * Single 60-minute session - $170
    * 4 Session Package - $670
    * 8 Session Package - $1280
    * 12 Session Package - $1860
* ReactiviTeam Sessions:
    * Single Team session - $125
    * 3 Team session package - $360
    * 6 Team Sessions - $690
* Online Consulting & Coaching:
    * Initial 60-minute session - $160
    * Half-hour follow-up - $85
    * 4 half-hour sessions - $300
* Group Classes:
    * Foundations (6 weeks) - $225
    * Butt Sniffing 101 (5 weeks) - $225
    * Butt Sniffing 201 (5 weeks) - $225
    * Zen Dog (5 weeks) - $250
    * Connected Walking (3 part series) - $145
    * Open Enrollment Basics and Specialty Skills Classes - Check back soon!
    * Field Trip Adventures - $45 per adventure, packages are available!

Travel fees may apply to some areas.

Certifications:
CBCC, CPDT

Specializations:
Dog Reactivity, Fearfulness, Stranger reactivity, Over-arousal/hyperactivity, Resource guarding/possession aggression, Aggression (with restrictions)

Training Methods:
Force-free, Breed inclusive, Judgement free, Dual-certified

Customer Reviews:
Lea, mom to Starlord's mom
In session with Starlord
My daughter's Aussie pup started showing signs of fear reactivity and while I teach kids how to train dogs this was outside of my wheelhouse so I contacted Lindsey to work on his behavior. We did a package and even after the first visit and homework given we started seeing improvements. In the time we worked with Lindsey at Birch Bark we saw a dramatic decrease in his reactivity and fear response. She worked with my daughter to improve her ability to understand what she needed to do to improve his behavior and worked with them both in multiple locations. After completing the series of one on one lessons we took her Zen dog class as well. It was like night and day. I can not recommend Lindsey enough for behavioral issues.
John, dad to Darwin
John and Darwin
"I've been trying to manage my Chihuahua's interactions with new people for eleven years. Darwin's behavior was quite aggressive to new people and dogs. This is especially true when entering his personal space. I tried various trainers who told me he was protecting me, and also tried a few books advocating to be the alpha -- none of this worked. Then came Lindsey; she immediately recognized that my dog was completely terrified. She explained all the signs that led her to this conclusion. Knowing this changed my whole dynamic with Darwin. Punishment was replaced with compassion and a whole new set of tools Lindsey cued me into. My entire relationship with my dog has changed, and we are closer than ever. I owe all of this to Lindsey!"
Paul, dad to JJ
JJ
"My wife and I thought we were pretty dog savvy until we got our new puppy. We quickly realized that we were in over our heads and we were slowly going crazy. Enter Birch Bark Dog Training! Thank heavens for Lindsey! She's been incredibly helpful in getting our new (stubborn) puppy on the path to being a really great dog. Lindsey's approach to dog training is very positive and she's shown us how quickly we can begin to change some of our pups less than awesome behaviors. And we love that she's come to our home to show us how to work on things in our environment! It's made our lives much more sane and has helped our older dog regain some dignity! Highly recommended!."
Erin, mom to Bailey
"Can not recommend Lindsey enough! Diligently took the time to understand our concerns, goals, and all fascists of Baileys behavior, she came prepared to every session, adapted plans in the moment such as Baileys level of comfort, unexpected neighbors and deliver tucks, to make the most out of each of our sessions together, sent incredibly helpful email recommendations for products, videos, books as well as recapping our sessions together AND she has a super awesome laid back approach, mixed with her proven expertise, that puts everyone (humans and dogs) at immediate ease when working with her. We have full confidence in her and are so thankful for the tools she's taught us and Bailey!"
Jeana, mom to Tink, Lulu, Mitzi and foster mom to dozens… and counting!
Jeana with Mitzi (l) and foster dog Logan (r)
"I have been so grateful to have benefited from Lindsey's teaching and training for several years, and in many different situations. Her classes have been rich in knowledge, with a great sense of fun, along with a positive approach-with people and dogs! Her high level of experience in training, and her remarkable insight into dog behavior, are rare gifts. She has solved problems for me with foster dogs, and my own dogs, when other trainers and their methods didn't help. She is well versed in all aspects of training and behavior, certified, and is a trainer/teacher with real solutions. She works using kind perceptive understanding, and strategies/techniques that are grounded in science."
Tess, mom to Tux
We were working with Lindsey over 8 weeks on our dogs reactivity to other dogs and his over excitement on the leash. Lindsey understands the needs of dogs and their humans and showed us some great techniques to help our dog learning to be more relaxed and less reactive on the leash. We already noticed an improvement after our first class. Lindsey is highly professional and fun to work with. We like her forcefree and positive reinforcement approach on dogs. It really works! We highly recommend her and Birch Bark Dog Training and will possibly try and attend one of her group training classes once our dog is ready for it.
Brooke, mom to Noah
Brooke and Noah
