The Canine & Co Classroom
ABOUT
Learn how I became a canine trainer and behaviour technician, my qualifications, experience, ethos and how I continue to gain knowledge so I can be the best I can to help support your journey with your dog.
Who we are…
I’m Sarah. I’m a dog trainer, behaviour technician & scentwork instructor working in Kent & Surrey. I work with dogs of all kinds, including those who struggle with reactivity or need extra support understanding the world around them.
My journey into dog training started with my own dog, Ted. He was finding life hard, he was anxious, reactive, and often overwhelmed. Helping him find his confidence sparked something in me. I threw myself into learning everything I could about dogs and behaviour, and I haven’t looked back. I also became a dog walker which helped me gain a huge amount of knowledge regarding canine communication and canine needs.
I studied with PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers) for both my training & behaviour qualifications, this means my knowledge and skills enabled me to become a member ABTC (Animal Behaviour & Training Council) and the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors). This gives you the assurance my knowledge is backed by science and I use kind ethical training methods.
Before this, I worked as a hairdresser. This taught me a lot about working with people, listening, understanding, and making sure someone feels seen and supported. Those same skills matter just as much in dog training. It’s not just about your dog; it’s about helping you feel confident too.
I believe training should be kind, ethical, and based on trust. I use positive, science-backed methods and tailor every session to the individual dog and their needs. I also teach scentwork (Ted’s favourite!) and love seeing how much joy it brings to both dogs and their people. The dogs nose is so amazing.
Outside of work, I enjoy dog holidays, catching up with friends over coffee, going out for dinner, and spending time training and relaxing with my partner & especially Ted, who’s always up for learning new skills for a treat or two, and attending fun Scentwork games.
If you’re looking for support with your dog, whether it’s behaviour struggles or just a better way to connect, I’d love to help.
A little about Ted…
Eleven years ago, a tiny French Bulldog puppy came into my life and quietly changed everything. From the very beginning, he has been pure joy. He’s filled my life with so much love, those big eyes that instantly melt me, and a personality far bigger than his small frame. Ted has always been a sensitive soul, though I didn’t realise at the time just how much that would shape our life together. He’s known for his absolute love of food, toys, cuddles, and walks with friends, as long as we go in the direction he chooses. Enrichment and scentwork quickly became his favourite things, and they’ve truly been a turning point for him. Watching him work with his nose is something special. He also loves to dig, and our garden tells that story well. There are “Ted holes” everywhere. Coffee shops became part of our routine over the years. Sitting together, watching the world go by, his quiet presence beside me, it’s something I’ve come to really treasure. Ted has also collected a whole circle of aunties and uncles, people he’s chosen in his own way, and who adore him just as much. It hasn’t always been easy. Ted struggled with reactivity early on, and there were moments that felt hard. But we worked through it together, slowly and patiently. In doing so, he’s taught me more than I could have imagined. About trust, about building a relationship, about advocating for him, and really listening. About sticking with things, even when progress feels small. And about loving someone exactly as they are. Now, at eleven, we’re both a little greyer and sometimes a little slower. But that spark is still there. The excitement over a training treat, the wiggle at the mention of a walk, the deep contentment of a cuddle at the end of the day.
He is the sweetest, gentlest soul. He is my heart dog.
And I feel incredibly lucky to share my life with him. I wouldn’t change a single moment.
Sidcup
Bexley
Chislehurst
Petts Wood
Godstone
Nutfield
Bletchingley
Orpington
Sidcup Bexley Chislehurst Petts Wood Godstone Nutfield Bletchingley Orpington
Qualifications
My qualifications mean a great deal to me, and they give you assurance that I have studied my craft and developed the skills and knowledge to support you on your journey with your dog.
I am a member of PACT, ABTC & APBC this means my skills and knowledge
meet their criteria and abide by their
Code Of Conduct
For continued membership, I complete many hours of CPD yearly,
including Seminars, Webinars, reading research papers and books and learning practical skills.
This is my commitment, so I can be the best I can to work with you.
“As an ABT Full member of the ABPC, I am able to provide preventative and first-aid behavioural advice to owners/handlers and/or co-professionals and implement behaviour modification and/or environmental modification plans, developed by a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) or Veterinary Behaviourist (VB) following assessment/evaluation of the animal by that same CAB or VB.”
Laura specialises in reactivity and we met due to me seeking her guidance for my own dog-Ted.
Laura has the most comprehensive knowledge and skillset, and I have learnt so much from her generosity to share.
I help alongside Laura with reactive dog classes, helping dogs’ and there caregivers develop skills to help manage real life situations.
Being able to share knowledge is truly valuable.
I work alongside
Dr Laura McAuliffe CAB
I am passionate about helping dogs and their owners build stronger, more confident relationships especially when it comes to reactivity. I focus on helping to teach practical skills that help make everyday life less stressful.
Whether it’s one-on-one support, group classes, or scentwork sessions, I’m here to guide you through the challenges and celebrate the progress.
There’s nothing better than watching a dog grow in confidence and seeing the bond with their person get even stronger.
Contact us
Interested in working together?
Complete the form, and we will be in touch shortly.
We can’t wait to hear from you!