About your trainer
Sarah Ferrell comes from a background as a professional cellist. Through many years of study, performance, and teaching, she discovered that musicians learn and thrive best with positive reinforcement. Her philosophy in music education utilized positive instruction and moved away from the traditional methods in classical music such as intimidation, coercion, and control.
She later recognized a similar negative pattern in much of the dog training world. Sarah became deeply involved with dog training while working with her shelter dog Wallace, whom she trained to become a certified therapy dog for Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Seeing his success confirmed her training philosophy and inspired her to pursue certifications in positive reinforcement dog training.
In 2024, Sarah completed the Karen Pryor Academy Online Dog Trainers Foundations Course. In 2025, Sarah Ferrell graduated from the in person six-day, 45-hour Pat Miller Level 1 Academy – Basic Dog Training and Behavior Certification Course. This is a rigorous, science-based course that requires extensive reading, study, testing, and hands-on work with dogs loaned to Peaceable Paws by area animal shelters and rescue groups.
In order to earn her certification, Sarah was required to pass a comprehensive written final exam that tested her knowledge in the areas of behavioral science and learning, husbandry, and instruction. She also had a practical final, during which she demonstrated her training and handling skills as well as the behaviors she had taught to her shelter dog during the week.
To learn more about Sarah’s trainer, click here. https://peaceablepaws.com/about/
Sarah is a proud member of Animal Positive Coalition and the IAABC, and a frequent foster volunteer and trainer for the Western PA Italian Greyhound Rescue.