Reviews (74)

Sarah was are last hope! We already add 3 dogs and 2 cats but seeing this pretty little girl in the shelter, we knew we had to take her home. Well she was not fitting in well with our other babies🐈‍⬛🐈🐕🐕‍🦺🦮. We definitely did not want to take her back to the shelter so I did some checking around. A friend of my daughters told us about Sarah at Free Rein Dog Training in Belmont, NC. We called her told her our story and ask if she could help us. We set up everything with her! Our girl is pretty large for being 10 months old and she knew without a doubt she could help us with her. What a relief! Dutchess went to stay with Sarah and we met with the two of them once a week. WOW! The first week I saw a remarkable change in her. The second week my husband was able to attend and he also seen the amazing change in her. Every visit she was so different! For the better! We received our baby girl home yesterday after her stay with Sarah, Dutchess is a different dog! We all enjoyed a beautiful evening and an amazing family day today! We could not thank Sarah enough for saving our family! We are so happy that we ask around before we gave her back. Thank you so much Sarah.

We are so incredibly grateful for Sarah and her dedication to our dog. Our sweet Astrid has been an anxious girl since we got her as a pup. It was a nightmare to walk her on a leash and a full on battle every time something triggered her. We love hiking so much, but taking Astrid with us started to put a damper on the whole experience. She would pull and fight every step on the trail. We first met Sarah when she was out training another couple with their dog. That dog was doing beautifully, so I just knew I had to grab her contact information. Four months later, after a particularly challenging hike, I reached out to her, desperate for some help with Astrid’s leash walking. It brings me so much joy to know we all get to enjoy our hikes now. With Sarah’s amazing guidance, Astrid, my partner, and I have found so much more confidence and comfortability every time we leave the house. It literally brought me to tears the first time we got to take her out on an off leash hike. She had the best time and we couldn’t stop smiling. We now can go to dog friendly restaurants and feel at peace with knowing she can be calm and collected. We get to take her to all kinds of stores and watch her tackle it with so much confidence. We are so happy with all that Sarah taught us and Astrid. Could not recommend her enough! For reference, we did the four week board and train program!

We truly cannot recommend Sarah enough. Sarah takes so much time with each of her clients and their pups to make sure that they truly build a great relationship together. After we completed our puppy training courses with Sarah, we decided to send our Luna (at the time 7 months old; great pyr/anatolian mix) to Sarah’s three week board and train program. We were so incredibly impressed with Lunas behavior when she returned home to us. She was calm, confident and incredibly well trained (fully off leash trained and completely home trained). Sarah has consistently gone above and beyond for both us and Luna - she has provided additional guidance when any bumps in the road arise (Luna is a puppy after all) or when we are just looking for advice on how to handle certain situations. Her continuous involvement is just a testament to how much she truly cares for her clients success. We have always appreciated her style of training as well - she trains not only the pups but their owners too! She has such extensive knowledge about dog behavior and the importance of building confidence in the relationship between owner and pup. We truly believe we have been successful with Luna (especially since she’s a tough stubborn girl) only because of the guidance from Sarah. We look forward to her forums every time she has one since they also serve as a wonderful opportunity for her clients/community to get together for a great learning experience and practice with their pups! At this point, we have so much confidence in Luna and it’s all thanks to Sarah!

Are you exploring trainers for your pup? Let me save you your time and tell you that Sarah with Free Rein Dog Training is the absolute BEST in the business. We were desperate for help and support when we were referred to Sarah. Our pup, Ralph, was a little over 6 months at the time and very reactive — walks were impossible, my hands hurt from the leash pulling, he barked at sounds and other dogs, he ran across the street twice to “say hi to another dog”, and the list goes on. Ralphie has always been an extremely sweet pup, but he didn’t know how to behave around most older dogs (probably our own fault), and that made socialization as he grew more and more challenging. Plus, due to joint issues, we can’t neuter him until he’s closer to 2 years, which made the reactivity even tougher to curb. That’s when we met Sarah! We enrolled Ralph in a 3-week boarding program with Sarah, and I cannot stress enough how much both our lives and Ralph’s life changed from this wonderful experience. Sarah was extremely communicative, sending us photos and videos of both positive and negative behavior, pointing out and teaching us dog psychology so that we could be empowered and supportive when we saw Ralphie and ultimately brought him home again. The in-person training sessions were so helpful for us because we could actively learn in real time with Sarah there to guide us. It’s been a couple of months since Ralphie officially graduated from Sarah’s program, and he is simply a completely changed pup. He’s more confident, less reactive (able to work through his emotions better), more receptive, and all around much happier. He can walk outside off leash and has incredible recall! We’re also completely changed pup parents. We’re smarter, and we better understand what Ralph is trying to say to us. My relationship with my baby has truly flourished, and I just absolutely cannot emphasize how impactful Sarah was for our family. To whoever is reading this review and determining if Free Rein is the right choice for them and their pup — please go for it. You will not be disappointed. You will be forever grateful <3

To the dog parents who benefit from detailed reviews and experiences: I rescued my girl Sabine from the shelter a few years back, and as a young dog I was already her second home. At that point we already had two other dogs, but never experienced reactivity like Sabine’s. She is like a baby to me, so for years we tried to manage it on our own, with patience, hope and love. (LOL) But it was obvious she needed something more. This past summer we had an instance where a dog was shot and killed in our neighborhood. With Sabine’s quirks and being a pittie- we’re no strangers to being judged in public, but my biggest fear was someone harming her. That experience really pushed me to get professional help for her. I looked around for trainers for some time, I was very adamant on finding someone I could trust. I’ve talked to several facilities but never really clicked with a specific trainer until I met Sarah. I found her business by recommendation specifically for reactive dogs. She had several overwhelmingly positive reviews from dog-parents experiencing several issues like ours, and that made me feel so much more comfortable reaching out. We did an initial intro/talking session where we talked about our girl, her needs, our needs, expectations, and what kind of work Sarah does. We got to talk with no push or pressure to continue, and that made us feel a lot better about making a decision. Additionally it was really great to know that Sarah herself had a formerly-reactive dog of her own, as well as a cat she uses in her training (we recently adopted kittens and definitely wanted to ensure they were safe in our household, so it was nice to know Sabine would be able to learn how to live with a cat in a safe and respectful manner-) both of which were some pretty great points for us. I also loved how instead of a huge impersonal facility run by several people- Sarah runs her business on her own with her dogs and kitty as her helpers! She made us feel like she truly understands our struggles and always approached us in a friendly and non-judgmental way. I wanted to be sure that my girl was in good hands and Sarah made us feel like she was that right person. Sarah always advocated for Sabine and although being in her care was different than she was used to at home, you can tell that Sabine truly enjoyed being there. Although I had some initial qualms about using an e-collar, Sarah explained to me that some dogs, especially with reactivity, benefit more from that structured training method. After trying to go strictly positive-reinforcement for years without any real strides, I find that this balanced training method works far better for my girl and has shown significant results in the few short months we’ve had worked with Sarah (Don’t worry, she still gets tons of treats, praise, breaks and fun!) We originally signed up for 3 weeks of board and train but opted in for an additional week after seeing how much it has benefited Sabine. Although it was hard to be apart from her, we still did weekly meetings and training sessions to see her and her progress. We also got to see exactly where she was staying (right in Sarah’s home, which is kept very neat and clean,) meet her personal pets, the other dogs in the program, as well as some graduates. It was always reassuring to see that everybody was in good spirits no matter where they were in their training journey. Everyone looked happy to be there and participating in instruction. This was EXTREMELY reassuring. I’ve heard lots of horror stories about some training programs but its obvious this is not one of those. Sarah sends tons of pictures, check-ins, and takes the dogs out on fun training-trips and experiences. Sabine has changed so much for the better, but is still my sweet girl with so much personality. She is good with our kittens, so much better on the leash, better at home, and overall a more confident and comfortable dog. When she saw Sarah again she was so excited to see her, so she clearly sees her as a safe person and a friend. This was so worth the investment. Thank you!

Sarah is an outstanding trainer. She is detail-oriented, responsive, and genuinely invested in the success of both the dogs and their owners. Her approach is thoughtful, clear, and highly effective. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for quality dog training.

