About the Trainer

Professional Companion Animal Experience: Teaches beginner and intermediate level obedience courses through the Redmond Parks and Recreation Department and Rivendale Learning Center in Woodinville. Provides private lessons and behavior consultations to clients throughout Seattle and Lake Washington's Eastside. Created and managed the Education and Foster Care programs for Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene, OR.

Volunteer Experience: Assists the Humane Society of Seattle/King County with dog training classes, behavior assessments for incoming dogs to determine adoptability, personality assessments of the dogs that are available for adoption to help potential owners find the right pet, training new volunteers in the Dog Behavior and Socialization program, special projects as needed.

Sandy assisting the Seattle Humane Society
with behavior assessments to determine adoptability.
Gretchen passed with flying colors.

Credentials: American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator; Certified in 1st Aid & CPR for humans and pets.

Sandy adheres to the Certified Pet Dog Trainer code of ethics and is working toward her CPDT. This certification program requires trainers to provide 300 hours of instruction, obtain letters of recommendation from other professionals, and pass a four hour exam that tests a trainer's knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, learning theory, and equipment.

Professional Membership: Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Peace of Mind: Metamorphosis is fully licensed and insured.

Continuing Education:

Association of Pet Dog Trainers Annual Conference, October 15 - 19, 2008
Kathy Sdao, I-Cue: Cueing for Reliable Dog Training Workshop, June 26 & 27, 2008
Seattle Humane Society, Tellington TTouch Workshop, March 1 & April 20, 2008
Kinship Dog Training, Canine Body Language Seminar, January 28, 2008

Sandy's Story: Sandy grew up in one of those crazy homes where the children were always bringing home injured birds and stray cats, the neighbors brought over the snakes they found in their chicken coop, and no one thought it was odd if you were covered in dog hair, smelled like the bottom of the lake after hunting frogs all day, and carried a hamster in your pocket. As time went on Sandy grew into an adult, got a solid education, and entered the world of marketing and fund raising. She served several wonderful non-profits over a period of 10 years, but was never fully satisfied. Along the way she married an incredible man who encouraged her to pursue a line of work that would have her leaping out of bed each morning. His prodding led her to Greenhill Humane Society where she served as Education Director and Foster Care Manager, and where her interest in behavior modification was born. Sandy took the plunge in the spring of 2008 and opened her own business after apprenticing with a couple amazing trainers in the Seattle area.