Mahopac, NY
Highland Haven Dog Training
Sara Brown, CPDT-KA, and her daughter Sophie have a combined 40 years of dog experience. Raised with dogs, Sara began her working life at a large boarding kennel at the age of 16. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and then attended National K-9 School for Dog Trainers and received her first professional certification in 1991.
Upon returning to NY Sara opened her own boarding & training kennel at the age of 25. In 1999 she married and started a family with her husband, Gary. She took a break from the dog training world and joined the family business. Although she was away from the world of professional dog training, Sara continued to hone her skills with her own pack of five dogs (and two babies!)
In 2014 Sara began breeding and training Australian Shepherds. She left the family business in 2018 to run Dogtopia New Rochelle, a large dog daycare business, as the General Manager . Being back in the dog world full time re-ignited Sara’s passion for dog training. During those four years Sara trained dogs on a part time basis while working and breeding. She also continued to learn the latest techniques and research, earning her second professional dog trainer certification thru CCPDT. In 2022 she and her daughter Sophie (now 22) decided to go out on their own once again to form Highland Haven Dog Training.
Training Philosophy
Highland Haven Dog Training has been training and raising dogs for over 30 years. We understand not only how to create a well-mannered dog, but also the complex behaviors and body language that dogs use to communicate. We work with all types of dog behavior, but particularly like working with timid, anxious dogs. Building the confidence in our canine clients helps them to get the most out of life!
Services
- Board & Train Programs:
- Basic: 3 Weeks of Boarding and Training, 2 In Person Lessons, 2 Zoom Follow Ups, PLUS 3 Months of Support
- Extra: 3 Weeks of Boarding and Training, 3 In Person Lessons, 3 Zoom Follow Ups, PLUS 6 Months of Support
- Intensive: 4 Weeks of Boarding and Training, 4 In Person Lessons, 4 Zoom Follow Ups, PLUS 6 Months of Support
- Dog Zoom Lessons: Packages of 1, 3 or 6. Perfect for new puppies, but can be used for all ages. Any puppy taking our Zoom lessons is eligible for a discount on our board and train programs once they become the appropriate age.
Certifications
Sara Brown, CPDT-KA
Specializations
Australian Shepherds, Timid and Anxious Dogs
Training Methods
Positive Reinforcement, Confidence Building, Desensitization
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.
