Sara Alguire, KPA CTP, believes that work should be play and learning should be fun! A public school educator for 31 years, Sara has lived this philosophy as a special education teacher, school social worker, and summer camp director.

Sara began incorporating her therapy dog, Duchess, into her work with children in 2005. This experience opened her eyes to the healing power of the human-animal bond. She has since used this powerful tool in a variety of therapeutic settings. She has served as a volunteer puppy raiser and task trainer for Canines for Change.

Sara graduated with distinction from Karen Pryor Academy and has been named a Certified Training Partner. Sara is committed to force-free training techniques that make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners.

Sara uses American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommended techniques that focus on reinforcing desired behaviors, removing reinforcement for inappropriate behaviors, and addressing the emotional state and environmental conditions that drive undesirable behaviors.

Sara's goal for every lesson is to make it fun for both the canine and their humans! Services offered include private lessons, behavioral consultations, group classes and personalized leash walking and manners training.

Sheyenne Ridenour, B.S., CPDT-KA, is an avid animal lover who has been interested in animal welfare and training as long as she can remember. She grew up participating in FFA and 4-H, working with horses and dogs on her small town farm. She trained and competitively showed horses for ten years, earning many ribbons and trophies. Greater than these awards though, she credits this time for showing her the extraordinary bond that can be formed between humans and animals through compassionate training practices.

In 2018 Sheyenne graduated from Florida Southern College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with national honors in both Psychology and Leadership (PSI CHI and NSLS). During her undergraduate career Sheyenne studied animal behavior and volunteered for Southeastern Guide Dogs by raising a puppy to be a future guide dog for the blind. In March 2019 Sheyenne earned the distinction of Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed.

Sheyenne's training philosophy focuses primarily on promoting strong, positive relationships between clients and their canine companions using science-based, force free methods. When she is not working with clients she is spending time with her Future Leader Dog puppy Ciana!

Marie Meredith is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Marie graduated with distinction from Karen Pryor Academy and has been named a Certified Training Partner. She is committed to helping pet parents enjoy the best in their dogs. She loves teaching pets the skills they need to participate in family activities with ease.

Marie utilizes science-based, force-free training methods. She prioritizes staying up-to-date on the latest research in the field and takes every opportunity to continue her education.

When Marie is not working with clients, she loves to spend time with her German Shepherd, Kanan.

Liz recently graduated with distinction from Karen Pryor Academy and she completed her Master of Science degree at Michigan State University in an animal-health related field. A passionate advocate for animals, Liz supports several rescues with her time and expertise. Liz is the founder of Ruby Blue Acres, a rooster rescue in Eagle, MI. She is particularly interested in helping cats with inappropriate elimination issues and helping all animals with cooperative care.

Karen Ryder of Tao of the Hound started her journey of training and competing in 1983 when her husband-to-be gave her a lovely Belgian Tervuren. That set in motion an ongoing adventure in training and competing with dogs. Karen initially started training and competing in formal obedience, but she has competed successfully in a wide variety of canine sports. Karen currently has 70 titles on 9 different dogs in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Agility, Weight Pull, Lure Coursing, Drafting, and Freestyle. Karen also does tracking, Treibball, nosework, and therapy dog preparation. Karen’s love for the elderly prompted her participation in the weekly pet therapy program at the Ingham County Medical Care Facility in Okemos, Michigan, and offers classes to prepare future therapy dogs for their certification test.

Karen initially started training and competing in formal obedience, but she has competed successfully in a wide variety of canine sports. Karen currently has 70 titles on 9 different dogs in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Agility, Weight Pull, Lure Coursing, Drafting, and Freestyle.