It’s taken me a week to find the right words to describe the merits of Free Rein Dog Training, but now with my 8 month old portidoodle laying at my feet, chewing on her horn, and calmly enjoying “nothing” I believe I can finally write the review worthy of Sarah and her company. My sweet girl is and always will be a type A dog, but her extreme separation anxiety, her low threshold for frustration, selective listening, and the beginning of bad behaviors such as possessiveness of me and becoming angry with my mom meant we needed help. I started at the vet who referred me to a behaviorist who put her on Prozac, neurontin, and trazedone. Not one of those medications alleviated her anxiety or agitation. She almost bit my mom (not to be aggressive, but because she was agitated that I was leaving the house). She barked non stop, and our home life had become untenable. I called and spoke to at least a dozen dog trainers, but the moment I spoke to Sarah I knew she was the answer to my prayers. My baby wasn’t going to have a shock collar in a facility with who knows how many other dogs, completely separated from us for weeks. Sarah’s approach is behavioral oriented, and when she came to our house for a consultation Laurel took to her like a house on fire, and Sarah immediately saw that all of her issues could be remedied in her 21 day intensive program that she runs from her house. One of the highest points was that we were able to visit Laurel, and work with her ourselves under Sarah’s guidance. Sarah also sent constant pictures and videos narrating what she was doing at that particular moment so that I could understand it as well. As if all of that was not enough, OF COURSE my pup had to scratch a place on her neck all night and cause cellulitis, massive swelling, and a suspected abscess. Sarah had my dog at her vet at 10:30 the next morning. Anyone else would have made me come get her and take her myself. Sarah’s main priority is the health, safety, and wellbeing of any animal in her care. People cannot believe that Laurel is the same dog. I cannot believe she is the same dog. She’s been home a week, and she is so used to the commands she has started doing them before we even ask! She has barked a total of 2 times, and that was only because someone she couldn’t see came into the house. She is calm, she is in control of her emotions and actions, she is obedient, she is happy, and so are we!!! I couldn’t imagine having sent Laurel to any of the other trainers I spoke to. Ideally I would have liked to have trained her myself, but I was completely out of my depth, and it isn’t weakness to ask for help. If you need help, choose Free Rein Dog Training, and let Sarah walk you through this difficult time. If what I have written isn’t enough of an endorsement, then take this as one: I’m going on vacation in January, and Laurel will be boarding with Sarah. I don’t believe I could trust anyone with my baby more than her!!!

I cannot express how impressed I was working with Sarah! We recently moved homes in the area and unexpectedly had a stray dog show up. We tried to find her a home and even checked with animal control if they had space for her (we already had a dog and were unsure of taking in a stray, especially a pit because of that). Animal control did not have any space in the shelter so we fed and sheltered her while attempting to find her a home. After a few days I began to build a bond with the stray, but the issue of our current dog was still there. Sarah was able to come and help create an environment where the two could coexist. She helped train our new pit (now named Mia) on behavioral habits (I would say manners) so her and our other dog Sofia (a heeler) would be able to live together. Sarah also coached me and my girlfriend on how to properly create the hierarchy in our home, create safe places for the two dogs, proper manners, and provided the tools so everyone could succeed. It has only been a couple of month since our session and since then the two not only coexist, but regularly interact with one another. We do not have to put Mia in a crate when we leave. She is well behaved and has become a full member of the family! As I write this review, Mia will have been with us right at three months and we could not be happier that she showed up in our backyard!

Sarah did an amazing job working with our dog and training her! She definitely went above and beyond, far exceeding our expectations! She works at your dog's pace and is very thorough in teaching commands. Her love of dogs, patience, and knowledge about dogs makes her perfect for this job. We cannot be more pleased. She is willing to go the extra mile to make sure that both the owners and dogs are on the same page bridging any communication gaps. She is so good about contacting the owners to inform them about their dogs progress and anything that may be challenging for the dog. She takes the dogs to many different places exposing them to real life situations to test their skills. She is amazing and we are extremely pleased. We would recommend her to anyone who truly wants their dog to learn and have the best quality of life possible. We can't thank you enough Sarah! If you are on the fence Free Rein Dog Training is the way to go! - Emily and Jason Starnes

We had a great experience with Free Rein Dog Training. Sarah is wonderful to work with. Her expansive knowledge of dog behavior was evident from day one. Our energetic Cavapoo Millie flourished during Puppy Training. Sarah establishes a firm foundation on which she builds lesson after lesson. We were very pleased with Millie's progress and even though we are not first time dog owners we learned as much as Millie. We highly recommend Sarah, her expertise is without exception!

Hello, on 12/26/24 my wife and I brought home a beautiful solid black long coated female GSD-German Shepherd Dog, iha been owned by 5 other GSDs in my life, we chose a working line pup from strong working line parents, we named her KEERAH - Black haired Princess. I thought I knew what I was getting into, I had done tons of research, I had owned a beautifull Black &Red GSD about 20 yrs ago, which I tained and titled myself, i wanted t go into our latee yrs with a good loyal protector, me and the wife are both seniors 65+ at first everything was fine, what could possubly be wrong with a little 8 wk old furr baby, I enrolled her in both Petcos and Petsmarts puppy classes, only to determine afterwards i wasted 12 wks of my life and puppies life there. As Keerah grew she became a monster, at 8 wks she weighed 25 lbs now at 10 months she weighs 85 lbs,vet said she should easily top 100 lbs by time she is 24 most. But anyways, my failure to proved her with a structured environment and socializing enough plus in sufficient training, all working dogs need a job, I didn't give her one. So all of this related a monster a beast of a dog, beautifull she was, behaved she was not, I guess somewhere in my head I was hoping she came with a set of instructions and would be self taught but it appears that Keerah didn't get that memo if she did, she failed to read it. So by time we called Sarah into the picture ( our version of Caesar Milan) she was full of anxiety issues, a puller on the leash, bolting thru every doorway, jumping on us and demanding of ball and tug play. I had a couple of short emotional breakdowns, complete with anger, cursing and screaming at my beautifull pup and wife of 25 yrs, our home was filled with anxiety issues, stress, the wife kept telling me to seek help with Keerah, so at the breeders recommendation we called Sarah, at first I was very reluctant of Sarah thinking how could this little girl possibly know more then me after all I had successfully trained and titled other GSD, I used prong collars in the past, it here is something new called an Ecollar, didn't know if I wanted to go down that road,especially from a young female dog trainer, but our breeder did recommend her highly and I had come to trust the breeder, my wife was very strong headed about her, so I figured what could go wrong, I had already messed up a great do with my neglect and laziness, now 3 weeks after her 4 weeks with Sarah, she is a very controlled puppy, you can follow Keerah's 4 week summer vacation with Sarah on FB, look for our page entitled KEERAH,and watch our baby girl go from being an out of controlled beast to a loving teddy bear. Yes even though these board and train programs can be on the expensive side, and they have become very popular over the recent yrs, if you truly love your puppy and I mean love her and want to provide her with the happy life you both deserve to have together, and keep in mind these fur babies are only with us a short part of our lives but we are everything to them, what could you possibly have to lose but a little money (where there's a will there's a way) at least talk to Sarah, you owe it to your fur baby, and if not maybe you should have gotten a house plant. ,I know this was lengthy, but I hope it helps someone who is straddling the fence. God Speed. gary and Trish Hicks

Sarah is excellent! We got Oreo from a rescue when he was still a silly little baby with all kinds of neat tricks like chewing everything and sprinting away and just in general being the worst. Sarah helped us understand what was going on and how we could set boundaries and hold him accountable and figure out what his little brain needed to understand. Oreo is calmer, less reactive, and reliably obedient. We can take him anywhere and he does his job, now that he knows what it is. He can be a bigger part of our life because we know how to tell him what his job is in any situation. He is still our darling silly goose, and now he gets to be involved more. Sarah's methods are reasonable and gentle and firm. She's not a mystic dog psychic and she's not a drill sergeant. Its a balanced process to get you and your dog synced up. We loved training with Sarah and we will do it again with the next pup.

Sarah is a miracle worker. We completed the one month board and train with our year and a half old Pitt mix puppy. Before Sarah Marnie was a nightmare. She was terrible on a leash. And basically uncontrollable in the house. We could not have company because she would jump and nip and tear people's clothes. When she came home from Sarah's she was a completely different dog. She knows, and more importantly, follows commands. She is great on a leash. And she knows "place" in the house so we can have visitors again! Sarah is also continuing to help us with sessions with our other dog as well with resource guarding and some other behavioral issues. She is absolutely a lifesaver. I would trust her with anything regarding my babies.

I just love Sarah! I have a three year-old Golden doodle and she is a rehome. I’m actually her third home because of her anxiety Issues. When I got her, she was so stressed out tons of separation anxiety, barking all The time and pacing couldn’t sit still or listen to any command. She had Lost a lot of hair on her back due to anxiety and poor diet. I did a 12 Week one on one Session with Sarah and she was so patient and so kind and so smart and has so much knowledge about dogs and their behavior and has done miracles with Phoebe and also has taught me so much and more! Phoebe is a different dog today because of Sarah And she still stays with Sara when I’m on vacation and she’s the only one I will trust with her for any length of time and I can always reach out for advice!

