Meet Sara

Compassionate, force-free support for reactive and sensitive dogs

I’m the trainer and behavior consultant behind Fetch Focus Flourish. I help dogs and their people move through reactivity, fear, overwhelm, and everyday behavior challenges with practical, science-based support rooted in safety, trust, and real-life progress.

KPA-CTP · Fear Free Certified · Licensed Family Dog Mediator · Serving Whatcom County

Positive, consent-based dog training methods for reactive and aggressive dogs.

Why I Do This Work

Living with a reactive or sensitive dog can change the way you move through everyday life. Walks you used to enjoy start to feel stressful. Routines can become overwhelming — and it's easy to feel like you're the only one struggling.
That understanding shapes everything I do at Fetch Focus Flourish. So many dogs don't need harsher methods or more pressure — they need clarity, confidence, and support that fits real life. Not shame. Not one-size-fits-all advice. Just a thoughtful plan built around your dog, and a partner who genuinely gets it.

My Approach

Every dog and family is different — which is why my support is never one-size-fits-all. Here's what you can count on:

  • Personalized support: Plans built around your dog's real triggers, your goals, and the realities of your everyday life.

  • Consent-based, force-free methods: I never use intimidation, punishment, or aversive tools. My work focuses on safety, understanding, and building lasting skills.

  • Real-world progress: Support designed to help you and your dog feel more confident in daily life — not just in ideal training setups.

  • Clear next steps: You'll leave with a better understanding of your dog, a practical plan, and support that meets you where you are.

Credentials and Continuing Education

My work is grounded in force-free, science-based training and ongoing professional education. These certifications and memberships reflect my commitment to ethical methods, high standards, and continued learning in behavior and welfare.

Certifications & Training
✓ Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
✓ Fear Free Certified (FFC)
✓ Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LFDM)
✓ Aggression in Dogs Master Course — Graduate
✓ Certified Dog Bite Prevention Educator
✓ Certified Enrichment Technician
✓ Family Paws Instructor
✓ Walk This Way Instructor
✓ Science of Fear (Research Bites) — Completed

Professional Memberships
✓ Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
✓ Research Bites
✓ Grisha Stewart Academy — Diamond Member
✓ Science Matters — Academy of Animal Behavior

Currently Completing
✓ Control Unleashed Instructor Certification
✓ Dognostics Behavior Consulting Course
✓ Living and Learning with Animals (Susan Friedman)

Reactive dog calm and relaxed after positive reinforcement training with Fetch Focus Flourish.

Rooted in the Pacific Northwest

I'm proud to live and work in a place where dogs are part of everyday life — from neighborhood walks to wooded trails and waterfront adventures. That connection to the outdoors shapes the way I think about behavior, enrichment, and helping dogs succeed in the real world.
Fetch Focus Flourish serves families throughout Whatcom County, with support designed to meet dogs and their people where life is actually happening.

Ready to take the next step?

If your dog is struggling with reactivity, fear, overwhelm, or everyday behavior challenges, the first step is simply understanding what kind of support will help most. Let's start with a free call.