SARAH
I grew up with dogs all around me, and if they weren’t, I made sure to find one! From knocking on neighbors' doors, asking to walk their dogs for free, to getting a Belgian Malinois. Dogs have always been close to my heart. I am currently pursuing a Bachelors' Degree in Animal Behavior and Health. I strive to gain new knowledge every day so that I can help dogs and their owners understand each other more and live the happiest lives possible. My first Malinois named Karma was the reason I got into professional dog training. She was going to be put down for having severe human and dog aggression. The day that I met her, she climbed into my lap and didn’t let me go. Of course, I had to take her home with me. She was incredibly loyal and smart, but the world was a very scary place for her. I spent every day showing her new things, boundaries and how to love her life. She was my heart and soul. Now I am humbled to get to spend everyday training and loving
other peoples' dogs. I currently own 3 Belgian Malinois and 2 Pit Bulls. I compete in IGP/Schutzhund. IGP is a German dog sport consisting of
obedience, tracking and protection. I have also done some scent work with one of my Malinois, which was very fun for both of us. I love competing, because it is an opportunity to showcase all of our hard work as a team and proof it among other high level trainers.
My main passion is helping pet owners succeed with their animals. I prioritize having a bond with my dogs and always making sure that whatever we are doing, it is something that we enjoy doing together as a team. This is a concept that I share with every client.
For each of my clients, I strive to improve the relationship that they have with their dogs. Increasing the bond between animal and owner is by far the most satisfying part of my path as a trainer. I love helping people discover how to manage and train their own dogs with success!
KENZIE
Ever since I can remember, I have been drawn to interact with animals of any species. My
dream as a child was to work a job where I got to interact with animals every day. This dream
led me to pursue a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology - where I learned about the
Genetics, Ethology, Biology, and History of various different species (including canines). This
degree allows me to have a deeper understanding of the animals that surround us and why they
do what they do.
My passion for training dogs also came at a very young age. I grew up around my father and
his friends who all trained and hunted with bird dogs. Seeing the development of a puppy that
goes from chasing a feather on a string around, up to an adult dog working a field for live wild
birds was incredible. The connection that the dog and owner built and went onto the field with
was amazing; they truly worked together as a team and both dog and owner enjoyed the
process. I eventually got my first bird dog at 10 years old; he was the first dog I got to have my
hands on and train and from there - my desire for knowledge in the dog world began to grow.
My current dog is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Ruger. We compete in IGP Obedience,
AKC Trick Dog, AKC Obedience, as well as Shed and Upland Game Hunt together. Competing
with him pushes me to constantly research the latest discoveries surrounding behavior so that
we can compete at the highest level possible.
This pursuit of knowledge led me to finding the perfect career path - Dog training.
Training combined my passion for hands-on interaction with animals and the science behind
learning perfectly.
Prior to training pet dogs, I have worked at various other canine related jobs including multiple
Pet Food Stores, a Dog Boarding and Daycare Center, and a Protection Dog Training Facility.
On top of these jobs and my Ecology degree, I am always pursuing continued education in the
training field by attending in-person seminars from world class trainers as well as consuming
and attending purchased online courses and meetings from these trainers.
My goal with every client is to allow them to live their best life with their dog. I want dogs and
owners to have a clear communication system that allows them both to enjoy every interaction
with each other. Watching the relationship between dog and owner grow stronger is one of my
favorite parts of the job.
PATRICK
I founded Training With Play in 2020 but my journey with dogs started long before this.
I grew up on a farm in Northern Virginia with a large racehorse operation. My Mother is a top breeder of Norwich Terriers showing at Westminster and other AKC conformation shows around the country & my Father breeds and owns racehorses.
Needless to say, animals are in my blood.
I have trained dogs since I was a teenager including show dogs, working line dogs, protection specific dogs, service dogs, and of course- pet dogs.
I served in a Combat Unit with the United States Marine Corps. I was deployed around working dogs who saved countless lives. This sparked my interest in becoming a high level dog trainer in the United States when I left military service. I had a burning desire to learn from the best in the world.
There came a time when I became extremely interested (and borderline obsessed) with Animal Cognition, Learning Theory, Classical and Operant Conditioning, Ethology, Genetics, Epigenetics. Genetic influences on behavior and personality. The scientific debate regarding Nature vs. Nurture.
The importance of PLAY for all animals and humans!
Having studied the above under some of the best, I can be sure that I am training animals in line with Science.
I not only know WHAT I am doing, but most importantly I know WHY I am doing it, and can articulate this to people in a very digestible way so that they can help their dog advance when I am not around.
I am currently competing in the dogsport "IGP" (Schutzhund). Widely considered one of the most difficult and precise dogsports in the World. IGP is a three phase sport involving Tracking, Obedience, and Protection. It was created by the Europeans as a very strict breed test to determine which working dogs should be bred, and therefore continue their bloodlines.
Regardless of my life accomplishments, I see myself as a forever student. I value humility, and learn from anyone that I can.
Above all, I am blessed to pursue my passion for helping animals in such an amazing setting here in Bozeman Montana!