I can't recommend Sarah enough! She worked wonders with my pup, helping him regulate his excitement and become much more manageable in public. Thanks to her guidance, we can now enjoy outings together—even off leash! The transformation has been incredible, and I’m so grateful for her patience, expertise, and personalized approach. If you're looking for someone who truly understands dogs and how to bring out their best behavior, this is the trainer to go to!

We wish we could give more than five stars for Sarah and cannot express how thankful we are to have found her! Sarah has been an absolute lifesaver in training our puppy, Luna (great pyr/anatolian mix - a handful!). From day one, she was patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. Her training methods are effective and positive, making the process enjoyable for both us and Luna. Thanks to Sarah, Luna has learned essential commands, leash manners, and proper socialization skills. She took the time to understand Luna’s personality and tailored the training to fit her needs perfectly. We’ve seen such an improvement in Luna’s behavior and confidence! Because of this, we are excited to continue working with Sarah and will be using her board and train program to further Luna’s training. We know she’ll be in the best hands! If you're looking for a skilled and compassionate trainer, Sarah is the best choice. We couldn’t be happier with the results and highly recommend her to anyone needing puppy training!

Sarah is amazing! Our 3 year old Dachshund Mitch was out of control! Our neighborhood walks were marred by his outrage ous barking and aggression toward anything he decided didn't belong there. Mitch spend a month with Sarah and the change is a miracle! She took him to parks, cafes and downtown venues I would not have dared before her training. He has a new attitude! I took him to downtown Lexington and we walked from the Army-Navy store all the way past the courthouse. He heeled and placed like a little gentleman and then we headed for Tractor Supply where again he was so mannerly. My husband and I have been educated too; however, it has been so worth it. We recommend Free Rein Dog Training if you want your pup to be your best companion and a pleasure to live with. Dottie Roy

Sarah is absolutely amazing! My dog Anna entered her program at the beginning of December and upon returning she is a totally different dog. Sarah and I discussed my wants and needs and she more than delivered. Anna is way more attentive, relaxed, calmer on the leash and actively working off leash. She works with you on the payment schedule consistently gives you pictures and videos. I highly recommend free rein dog training to any and everyone, the best dog trainer in the world.

We met Sarah in downtown Belmont when she was training another dog and we were immediately impressed with her professionalism and approach to training. Months later we signed up for a 3 week board and train session for our puppy who we were struggling with. In that short time, our dogs behavior improved, his anxiety was reduced and we were educated on how to help our puppy be a better dog. What is even better is that following the board and train, Sarah remains a resource and has set up alumni get togethers so dogs can practice skills. Our puppy is now confident, chill and while not perfect, he is working on it. We are now able to enjoy him and he feels less of a burden. UPDATE: When you ger one puppy, magically another one enters your family. Free Reign Dog Training has given us and our dogs the tools to be successful pet owners. This can best be shown by our 95 lb German shepherd/husky mix being walked by my 70lb daughter.

Sarah has been awesome throughout our training process. We opted for the board and train option for our puppy Marnie. She has come out of this a different dog. We went from her constantly jumping on people, chomping on extremities, pulling on a leash, and stubborn listening skills, to a proper young lady. Marnie has shown so much growth and confidence in her new skills and we are so thankful. Thank you Free Rein for helping us!

We can't recommend Sarah and Free Rein Dog Training enough! We put our 4-year old pup Quinn through Sarah's 3-week board and train program. Sarah is professional, experienced, patient, and genuinely passionate about helping dogs and their owners live their best lives. Quinn is an anxious dog and Sarah took the time to understand his specific needs and thoroughly educated us on the environment and routines that would help him thrive. Before this program, we were always afraid of what would happen if Quinn got loose because he had little to no recall. We were in disbelief that Sarah successfully trained Quinn to be off leash and transformed his behavior. Now Quinn is so much more confident, relaxed and focused--and we're confident in how to best manage his behavior. If you're looking for a dog trainer who truly knows what they're doing and has the patience, skill and passion--Sarah is a MUST. What really sets Sarah apart is her dedication to her clients (dogs and humans). She is such an advocate for dogs and works to tailor the training to you and your dogs needs. The investment was well worth it and our pack is so much happier because of Sarah and Free Rein Dog Training. Thank you!

Sarah is incredible at her job. We completed the 8 week puppy training with our new Vizsla and felt so supported and learned a ton. The hands on attention during the training sessions along with all the helpful pointers to help us train at home really allowed us to enjoy “puppyhood.” She even gave us tips on how to incorporate fun training exercises with our threee young children. Next up is the 3 week board and train and we can’t wait to see even more great progress in our boy! Thanks Sarah for all you do.

Sarah not only teaches your dog, she teaches the owners valuable information about dog safety, behaviors, and how to confidently take your furry baby anywhere. She is amazing.

Sarah did an amazing Job with Dahlia, a year old pibble! Dahlia Had severe stranger danger issues And was terrified to meet new people. She would bark and growl and cower. Sarah worked with her in her home for a period of time and then began to take her out to social Situations. This timid pup slowly gain confidence with being around new people and ultimately went with Sarah to bars, restaurants, public events and Was confident in meeting new people and enjoying their attention! She also learned other doggy manners, like sit, stay, place, Dahlia Is a new dog thanks to Sarah and her board and train program! I would highly recommend her for any dog’s situation! She can literally work magic!

We rescued Dutch from death row at a local shelter. He had crippling kennel stress, severe anxiety, low self confidence, and was a dangerous "door-dasher". He was extremely reactive, and afraid of just about anything that moves (men, cars, cats, living room recliners...) We found Sarah and Free Rein Dog Training in our most desperate hour. She responded promptly and soon after was able meet Dutch and talk with us about what he needed and how she could help. We decided on 3 weeks of board and train. We met with Sarah about a week into his training for our first session and already we saw such a change in Dutch! She gave us such insight to what was causing his struggles, which made US feel more connected and much better equipped to work with him. We left after our first session feeling so hopeful about our future with our precious dog. Throughout the entire experience Sarah was communicative, available, encouraging, and dedicated to Dutch and our success. We received updates on Dutch and continuous tips and training for us to study and practice to ensure his success when he came home. It was clear that she too was just as invested in our Dutch and that training is more than just a "job" to her. It has been a little over a month since we reached out to Free Rein and Dutch is now more relaxed, confident, and responsive to commands. He is a joy to work and play with. The board and train option with Free Rein Dog Training was absolutely the best investment we could have made for our sweet rescue boy. We will forever be thankful for Sarah for helping us to give Dutch his best life!

Sadie Mae was in the 3 week board and train and let me start off by saying Sarah is a miracle worker!!! Sarah was very supportive of us, Sadie Mae and teaching us how to continue her training at home! Sarah engaged us in a few different outings that would have never happened before her training. We went to very populated areas with all her triggers; kids, loud noises, other dogs and people. And Sadie was AMAZING. Sarah is your GO TO for training! What an amazing experience we all had! THANK YOU Sarah!

We were almost ready to re-home our rescue pup. He knew a few basic commands but overall was very stubborn, couldn't get him to walk on a leash and was basically taking over the house. We opted for the board and train for 3 weeks and WOW what a difference. We can now take our dog on walks, he loves to be out of the kennel when we have people over. he fell asleep in his place while we ate dinner one evening. He is a much better dog and we are so excited to have him in our home and part of our family. We still have one follow up session and can't wait to see what our boy can learn. Highly recommend them for training.

Sarah is the best! With her help, we were able to get our Oscar to be the best version of himself. Whether he's out on off leash walks, or at a restaurant sitting under our table, we get comments now on how well-behaved our little guy is. Would highly recommend Sarah - both our lives and Oscar's quality of life has improved so much.

We did the 12 week program for our 6year old corgi Sophie. At first we were unsure of what the outcome would be because of her age but nonetheless, Sarah showed us that it is never too late. It has been the best investment thus far! Sarah is very knowledgeable and passionate about every pup and their success. We highly recommend her!!

Unbelievable transformation for Skyler thanks to Sarah at Free Rein Dog Training! From being unadoptable due to kennel stress, Sarah showed her the way to become a well-behaved pup. Now, Skyler is living her best life! Thank you Free Rein Dog Training!!!!

We had such a wonderful experience with Free Rein Dog Training! Sarah was polite, professional, and incredibly thorough. She took the time to teach not only my husband and me, but also our <five> children, how to properly care for, work with, and enjoy our newly trained dog, Brewer. What stood out the most was Sarah’s balance of patience and firmness. She knew exactly when to be gentle and when to be direct, which made all the difference in Brewer’s progress and our confidence as owners. She opened our eyes to things about Brewer that we never would have realized on our own. Before Sarah, we thought we knew our dog, but the truth is, we really didn’t. Thanks to her, we feel equipped, educated, and connected to him in a whole new way. I would highly recommend Free Rein Dog Training to anyone looking for not just training for their dog, but also real education for the whole family.

