Pottstown, PA
Laughing Dog Academy
Sarah Stoycos founded Laughing Dog Academy to promote humane dog training and provide training and behavior modification assistance to keep dogs in their forever homes and out of shelters.
Training Philosophy
Laughing Dog Academy uses only positive reinforcement training methods, with an emphasis on clicker training. They do not use shock collars, choke collars, or prong collars and never ask clients to "correct" or punish their dogs. They believe that positive training helps owners communicate better with their dogs and motivate them to make the behavioral choices they want to see.
Services
Laughing Dog Academy offers private in-home training, online private training, Leash Walking 101 private training, and puppy classes. They also offer classes for dogs and older puppies at the Your Dog's Friend training center in Rockville, MD. These classes include:
- Puppy Kindergarten
- Puppy First Grade
- Puppy Party
- Basic Manners
- Out and About
- It's All Just Fun and Games!
- An online Reactive Dog Class
Certifications
Sarah Stoycos is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and member of the Pet Professional Guild.
Specializations
Laughing Dog Academy specializes in basic puppy skills and good dog manners, as well as more serious behavioral challenges. They have experience working with a wide range of challenging behavioral problems, including leash pulling, lunging and barking, excessive barking, jumping, nipping, and reactivity to dogs and people. They also work with fearful dogs and extremely shy dogs.
Training Methods
Laughing Dog Academy uses positive reinforcement training methods, with an emphasis on clicker training.
Customer Reviews
"Sarah is a great dog trainer who combines a wonderful knowledge of dogs with a down-to-earth approach, great enthusiasm, and a lovely sense of humor. My dog was always beside herself with excitement when she got to Sarah's classes!
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Sarah was upbeat, helpful, and encouraging. I saw all of the puppies learn and flourish in our puppy class. And we had a lot of fun!
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...The hour you spent with Nicki and me has really turned things around. She is catching on very quickly. Much less demanding behavior. We even enjoyed some cuddle time on the sofa tonight. Thanks again."
Social Media Links
Media Appearances
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
