Meet the Trainer

SARAH WYKOWSKI, KPA CTP

Sarah Wykowski, KPA CTP, is a San Francisco-based dog trainer, raw feeding consultant, and friend to the animals. Her interest in animals, especially dogs, began while growing up in Northern Wisconsin, where she spent countless hours with them, inspiring her curiosity and desire for deeper understanding.

Her journey into training was sparked by the desire to change how we communicate with and cohabitate with animals. Crossing over from a traditional approach, which she has experienced to have complications and unwanted effects, to a force-free approach that ensures dogs' needs are being met and they have agency aligns with her values. The foundation of her training is "freedom from fear", Sarah uses evidence-based positive reinforcement training methods without corrections or force. Her training focuses on communication between the dogs and their people and functional coping skills to help everyone live more comfortable and fulfilling lives.

Sarah began her professional career over 15 years ago. She has worked in many areas of the pet industry, and has a degree in human services as well. Sarah graduated with distinction from the esteemed Professional Trainers Program at the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Behavior and Training (KPA). In 2021 she earned a certificate of completion as a Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist from DNM University. She is also certified in dog first aid and CPR.

As a KPA CTP, Sarah has pledged to teach and train using the force-free principles and techniques that have been taught in the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (KPA) and always in a manner that is consistent with the KPA approach to behavior change and learning. As a CTP, her professional ethics include protecting the animal’s welfare at all times, creating interventions that are custom- tailored to each individual, using science/evidence-based methods, and referring an animal to a veterinarian if wellness, physical, or nutritional needs should be addressed.

These experiences and her desire and commitment for continuing her education in all aspects of her life allow her to bring a holistic approach to her business. This approach fosters better human and animal learning, improves the emotional and physical well being of dogs, and supports the relationship between pups and their parents.

Sarah is so grateful to have the opportunity to learn and teach with positive reinforcement. She loves seeing effective and lasting results while making it a fun experience for everyone!