Absolutely phenomenal dog trainer... and human trainer.. cause lets be real we don't inherently know what our dogs want or need in the ways we like to think we do. Sarah is great at opening your eyes to what your dog actually needs from you and how to best meet their needs. Our dog is well trained and honestly we are just trying to keep up, haha. Sarah is and has been amazing through the whole process and is so understanding and available when problems arise (we all need some follow up lol ). I could not say enough wonderful things about her and what all she has done to make our lives and our dog Ranger's life just that much better. Would recommend Free Rein Dog Training to anyone.

I would highly recommend Free Rein Dog Training! I am a first dog pup owner to a larger dog breed and was worried about how I would train Milo but finding Free Rein was a game changer. Sarah is extremely knowledgeable, professional, patient, and positive toward both Milo and myself. She did not push expectations on us...rather, each session was tailored to Milo and at his pace to ensure success. The training sessions were very informative, supportive, and not stressful at all! Sarah worked at our pace and has provided tips and tricks that will help continue his training, even after he graduated. I know if I need any additional help, Free Rein is a phone call away.

Working with Sarah has been an absolute game-changer for our family and our dog. When we first started, Thor struggled with managing his excitement—especially around new people and in public spaces. Walks were chaotic, outings were stressful, and now we’re at the point where he can be trusted off leash. Sarah’s approach was thoughtful, patient, and incredibly effective. She took the time to understand Thor’s personality and tailored her training methods to suit his needs. Through consistent guidance and positive reinforcement, she helped him learn how to stay calm, focused, and responsive—even in busy environments. One of the biggest breakthroughs was seeing Thor confidently navigate public places without pulling or getting overwhelmed. And now, thanks to Sarah, we can enjoy off-leash adventures together. Her training didn’t just improve our dog’s behavior; it strengthened our bond and made everyday life so much more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a trainer who truly cares, communicates clearly, and delivers real results, we can’t recommend Sarah enough. She’s the best investment we’ve made for Thor’s well-being and our shared happiness.

She was so patient with my hesitations and our dogs. She made sure she took her time with both of us really. I hate to compare, but if I could, she would be the female version of Cesar Milam The Dog Whisperer. She brings such a warm positive energy to every session. She offers great advice and is always available for quick silly questions. I am forever grateful she was able to help us help our dogs.

When we found Sarah it was literally my last ditch effort before my husband was going to have our 1 and a half year old German shepherd rehomed because his behavior was so unruly and out of control. Maverick thought he ruled our house and that he was our boss. After having him at a doggy camp for a weekend to come back and them tell us he couldn’t come back was like a punch in our guts. We didn’t know what to do. Sarah helped us learn how to communicate with Maverick and we couldn’t be more grateful. She was so patient with Maverick and with us. We are so amazed with how much Mavericks behavior has changed. It’s literally like night and day. Thank you Sarah!

Sarah is personable, funny, and so very kind! We have loved working with her with our dog Lemon. She has taught us so much with our dog’s reactivity. There are so many other dog training companies and I’m so incredibly grateful we found her!

Sarah is an amazing dog trainer and has worked miracles with Gizmo and with us. Gizmo is a darter-out the door or out the gate. Our fear was he would be hit by a car. Gizmo has perfected come and down along with so many other helpful commands. We are all so happy with what Sarah has taught Gizmo and us.

Sarah’s love of dogs is apparent from the first phone call to the first time me and my dogs met her. She came highly recommended by an acquaintance and my vet. She has excellent communication skills, is a good listener but, most important my dogs love and adore her. She wants to help you achieve the best possible dog life with your dogs no matter what you and your dogs needs are. I feel lucky to be working with her to train my dogs and me!!

Sarah is a great trainer. We got our dog, Sky, as a foster from Sarah. She is super well-trained and we have been able to attend a gathering of other dogs all trained by her and we were able to see that her professional work is very consistent. Sarah trains the humans just as well as the dogs too - we knew nothing about dog behavior and training and left even a short session with her confident in being able to work well with Sky. We still look to her when we need dog advice and she’s so patient and helpful with us!

Free Rein Dog Training is the best! Sarah knows dogs and loves what she does. Tate and I went through her Puppy program and beyond and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Tate has learned to be in public, around humans and other animals, and stays focused on me. I often get comments that he is so calm and well behaved for an 8 month old pup. You will be happy you made the call to book with Sarah. It will take your human/dog bond to another level. Dont wait until you are frustrated with bad behavior. Start now. Sarah is great !

We had an incredible experience working with Sarah to train our Cane Corso, who has a naturally strong-willed and protective temperament. From the very beginning, Sarah demonstrated patience, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the breed’s unique needs. She took the time to teach us essential home training commands that were not only effective but also rooted in positive reinforcement techniques. The focus was never on aggression but rather on fostering a protective yet well-mannered dog that could safeguard our family while remaining safe and friendly in everyday interactions. One of the most remarkable aspects of working with Sarah was her dedication. She went above and beyond by offering dog-sitting services when needed, ensuring continuity in training and care. Her personalized approach and genuine care for our dog have left a lasting impact on our family. We cannot recommend Free Rein Dog Training LLC highly enough. If you’re looking for a trainer who truly understands the balance between protection and obedience, look no further. Our Cane Corso is now a cherished member of the family and a testament to Sarah’s exceptional skills and commitment. Thank you for everything!

I cannot reccomend Sarah enough! She had so much patience walking us through training and understanding our high energy puppy and his needs. I never thought we would be able to get our puppy to stop counter surfing, jumping on people, and pulling on the leash, but Sarah was able to help us make him stop all of those behaviors and help him learn how to relax and enjoy is time with us. She always took the time to educate and listen to our questions and concerns no matter how many I had. She genuinely moves at your dog’s pace and is always sure to do what is best for both you and your dog. Since graduating, we have reached out multiple times with questions and concerns about our rambunctious pup and she always responds with genuine care and great advice! Training with Free Rein will be the best decision you’ve ever made!

We just finished an 8 week training program with our Cavapoo and Sarah. She is truly incredible. Her complete understanding of how dogs communicate and behave makes her stand out above the rest. What I really appreciated was all of the “real life” situations she trained our dog in. We weren’t in a closed room working on commands but rather at the park or Lowe’s with all of the distractions around us. She even included her sweet dogs in a few lessons. Sarah is not only training the pups but also the owners! We had an excellent experience and I look forward to working with her again in the future. Highly recommend.

At my age I should not have gotten a full of energy puppy-the puppy was running circles around me! Luckily I found out about Free Rein Dog Training and Sarah saved my sanity. I still have a puppy with energy but now she does as a request and still is fun! Free Rein taught my Muffin with care, kindness, logic...and did the same for me! The owner needs training as does the pet and Sarah was easy and fun to deal with.

Sarah is amazing! Only took one session with her and all the puppy problems I was having at home are gone. Puppyhood is much easier now and I really wish I had hired her sooner.

Sarah helped my dog calm down and listen to commands. He had a lot of energy before and would cause a lot of chaos throughout our house. Now, he is able to relax and enjoy his free time since he does not need to be in his crate as much. Free rein dog training is a great choice!

We knew when we got a puppy he would need to be well trained due to our lifestyle. Our friend recommended Sarah and I can’t sing her praises enough! She is sweet and gentle yet demands control. I love knowing we will be able to take Ace out in public and be confident in his training! Couldn’t recommend enough!

Sarah has been an incredible asset to both mine and my dog’s lives. I have a naturally reactive, stubborn hound/dachshund/cattle dog mix who was fearful & anxious in most situations outside of our home. After a package of in depth training sessions, Bonnie was not only MUCH more comfortable in many situations & places, but listened better and was able to relax because I had the tools to be able to lead her. In the past, I’ve used trainers and have felt like I could’ve saved money and gotten the information they gave me on google and YouTube, I do not feel like that AT ALL after working with Free Rein. As I’m typing this, my dog and I are sitting outside at a coffee shop and she is totally relaxed and comfortable which is a 180 from where we were a few months ago. I will recommend Sarah to anyone looking for dog trainers, not only those looking for more basic manners but the reactive, bad leash walkers, less confident dogs too.

Sarah helped me train Shadow when I was living in Charlotte. Shadow is an introverted dog who demanded attention from me and felt like she needed to always protect me from other dogs. Through desensitisation and constant training, Sarah helped us be more confident while walking but also being in our apartment. Shadow can now self soothe herself, go on walks, and just ultimately a lot happier!

