About Sarah
After years of guiding countless puppies and their people through every stage—from the first chaotic days to a lifetime of companionship—I’ve learned one essential truth: no matter how much you think you know, each puppy brings something new and entirely their own. Every puppy I meet has a lesson to teach, and it’s those unique challenges that keep me passionate about training. From helping new puppy owners find their rhythm to guiding long-time pet parents through surprising behavior shifts, I’m here to make your puppy journey smoother, more manageable, and filled with the moments that matter.
Real-Life Training for Real-Life Puppy Owners
My approach is built around quick, actionable tips that make sense for today’s busy life. I understand the balancing act because I’ve lived it—raising puppies while working full-time, welcoming new dogs into a home with kids, multiple dogs, cats and even chickens. I know that fitting a new puppy into your life shouldn’t require a complete overhaul, so my training advice is designed to adapt to your lifestyle and daily routines.
Some of my favorite “firsts” are helping puppy owners get their dogs settled into a comforting household routine. I believe every puppy deserves a calm start, where they feel relaxed enough to learn and thrive. It’s equally rewarding to help clients make those first grooming sessions—like nail trims and baths—positive experiences, setting their dogs up for a lifetime of cooperative care.
The Right Reinforcement to the Rescue
One of my most memorable (and interesting!) dog moments came when I went to pick up my newly adopted heeler puppy from the shelter. I arrived to see her screaming in protest, doing everything she could to escape the shelter worker’s grasp as they attempted to give her a bath. With a wary glance my direction, the worker asked, “Have you had a heeler before?”
That early bath was a perfect example of an opportunity to help my new pup feel at ease. With some peanut butter, calm patience, and the right technique, that same squirming puppy—now a confident adult—stands calmly for bath time, a reminder of the progress we can achieve with the right approach and a lot of patience.
Why Train With Me?
My goal is simple: to help you and your puppy build a relationship that’s as calm, joyful, and fulfilling as it can be. I believe in training that adapts to real-life situations, emphasizing both practical tips and emotional support along the way. Whether you’re here to start a journey with your first puppy or to deepen your connection with a new addition, I’m here to guide you through every stage with empathy, expertise, and a few laughs along the way.
Let’s make this journey a joyful, lasting partnership—one that you and your puppy will carry for a lifetime.
Sarah Filipiak is an IAABC certified dog behavior consultant known for her problem-solving and coaching skills with both clients and trainers. She teaches the Association of Professional Dog Trainers’ popular course, “Dog Training 101: What all beginning trainers should know,” is past executive director, president, and board member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and conducts the IAABC Foundation's Beginning Behavior Consulting mentorship.
We guide new puppy owners through the ups and downs of raising a well-adjusted, confident dog with real-life, flexible training tools designed for your unique journey. Train Canine provides you with the empathy, support, and expertise to make every step of puppyhood feel more manageable and rewarding.