Manners Matter K9 Training

We started training our German Shepherd, Ravioli, with Sarah at Manners Matter when he was about 6 months old and newly rescued with zero prior training. I’m not exaggerating when I say there were moments in those early days when I would lock myself in a room and cry, wondering, “What did I do getting this puppy? He’s crazy!” Fast forward a year and a half, and Ravi is a completely different dog. I give ALL the credit to Sarah. Not only did she work patiently and consistently with Ravi, but she also spent just as much time teaching us how to train effectively at home. Her guidance, kindness, and expertise made all the difference. Today, Ravi is off-leash trained, great with strangers and children, and genuinely the best dog I have ever owned. I truly can’t imagine where we’d be if we hadn’t worked with Sarah. If you’re struggling or just want a well-trained, confident dog, do yourself a favor and go to Manners Matter. Sarah is a miracle worker!

I highly recommend Manners Matter! I have a very energetic cavapoo and since she started working with Sarah she has become such a well behaved pup. I can finally take her on walks in public! Her reaction toward people and other dogs is much better and so is her loose leash walking. Sarah takes the dogs on so many day trips (parks, camps, neighborhoods, stores, etc). My puppy is so excited every time she knows she will be seeing Sarah and her other dogs. On top of that Sarah is knowledgeable and loving to all her dogs. Now that my puppy is done her formal training, we will continue to use Manners Matter for days trips, continued training and socializing with other dogs!

Left a review 3 years ago (under same name) when we first started out with Sarah. I wanted to come back and revisit with an updated review. Since that review, we STILL do training regularly with Sarah. Some may worry, 3 years and your dog hasn’t progressed? Let me explain what we have accomplished with Sarah since the beginning so you understand why I find it so important to keep my pup working with her. I mentioned unwanted behaviors in my first review but was too embarrassed to state my pups unwanted behavior was aggression towards dogs. Since 3 years ago, he has now become so neutral towards dogs. He couldn’t even walk past a dog without lunging, now? We are asked to show up and help other dogs who were once in Ollie’s spot. Along with focusing on the unwanted behaviors in the beginning — we now focus on more advanced training. My dog has gotten 3 certifications since working with Sarah — Canine Good Citizen, Agility Beginner & Agility Intermediate. Ollie is also now fully trained as an off leash dog that responds but has the freedom of being able to explore the trails when we go on vacation (he helps Sarah with her morning chores). She takes him several days a week now during the day while I’m at work (doggy day care with someone I fully trust). She overlays his basic knowledge and tests it. For 5 years I failed at crate training. I knew it was important but he’s a Momma’s boy, even at 5 years she taught him about a crate and now he just jumps up in it all the time. We have also dabbled in drug detection. A lot has changed in 3 years, but our trainer has stayed the same and I still would not change that choice! On top of the amazing training and knowledge, she is very reliable and treats my dog as an extension of her own dogs. Ollie had an upset stomach? I get a text immediately letting me know. Transparency is exactly what I love and need when I hand my dog over to someone.

I can’t recommend Manners Matter K9 Training enough. Sarah has a real gift for working with dogs and their owners. She takes the time to understand each dog’s unique personality and needs, and her approach is both patient and effective. What really stands out is how much she genuinely cares—she doesn’t just teach commands, she helps build a better relationship between you and your dog. The progress I’ve seen has been incredible, and Sarah explains everything in a way that makes it easy to continue the training at home. She’s professional, reliable, and makes the whole process enjoyable. If you’re looking for someone who truly knows dogs and wants the best for them, Sarah is the trainer to call.