Sarah was are last hope! We already add 3 dogs and 2 cats but seeing this pretty little girl in the shelter, we knew we had to take her home. Well she was not fitting in well with our other babies🐈‍⬛🐈🐕🐕‍🦺🦮. We definitely did not want to take her back to the shelter so I did some checking around. A friend of my daughters told us about Sarah at Free Rein Dog Training in Belmont, NC. We called her told her our story and ask if she could help us. We set up everything with her! Our girl is pretty large for being 10 months old and she knew without a doubt she could help us with her. What a relief! Dutchess went to stay with Sarah and we met with the two of them once a week. WOW! The first week I saw a remarkable change in her. The second week my husband was able to attend and he also seen the amazing change in her. Every visit she was so different! For the better! We received our baby girl home yesterday after her stay with Sarah, Dutchess is a different dog! We all enjoyed a beautiful evening and an amazing family day today! We could not thank Sarah enough for saving our family! We are so happy that we ask around before we gave her back. Thank you so much Sarah.

We are so incredibly grateful for Sarah and her dedication to our dog. Our sweet Astrid has been an anxious girl since we got her as a pup. It was a nightmare to walk her on a leash and a full on battle every time something triggered her. We love hiking so much, but taking Astrid with us started to put a damper on the whole experience. She would pull and fight every step on the trail. We first met Sarah when she was out training another couple with their dog. That dog was doing beautifully, so I just knew I had to grab her contact information. Four months later, after a particularly challenging hike, I reached out to her, desperate for some help with Astrid’s leash walking. It brings me so much joy to know we all get to enjoy our hikes now. With Sarah’s amazing guidance, Astrid, my partner, and I have found so much more confidence and comfortability every time we leave the house. It literally brought me to tears the first time we got to take her out on an off leash hike. She had the best time and we couldn’t stop smiling. We now can go to dog friendly restaurants and feel at peace with knowing she can be calm and collected. We get to take her to all kinds of stores and watch her tackle it with so much confidence. We are so happy with all that Sarah taught us and Astrid. Could not recommend her enough! For reference, we did the four week board and train program!

We truly cannot recommend Sarah enough. Sarah takes so much time with each of her clients and their pups to make sure that they truly build a great relationship together. After we completed our puppy training courses with Sarah, we decided to send our Luna (at the time 7 months old; great pyr/anatolian mix) to Sarah’s three week board and train program. We were so incredibly impressed with Lunas behavior when she returned home to us. She was calm, confident and incredibly well trained (fully off leash trained and completely home trained). Sarah has consistently gone above and beyond for both us and Luna - she has provided additional guidance when any bumps in the road arise (Luna is a puppy after all) or when we are just looking for advice on how to handle certain situations. Her continuous involvement is just a testament to how much she truly cares for her clients success. We have always appreciated her style of training as well - she trains not only the pups but their owners too! She has such extensive knowledge about dog behavior and the importance of building confidence in the relationship between owner and pup. We truly believe we have been successful with Luna (especially since she’s a tough stubborn girl) only because of the guidance from Sarah. We look forward to her forums every time she has one since they also serve as a wonderful opportunity for her clients/community to get together for a great learning experience and practice with their pups! At this point, we have so much confidence in Luna and it’s all thanks to Sarah!

Are you exploring trainers for your pup? Let me save you your time and tell you that Sarah with Free Rein Dog Training is the absolute BEST in the business. We were desperate for help and support when we were referred to Sarah. Our pup, Ralph, was a little over 6 months at the time and very reactive — walks were impossible, my hands hurt from the leash pulling, he barked at sounds and other dogs, he ran across the street twice to “say hi to another dog”, and the list goes on. Ralphie has always been an extremely sweet pup, but he didn’t know how to behave around most older dogs (probably our own fault), and that made socialization as he grew more and more challenging. Plus, due to joint issues, we can’t neuter him until he’s closer to 2 years, which made the reactivity even tougher to curb. That’s when we met Sarah! We enrolled Ralph in a 3-week boarding program with Sarah, and I cannot stress enough how much both our lives and Ralph’s life changed from this wonderful experience. Sarah was extremely communicative, sending us photos and videos of both positive and negative behavior, pointing out and teaching us dog psychology so that we could be empowered and supportive when we saw Ralphie and ultimately brought him home again. The in-person training sessions were so helpful for us because we could actively learn in real time with Sarah there to guide us. It’s been a couple of months since Ralphie officially graduated from Sarah’s program, and he is simply a completely changed pup. He’s more confident, less reactive (able to work through his emotions better), more receptive, and all around much happier. He can walk outside off leash and has incredible recall! We’re also completely changed pup parents. We’re smarter, and we better understand what Ralph is trying to say to us. My relationship with my baby has truly flourished, and I just absolutely cannot emphasize how impactful Sarah was for our family. To whoever is reading this review and determining if Free Rein is the right choice for them and their pup — please go for it. You will not be disappointed. You will be forever grateful <3

To the dog parents who benefit from detailed reviews and experiences: I rescued my girl Sabine from the shelter a few years back, and as a young dog I was already her second home. At that point we already had two other dogs, but never experienced reactivity like Sabine’s. She is like a baby to me, so for years we tried to manage it on our own, with patience, hope and love. (LOL) But it was obvious she needed something more. This past summer we had an instance where a dog was shot and killed in our neighborhood. With Sabine’s quirks and being a pittie- we’re no strangers to being judged in public, but my biggest fear was someone harming her. That experience really pushed me to get professional help for her. I looked around for trainers for some time, I was very adamant on finding someone I could trust. I’ve talked to several facilities but never really clicked with a specific trainer until I met Sarah. I found her business by recommendation specifically for reactive dogs. She had several overwhelmingly positive reviews from dog-parents experiencing several issues like ours, and that made me feel so much more comfortable reaching out. We did an initial intro/talking session where we talked about our girl, her needs, our needs, expectations, and what kind of work Sarah does. We got to talk with no push or pressure to continue, and that made us feel a lot better about making a decision. Additionally it was really great to know that Sarah herself had a formerly-reactive dog of her own, as well as a cat she uses in her training (we recently adopted kittens and definitely wanted to ensure they were safe in our household, so it was nice to know Sabine would be able to learn how to live with a cat in a safe and respectful manner-) both of which were some pretty great points for us. I also loved how instead of a huge impersonal facility run by several people- Sarah runs her business on her own with her dogs and kitty as her helpers! She made us feel like she truly understands our struggles and always approached us in a friendly and non-judgmental way. I wanted to be sure that my girl was in good hands and Sarah made us feel like she was that right person. Sarah always advocated for Sabine and although being in her care was different than she was used to at home, you can tell that Sabine truly enjoyed being there. Although I had some initial qualms about using an e-collar, Sarah explained to me that some dogs, especially with reactivity, benefit more from that structured training method. After trying to go strictly positive-reinforcement for years without any real strides, I find that this balanced training method works far better for my girl and has shown significant results in the few short months we’ve had worked with Sarah (Don’t worry, she still gets tons of treats, praise, breaks and fun!) We originally signed up for 3 weeks of board and train but opted in for an additional week after seeing how much it has benefited Sabine. Although it was hard to be apart from her, we still did weekly meetings and training sessions to see her and her progress. We also got to see exactly where she was staying (right in Sarah’s home, which is kept very neat and clean,) meet her personal pets, the other dogs in the program, as well as some graduates. It was always reassuring to see that everybody was in good spirits no matter where they were in their training journey. Everyone looked happy to be there and participating in instruction. This was EXTREMELY reassuring. I’ve heard lots of horror stories about some training programs but its obvious this is not one of those. Sarah sends tons of pictures, check-ins, and takes the dogs out on fun training-trips and experiences. Sabine has changed so much for the better, but is still my sweet girl with so much personality. She is good with our kittens, so much better on the leash, better at home, and overall a more confident and comfortable dog. When she saw Sarah again she was so excited to see her, so she clearly sees her as a safe person and a friend. This was so worth the investment. Thank you!

Sarah is an outstanding trainer. She is detail-oriented, responsive, and genuinely invested in the success of both the dogs and their owners. Her approach is thoughtful, clear, and highly effective. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for quality dog training.

