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Certified dog trainer
Sarah Bonomo
Sarah Bonomo

Verplanck, NY

Sarah Bonomo

Sarah's passion for dogs started as a child. When her family rescued her first dog, Diesel, she gained an interest in dog behavior and recognized how beneficial spending time in nature can be for dogs. She loved taking Diesel on hikes and exploring local trails with him until he passed away at sixteen years old.

Sarah received her Bachelor's of Science in Zoology at SUNY Oswego in May 2018 and graduated with honors. She minored in Psychology and completed a thesis in which she analyzed the stress levels of rescue dogs. After graduation, Sarah spent a year completing her Dog Training Certification through CATCH Canine Trainers Academy. She then obtained her CPDT-KA certification, Fear Free Certification and is a part of the Pet Professional Guild. Sarah became a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer in 2024.

Currently, Sarah is co-founder to a small animal rescue and an avid volunteer with other local rescues. She is passionate about working with dogs with behavioral problems and helping them get ready for adoption. She lives with her two bully breed mix rescues, Ruger and Russell, and a variety of different foster animals.


Training Philosophy

Sarah's training focuses on facilitating a positive relationship between dog and pet parent. Finding the route cause to any behavioral struggle is a critical element in the training plan. Most importantly, Sarah will help you to set realistic and obtainable goals with your pup, and will be there to support you throughout your journey!


Services


Private Dog Training
Sarah Bonomo is CPDT-KA and Fear Free Certified.
Private sessions are offered in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, and virtual sessions are offered everywhere!
Book your free consultation today!


FAQs

  • Private sessions are 1 hour in length and take place in the client's home. After an initial session, we may meet in a public park, pet store, or other space!
  • Training typically Involves changing our pup's emotional response to triggers, forming new habits, and ensuring needs are met. This will not happen in a single session, and Sarah cannot offer guarantees regarding time frames.
  • Yes! Sarah offer single sessions, packages of 3, and packages of 5.
  • Sarah trains dogs by focusing on what we 'want' them to do, instead of what we want them to 'stop doing'. This is done through a combination of management and positive reinforcement based training.
  • Sarah offers private training sessions in Westchester, NY.



Dog Hiking
Hikes are 1 hour long and include pick up and drop off. Group hikes are a great form of enrichment for dogs that enjoy the company of other dogs. Solo hikes provide exercise and enrichment for dogs that prefer human company!


Certifications

Sarah Bonomo is CPDT-KA and Fear Free Certified.
Sarah became a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer in 2024.


Specializations

Separation Anxiety


Training Methods

Sarah trains dogs by focusing on what we 'want' them to do, instead of what we want them to 'stop doing'. This is done through a combination of management and positive reinforcement based training.

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

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.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

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.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

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.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

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.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

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.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

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.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

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.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

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.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

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.

Want to train your dog independently?

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