Lindsey is a lifesaver, but actually. When I got my *spicy* rescue dog Noah (who is ~110lbs for reference..) he would break loose from the leash to run after cars, lunge and bark at strangers walking by, and have major issues with other dogs even from a distance. That was not sustainable. Lindsey helped me understand Noah's BIG feelings and how to set myself (and my dog) up for success. From my time with Lindsey, I have gained an incredible amount of confidence as a dog owner and I was able to see significant changes in Noah's behavior throughout our 12-week program. There have also been a few unexpected benefits from our involvement with Birch Bark. One is the strengthened relationship Noah and I have developed from working on trust and understanding each other's limits. Another is the community Lindsey provides, particularly with other reactive dog parents, which is totally invaluable. We wrapped up our twelve weeks almost a month ago, and I still benefit from the training Noah and I had with Lindsey. Birch Bark is the best investment I have ever made that has equipped me (and Noah) with tools that will last a lifetime.
Lauren & Daniel, parents to Emma
Emma & Daniel
"Lindsey is fantastic! When looking for a dog trainer, we found Lindsey and liked that she uses force-free methods, and that she has certification in both dog training and dog behavior modification, as we were seeing the start of what we thought could be aggressive or protective behavior in our new dog. We had a session over Zoom and we were so impressed with how helpful and thorough she was-- I was taking lots of notes! We have since been practicing her advice and have already seen positive results with our dog in a short amount of time, and Lindsey has been wonderful with her follow-up as well! Highly recommended this dog trainer!"
Joletta, mom to Coco
Coco
We recently adopted a 6 year old mixed-breed doggo named Coco. She was rescued from a kill-shelter and spent one year with her foster parents, as she had trouble getting adopted. She is a sweet and sensitive soul who doesn't trust anyone at first sight and can become pretty afraid of things at times. We contacted Lindsey to help us get Coco more comfortable and feeling safer and more confident. We learned so many helpful techniques to use with Coco, from when someone rings the doorbell to visitors she doesn't know coming over to loud noises and lots of activity going on at the park. The training has helped us to feel more confident and equipped to manage situations that might stress Coco (and thus all of us!) out. We also learned that Coco is one smart doggo who LOVES to train. She has skills now, too, that help her make good decisions, while still staying her goofy, sensitive, sassy self. We all learned so much from Lindsey!
Breana, mom to Pippin and Prosciutto
TLDR: Reach out to Lindsey now! She WILL help you and your pet! My husband and I reached out to Lindsey about 2 months ago in desperation. What I can tell you about Lindsey based on having known her for only a couple of months is that she is a person who has many roles. When you are crying because your dog isn't acting like themselves anymore, she is your best friend who loves your pet the way you do. When you are confused about your dog's body language, she is your favorite college professor who gives you hands on learning. When you can't quite figure out what you are doing wrong, she is your mentor who gently directs you towards a solution. And, perhaps most importantly, when you begin to see progress with your pet, she is your cheer leader who celebrates with you and keeps you on track. If you are looking for a behaviorist/trainer who approaches your pet with no judgement, Lindsey is your girl. Leave your reluctance and reservations to the side and send her an email. I guarantee you she will surpass your expectations. From phone calls between appointments, to direct communication with your vet, Lindsey will keep you and your pet on the path to success. Her analysis of your individual situation will comfort you. She will not treat you like just another appointment - she will listen to your questions and educatedly answer them based on your scenario, not only general knowledge. As somebody who hesitated to admit my perfect dog had an aggression problem, I can sincerely say that Lindsey has assuaged any concerns I had about feeling like an inferior pet parent. In 2 months, my dogs have gone from mandatory full-time separation to supervised play. Growls and attacks are a thing of the past. They can even sleep in the same room together again! If you are reading this review, it is because you want the best help you can find for your dog. Lindsey is the person who can guide you and your pet to a more happy and healthy environment/relationship. The sooner you reach out to her, the sooner you and your family will be started towards success.
Frances & David, parents to Bella
"Lindsey is a wonderful trainer! My boyfriend and I spent weeks trying to find a good trainer and to be honest, none of them stood out to us the way Lindsey did. Lindsey returned our call the same night and spent time listening to our concerns regarding our recently rescued dog who suffered with Human/Animal aggression. Other trainers we spoke to already had their minds made up about us and our dog before having even met us. But Lindsey was compassionate, non-judgmental and focused on finding the root of our issue. Upon meeting we could immediately tell she had a genuine love for animals by how warm and caring her interaction was with our pooch. Lindsey was punctual when arriving for training and her training methods were grounded in positive reinforcement and desensitization of our dog's trigger in a humane way (she does NOT use shock/electric collars or any kind of brute force). It was obvious from the start that Lindsey has done her research on understanding the Psyche of dogs and her training methods were not only brilliant (why didn't we think of that?) but effective! We have already seen an improvement in our dog's behavior using her training techniques. Lindsey is also great at following through with what she says. If she tells you she's going to reach out to you in a few days with some helpful tips and background information to help you further understand your dog, best believe an E-mail is coming your way! Her professionalism is on the next level and we are so grateful to have met her and had the opportunity to work with her. We highly recommend her to anyone in need of training/rehabilitating their fur baby."

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