It’s taken me a week to find the right words to describe the merits of Free Rein Dog Training, but now with my 8 month old portidoodle laying at my feet, chewing on her horn, and calmly enjoying “nothing” I believe I can finally write the review worthy of Sarah and her company. My sweet girl is and always will be a type A dog, but her extreme separation anxiety, her low threshold for frustration, selective listening, and the beginning of bad behaviors such as possessiveness of me and becoming angry with my mom meant we needed help. I started at the vet who referred me to a behaviorist who put her on Prozac, neurontin, and trazedone. Not one of those medications alleviated her anxiety or agitation. She almost bit my mom (not to be aggressive, but because she was agitated that I was leaving the house). She barked non stop, and our home life had become untenable. I called and spoke to at least a dozen dog trainers, but the moment I spoke to Sarah I knew she was the answer to my prayers. My baby wasn’t going to have a shock collar in a facility with who knows how many other dogs, completely separated from us for weeks. Sarah’s approach is behavioral oriented, and when she came to our house for a consultation Laurel took to her like a house on fire, and Sarah immediately saw that all of her issues could be remedied in her 21 day intensive program that she runs from her house. One of the highest points was that we were able to visit Laurel, and work with her ourselves under Sarah’s guidance. Sarah also sent constant pictures and videos narrating what she was doing at that particular moment so that I could understand it as well. As if all of that was not enough, OF COURSE my pup had to scratch a place on her neck all night and cause cellulitis, massive swelling, and a suspected abscess. Sarah had my dog at her vet at 10:30 the next morning. Anyone else would have made me come get her and take her myself. Sarah’s main priority is the health, safety, and wellbeing of any animal in her care. People cannot believe that Laurel is the same dog. I cannot believe she is the same dog. She’s been home a week, and she is so used to the commands she has started doing them before we even ask! She has barked a total of 2 times, and that was only because someone she couldn’t see came into the house. She is calm, she is in control of her emotions and actions, she is obedient, she is happy, and so are we!!! I couldn’t imagine having sent Laurel to any of the other trainers I spoke to. Ideally I would have liked to have trained her myself, but I was completely out of my depth, and it isn’t weakness to ask for help. If you need help, choose Free Rein Dog Training, and let Sarah walk you through this difficult time. If what I have written isn’t enough of an endorsement, then take this as one: I’m going on vacation in January, and Laurel will be boarding with Sarah. I don’t believe I could trust anyone with my baby more than her!!!

I cannot express how impressed I was working with Sarah! We recently moved homes in the area and unexpectedly had a stray dog show up. We tried to find her a home and even checked with animal control if they had space for her (we already had a dog and were unsure of taking in a stray, especially a pit because of that). Animal control did not have any space in the shelter so we fed and sheltered her while attempting to find her a home. After a few days I began to build a bond with the stray, but the issue of our current dog was still there. Sarah was able to come and help create an environment where the two could coexist. She helped train our new pit (now named Mia) on behavioral habits (I would say manners) so her and our other dog Sofia (a heeler) would be able to live together. Sarah also coached me and my girlfriend on how to properly create the hierarchy in our home, create safe places for the two dogs, proper manners, and provided the tools so everyone could succeed. It has only been a couple of month since our session and since then the two not only coexist, but regularly interact with one another. We do not have to put Mia in a crate when we leave. She is well behaved and has become a full member of the family! As I write this review, Mia will have been with us right at three months and we could not be happier that she showed up in our backyard!

Sarah did an amazing job working with our dog and training her! She definitely went above and beyond, far exceeding our expectations! She works at your dog's pace and is very thorough in teaching commands. Her love of dogs, patience, and knowledge about dogs makes her perfect for this job. We cannot be more pleased. She is willing to go the extra mile to make sure that both the owners and dogs are on the same page bridging any communication gaps. She is so good about contacting the owners to inform them about their dogs progress and anything that may be challenging for the dog. She takes the dogs to many different places exposing them to real life situations to test their skills. She is amazing and we are extremely pleased. We would recommend her to anyone who truly wants their dog to learn and have the best quality of life possible. We can't thank you enough Sarah! If you are on the fence Free Rein Dog Training is the way to go! - Emily and Jason Starnes

We had a great experience with Free Rein Dog Training. Sarah is wonderful to work with. Her expansive knowledge of dog behavior was evident from day one. Our energetic Cavapoo Millie flourished during Puppy Training. Sarah establishes a firm foundation on which she builds lesson after lesson. We were very pleased with Millie's progress and even though we are not first time dog owners we learned as much as Millie. We highly recommend Sarah, her expertise is without exception!

Hello, on 12/26/24 my wife and I brought home a beautiful solid black long coated female GSD-German Shepherd Dog, iha been owned by 5 other GSDs in my life, we chose a working line pup from strong working line parents, we named her KEERAH - Black haired Princess. I thought I knew what I was getting into, I had done tons of research, I had owned a beautifull Black &Red GSD about 20 yrs ago, which I tained and titled myself, i wanted t go into our latee yrs with a good loyal protector, me and the wife are both seniors 65+ at first everything was fine, what could possubly be wrong with a little 8 wk old furr baby, I enrolled her in both Petcos and Petsmarts puppy classes, only to determine afterwards i wasted 12 wks of my life and puppies life there. As Keerah grew she became a monster, at 8 wks she weighed 25 lbs now at 10 months she weighs 85 lbs,vet said she should easily top 100 lbs by time she is 24 most. But anyways, my failure to proved her with a structured environment and socializing enough plus in sufficient training, all working dogs need a job, I didn't give her one. So all of this related a monster a beast of a dog, beautifull she was, behaved she was not, I guess somewhere in my head I was hoping she came with a set of instructions and would be self taught but it appears that Keerah didn't get that memo if she did, she failed to read it. So by time we called Sarah into the picture ( our version of Caesar Milan) she was full of anxiety issues, a puller on the leash, bolting thru every doorway, jumping on us and demanding of ball and tug play. I had a couple of short emotional breakdowns, complete with anger, cursing and screaming at my beautifull pup and wife of 25 yrs, our home was filled with anxiety issues, stress, the wife kept telling me to seek help with Keerah, so at the breeders recommendation we called Sarah, at first I was very reluctant of Sarah thinking how could this little girl possibly know more then me after all I had successfully trained and titled other GSD, I used prong collars in the past, it here is something new called an Ecollar, didn't know if I wanted to go down that road,especially from a young female dog trainer, but our breeder did recommend her highly and I had come to trust the breeder, my wife was very strong headed about her, so I figured what could go wrong, I had already messed up a great do with my neglect and laziness, now 3 weeks after her 4 weeks with Sarah, she is a very controlled puppy, you can follow Keerah's 4 week summer vacation with Sarah on FB, look for our page entitled KEERAH,and watch our baby girl go from being an out of controlled beast to a loving teddy bear. Yes even though these board and train programs can be on the expensive side, and they have become very popular over the recent yrs, if you truly love your puppy and I mean love her and want to provide her with the happy life you both deserve to have together, and keep in mind these fur babies are only with us a short part of our lives but we are everything to them, what could you possibly have to lose but a little money (where there's a will there's a way) at least talk to Sarah, you owe it to your fur baby, and if not maybe you should have gotten a house plant. ,I know this was lengthy, but I hope it helps someone who is straddling the fence. God Speed. gary and Trish Hicks

Sarah is excellent! We got Oreo from a rescue when he was still a silly little baby with all kinds of neat tricks like chewing everything and sprinting away and just in general being the worst. Sarah helped us understand what was going on and how we could set boundaries and hold him accountable and figure out what his little brain needed to understand. Oreo is calmer, less reactive, and reliably obedient. We can take him anywhere and he does his job, now that he knows what it is. He can be a bigger part of our life because we know how to tell him what his job is in any situation. He is still our darling silly goose, and now he gets to be involved more. Sarah's methods are reasonable and gentle and firm. She's not a mystic dog psychic and she's not a drill sergeant. Its a balanced process to get you and your dog synced up. We loved training with Sarah and we will do it again with the next pup.

Sarah is a miracle worker. We completed the one month board and train with our year and a half old Pitt mix puppy. Before Sarah Marnie was a nightmare. She was terrible on a leash. And basically uncontrollable in the house. We could not have company because she would jump and nip and tear people's clothes. When she came home from Sarah's she was a completely different dog. She knows, and more importantly, follows commands. She is great on a leash. And she knows "place" in the house so we can have visitors again! Sarah is also continuing to help us with sessions with our other dog as well with resource guarding and some other behavioral issues. She is absolutely a lifesaver. I would trust her with anything regarding my babies.

I just love Sarah! I have a three year-old Golden doodle and she is a rehome. I’m actually her third home because of her anxiety Issues. When I got her, she was so stressed out tons of separation anxiety, barking all The time and pacing couldn’t sit still or listen to any command. She had Lost a lot of hair on her back due to anxiety and poor diet. I did a 12 Week one on one Session with Sarah and she was so patient and so kind and so smart and has so much knowledge about dogs and their behavior and has done miracles with Phoebe and also has taught me so much and more! Phoebe is a different dog today because of Sarah And she still stays with Sara when I’m on vacation and she’s the only one I will trust with her for any length of time and I can always reach out for advice!

I can't recommend Sarah enough! She worked wonders with my pup, helping him regulate his excitement and become much more manageable in public. Thanks to her guidance, we can now enjoy outings together—even off leash! The transformation has been incredible, and I’m so grateful for her patience, expertise, and personalized approach. If you're looking for someone who truly understands dogs and how to bring out their best behavior, this is the trainer to go to!

We wish we could give more than five stars for Sarah and cannot express how thankful we are to have found her! Sarah has been an absolute lifesaver in training our puppy, Luna (great pyr/anatolian mix - a handful!). From day one, she was patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. Her training methods are effective and positive, making the process enjoyable for both us and Luna. Thanks to Sarah, Luna has learned essential commands, leash manners, and proper socialization skills. She took the time to understand Luna’s personality and tailored the training to fit her needs perfectly. We’ve seen such an improvement in Luna’s behavior and confidence! Because of this, we are excited to continue working with Sarah and will be using her board and train program to further Luna’s training. We know she’ll be in the best hands! If you're looking for a skilled and compassionate trainer, Sarah is the best choice. We couldn’t be happier with the results and highly recommend her to anyone needing puppy training!

Sarah is amazing! Our 3 year old Dachshund Mitch was out of control! Our neighborhood walks were marred by his outrage ous barking and aggression toward anything he decided didn't belong there. Mitch spend a month with Sarah and the change is a miracle! She took him to parks, cafes and downtown venues I would not have dared before her training. He has a new attitude! I took him to downtown Lexington and we walked from the Army-Navy store all the way past the courthouse. He heeled and placed like a little gentleman and then we headed for Tractor Supply where again he was so mannerly. My husband and I have been educated too; however, it has been so worth it. We recommend Free Rein Dog Training if you want your pup to be your best companion and a pleasure to live with. Dottie Roy

Sarah is absolutely amazing! My dog Anna entered her program at the beginning of December and upon returning she is a totally different dog. Sarah and I discussed my wants and needs and she more than delivered. Anna is way more attentive, relaxed, calmer on the leash and actively working off leash. She works with you on the payment schedule consistently gives you pictures and videos. I highly recommend free rein dog training to any and everyone, the best dog trainer in the world.

We met Sarah in downtown Belmont when she was training another dog and we were immediately impressed with her professionalism and approach to training. Months later we signed up for a 3 week board and train session for our puppy who we were struggling with. In that short time, our dogs behavior improved, his anxiety was reduced and we were educated on how to help our puppy be a better dog. What is even better is that following the board and train, Sarah remains a resource and has set up alumni get togethers so dogs can practice skills. Our puppy is now confident, chill and while not perfect, he is working on it. We are now able to enjoy him and he feels less of a burden. UPDATE: When you ger one puppy, magically another one enters your family. Free Reign Dog Training has given us and our dogs the tools to be successful pet owners. This can best be shown by our 95 lb German shepherd/husky mix being walked by my 70lb daughter.

Sarah has been awesome throughout our training process. We opted for the board and train option for our puppy Marnie. She has come out of this a different dog. We went from her constantly jumping on people, chomping on extremities, pulling on a leash, and stubborn listening skills, to a proper young lady. Marnie has shown so much growth and confidence in her new skills and we are so thankful. Thank you Free Rein for helping us!

We can't recommend Sarah and Free Rein Dog Training enough! We put our 4-year old pup Quinn through Sarah's 3-week board and train program. Sarah is professional, experienced, patient, and genuinely passionate about helping dogs and their owners live their best lives. Quinn is an anxious dog and Sarah took the time to understand his specific needs and thoroughly educated us on the environment and routines that would help him thrive. Before this program, we were always afraid of what would happen if Quinn got loose because he had little to no recall. We were in disbelief that Sarah successfully trained Quinn to be off leash and transformed his behavior. Now Quinn is so much more confident, relaxed and focused--and we're confident in how to best manage his behavior. If you're looking for a dog trainer who truly knows what they're doing and has the patience, skill and passion--Sarah is a MUST. What really sets Sarah apart is her dedication to her clients (dogs and humans). She is such an advocate for dogs and works to tailor the training to you and your dogs needs. The investment was well worth it and our pack is so much happier because of Sarah and Free Rein Dog Training. Thank you!

Sarah is incredible at her job. We completed the 8 week puppy training with our new Vizsla and felt so supported and learned a ton. The hands on attention during the training sessions along with all the helpful pointers to help us train at home really allowed us to enjoy “puppyhood.” She even gave us tips on how to incorporate fun training exercises with our threee young children. Next up is the 3 week board and train and we can’t wait to see even more great progress in our boy! Thanks Sarah for all you do.

Sarah not only teaches your dog, she teaches the owners valuable information about dog safety, behaviors, and how to confidently take your furry baby anywhere. She is amazing.

Sarah did an amazing Job with Dahlia, a year old pibble! Dahlia Had severe stranger danger issues And was terrified to meet new people. She would bark and growl and cower. Sarah worked with her in her home for a period of time and then began to take her out to social Situations. This timid pup slowly gain confidence with being around new people and ultimately went with Sarah to bars, restaurants, public events and Was confident in meeting new people and enjoying their attention! She also learned other doggy manners, like sit, stay, place, Dahlia Is a new dog thanks to Sarah and her board and train program! I would highly recommend her for any dog’s situation! She can literally work magic!

We rescued Dutch from death row at a local shelter. He had crippling kennel stress, severe anxiety, low self confidence, and was a dangerous "door-dasher". He was extremely reactive, and afraid of just about anything that moves (men, cars, cats, living room recliners...) We found Sarah and Free Rein Dog Training in our most desperate hour. She responded promptly and soon after was able meet Dutch and talk with us about what he needed and how she could help. We decided on 3 weeks of board and train. We met with Sarah about a week into his training for our first session and already we saw such a change in Dutch! She gave us such insight to what was causing his struggles, which made US feel more connected and much better equipped to work with him. We left after our first session feeling so hopeful about our future with our precious dog. Throughout the entire experience Sarah was communicative, available, encouraging, and dedicated to Dutch and our success. We received updates on Dutch and continuous tips and training for us to study and practice to ensure his success when he came home. It was clear that she too was just as invested in our Dutch and that training is more than just a "job" to her. It has been a little over a month since we reached out to Free Rein and Dutch is now more relaxed, confident, and responsive to commands. He is a joy to work and play with. The board and train option with Free Rein Dog Training was absolutely the best investment we could have made for our sweet rescue boy. We will forever be thankful for Sarah for helping us to give Dutch his best life!

Sadie Mae was in the 3 week board and train and let me start off by saying Sarah is a miracle worker!!! Sarah was very supportive of us, Sadie Mae and teaching us how to continue her training at home! Sarah engaged us in a few different outings that would have never happened before her training. We went to very populated areas with all her triggers; kids, loud noises, other dogs and people. And Sadie was AMAZING. Sarah is your GO TO for training! What an amazing experience we all had! THANK YOU Sarah!

We were almost ready to re-home our rescue pup. He knew a few basic commands but overall was very stubborn, couldn't get him to walk on a leash and was basically taking over the house. We opted for the board and train for 3 weeks and WOW what a difference. We can now take our dog on walks, he loves to be out of the kennel when we have people over. he fell asleep in his place while we ate dinner one evening. He is a much better dog and we are so excited to have him in our home and part of our family. We still have one follow up session and can't wait to see what our boy can learn. Highly recommend them for training.

Sarah is the best! With her help, we were able to get our Oscar to be the best version of himself. Whether he's out on off leash walks, or at a restaurant sitting under our table, we get comments now on how well-behaved our little guy is. Would highly recommend Sarah - both our lives and Oscar's quality of life has improved so much.

We did the 12 week program for our 6year old corgi Sophie. At first we were unsure of what the outcome would be because of her age but nonetheless, Sarah showed us that it is never too late. It has been the best investment thus far! Sarah is very knowledgeable and passionate about every pup and their success. We highly recommend her!!

Unbelievable transformation for Skyler thanks to Sarah at Free Rein Dog Training! From being unadoptable due to kennel stress, Sarah showed her the way to become a well-behaved pup. Now, Skyler is living her best life! Thank you Free Rein Dog Training!!!!

We had such a wonderful experience with Free Rein Dog Training! Sarah was polite, professional, and incredibly thorough. She took the time to teach not only my husband and me, but also our <five> children, how to properly care for, work with, and enjoy our newly trained dog, Brewer. What stood out the most was Sarah’s balance of patience and firmness. She knew exactly when to be gentle and when to be direct, which made all the difference in Brewer’s progress and our confidence as owners. She opened our eyes to things about Brewer that we never would have realized on our own. Before Sarah, we thought we knew our dog, but the truth is, we really didn’t. Thanks to her, we feel equipped, educated, and connected to him in a whole new way. I would highly recommend Free Rein Dog Training to anyone looking for not just training for their dog, but also real education for the whole family.

Absolutely phenomenal dog trainer... and human trainer.. cause lets be real we don't inherently know what our dogs want or need in the ways we like to think we do. Sarah is great at opening your eyes to what your dog actually needs from you and how to best meet their needs. Our dog is well trained and honestly we are just trying to keep up, haha. Sarah is and has been amazing through the whole process and is so understanding and available when problems arise (we all need some follow up lol ). I could not say enough wonderful things about her and what all she has done to make our lives and our dog Ranger's life just that much better. Would recommend Free Rein Dog Training to anyone.

I would highly recommend Free Rein Dog Training! I am a first dog pup owner to a larger dog breed and was worried about how I would train Milo but finding Free Rein was a game changer. Sarah is extremely knowledgeable, professional, patient, and positive toward both Milo and myself. She did not push expectations on us...rather, each session was tailored to Milo and at his pace to ensure success. The training sessions were very informative, supportive, and not stressful at all! Sarah worked at our pace and has provided tips and tricks that will help continue his training, even after he graduated. I know if I need any additional help, Free Rein is a phone call away.

Working with Sarah has been an absolute game-changer for our family and our dog. When we first started, Thor struggled with managing his excitement—especially around new people and in public spaces. Walks were chaotic, outings were stressful, and now we’re at the point where he can be trusted off leash. Sarah’s approach was thoughtful, patient, and incredibly effective. She took the time to understand Thor’s personality and tailored her training methods to suit his needs. Through consistent guidance and positive reinforcement, she helped him learn how to stay calm, focused, and responsive—even in busy environments. One of the biggest breakthroughs was seeing Thor confidently navigate public places without pulling or getting overwhelmed. And now, thanks to Sarah, we can enjoy off-leash adventures together. Her training didn’t just improve our dog’s behavior; it strengthened our bond and made everyday life so much more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a trainer who truly cares, communicates clearly, and delivers real results, we can’t recommend Sarah enough. She’s the best investment we’ve made for Thor’s well-being and our shared happiness.

She was so patient with my hesitations and our dogs. She made sure she took her time with both of us really. I hate to compare, but if I could, she would be the female version of Cesar Milam The Dog Whisperer. She brings such a warm positive energy to every session. She offers great advice and is always available for quick silly questions. I am forever grateful she was able to help us help our dogs.

When we found Sarah it was literally my last ditch effort before my husband was going to have our 1 and a half year old German shepherd rehomed because his behavior was so unruly and out of control. Maverick thought he ruled our house and that he was our boss. After having him at a doggy camp for a weekend to come back and them tell us he couldn’t come back was like a punch in our guts. We didn’t know what to do. Sarah helped us learn how to communicate with Maverick and we couldn’t be more grateful. She was so patient with Maverick and with us. We are so amazed with how much Mavericks behavior has changed. It’s literally like night and day. Thank you Sarah!

Sarah is personable, funny, and so very kind! We have loved working with her with our dog Lemon. She has taught us so much with our dog’s reactivity. There are so many other dog training companies and I’m so incredibly grateful we found her!

Sarah is an amazing dog trainer and has worked miracles with Gizmo and with us. Gizmo is a darter-out the door or out the gate. Our fear was he would be hit by a car. Gizmo has perfected come and down along with so many other helpful commands. We are all so happy with what Sarah has taught Gizmo and us.

Sarah’s love of dogs is apparent from the first phone call to the first time me and my dogs met her. She came highly recommended by an acquaintance and my vet. She has excellent communication skills, is a good listener but, most important my dogs love and adore her. She wants to help you achieve the best possible dog life with your dogs no matter what you and your dogs needs are. I feel lucky to be working with her to train my dogs and me!!

Sarah is a great trainer. We got our dog, Sky, as a foster from Sarah. She is super well-trained and we have been able to attend a gathering of other dogs all trained by her and we were able to see that her professional work is very consistent. Sarah trains the humans just as well as the dogs too - we knew nothing about dog behavior and training and left even a short session with her confident in being able to work well with Sky. We still look to her when we need dog advice and she’s so patient and helpful with us!

Free Rein Dog Training is the best! Sarah knows dogs and loves what she does. Tate and I went through her Puppy program and beyond and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Tate has learned to be in public, around humans and other animals, and stays focused on me. I often get comments that he is so calm and well behaved for an 8 month old pup. You will be happy you made the call to book with Sarah. It will take your human/dog bond to another level. Dont wait until you are frustrated with bad behavior. Start now. Sarah is great !

We had an incredible experience working with Sarah to train our Cane Corso, who has a naturally strong-willed and protective temperament. From the very beginning, Sarah demonstrated patience, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the breed’s unique needs. She took the time to teach us essential home training commands that were not only effective but also rooted in positive reinforcement techniques. The focus was never on aggression but rather on fostering a protective yet well-mannered dog that could safeguard our family while remaining safe and friendly in everyday interactions. One of the most remarkable aspects of working with Sarah was her dedication. She went above and beyond by offering dog-sitting services when needed, ensuring continuity in training and care. Her personalized approach and genuine care for our dog have left a lasting impact on our family. We cannot recommend Free Rein Dog Training LLC highly enough. If you’re looking for a trainer who truly understands the balance between protection and obedience, look no further. Our Cane Corso is now a cherished member of the family and a testament to Sarah’s exceptional skills and commitment. Thank you for everything!

I cannot reccomend Sarah enough! She had so much patience walking us through training and understanding our high energy puppy and his needs. I never thought we would be able to get our puppy to stop counter surfing, jumping on people, and pulling on the leash, but Sarah was able to help us make him stop all of those behaviors and help him learn how to relax and enjoy is time with us. She always took the time to educate and listen to our questions and concerns no matter how many I had. She genuinely moves at your dog’s pace and is always sure to do what is best for both you and your dog. Since graduating, we have reached out multiple times with questions and concerns about our rambunctious pup and she always responds with genuine care and great advice! Training with Free Rein will be the best decision you’ve ever made!

We just finished an 8 week training program with our Cavapoo and Sarah. She is truly incredible. Her complete understanding of how dogs communicate and behave makes her stand out above the rest. What I really appreciated was all of the “real life” situations she trained our dog in. We weren’t in a closed room working on commands but rather at the park or Lowe’s with all of the distractions around us. She even included her sweet dogs in a few lessons. Sarah is not only training the pups but also the owners! We had an excellent experience and I look forward to working with her again in the future. Highly recommend.

At my age I should not have gotten a full of energy puppy-the puppy was running circles around me! Luckily I found out about Free Rein Dog Training and Sarah saved my sanity. I still have a puppy with energy but now she does as a request and still is fun! Free Rein taught my Muffin with care, kindness, logic...and did the same for me! The owner needs training as does the pet and Sarah was easy and fun to deal with.

Sarah is amazing! Only took one session with her and all the puppy problems I was having at home are gone. Puppyhood is much easier now and I really wish I had hired her sooner.

Sarah helped my dog calm down and listen to commands. He had a lot of energy before and would cause a lot of chaos throughout our house. Now, he is able to relax and enjoy his free time since he does not need to be in his crate as much. Free rein dog training is a great choice!

We knew when we got a puppy he would need to be well trained due to our lifestyle. Our friend recommended Sarah and I can’t sing her praises enough! She is sweet and gentle yet demands control. I love knowing we will be able to take Ace out in public and be confident in his training! Couldn’t recommend enough!

Sarah has been an incredible asset to both mine and my dog’s lives. I have a naturally reactive, stubborn hound/dachshund/cattle dog mix who was fearful & anxious in most situations outside of our home. After a package of in depth training sessions, Bonnie was not only MUCH more comfortable in many situations & places, but listened better and was able to relax because I had the tools to be able to lead her. In the past, I’ve used trainers and have felt like I could’ve saved money and gotten the information they gave me on google and YouTube, I do not feel like that AT ALL after working with Free Rein. As I’m typing this, my dog and I are sitting outside at a coffee shop and she is totally relaxed and comfortable which is a 180 from where we were a few months ago. I will recommend Sarah to anyone looking for dog trainers, not only those looking for more basic manners but the reactive, bad leash walkers, less confident dogs too.

Sarah helped me train Shadow when I was living in Charlotte. Shadow is an introverted dog who demanded attention from me and felt like she needed to always protect me from other dogs. Through desensitisation and constant training, Sarah helped us be more confident while walking but also being in our apartment. Shadow can now self soothe herself, go on walks, and just ultimately a lot happier!